SunWatch Technician

Department: SunWatch Village

Reports To: Curator of Anthropology & Exhibitions

FLSA Status: Hourly, Non-Exempt, Seasonal

Interested candidates should forward a resume and cover letter to [email protected]

Summary

The SunWatch Technician assists with reconstruction and experimental archaeology activities at SunWatch Village under the direction of the Curator of Anthropology and Exhibitions. This is a hands-on position at a nationally recognized archaeological site where history, archaeology, and outdoor work come together. The position is primarily based outdoors and involves active fieldwork. The technician serves as a caretaker of the village, helping bring the site to life through ongoing reconstruction and stewardship. Responsibilities include resetting postholes, maintaining the Native educational garden and Monarch Waystation, repairing thatched roofs and daubed walls, assisting with groundskeeping, and supporting other reconstruction and preservation efforts throughout the village. In addition to site stewardship, the technician works with the education team to engage visitors by helping deliver tours and sharing the story of the site and the people who once lived at SunWatch. This position offers an excellent opportunity to learn practical skills in experimental archaeology, site reconstruction, landscape stewardship, and public interpretation.

Compensation

This position is full-time seasonal with the option of becoming permanent, depending on the candidate’s availability and organizational needs. The position offers a flexible schedule with compensation ranging from $15 to $16 per hour. SunWatch staff have the opportunity to work outdoors in a natural setting at a partially reconstructed Native American village dating to approximately 800 years ago; the reconstructions are carefully located on the original archaeological footprint. At SunWatch, our goal is to deepen our understanding of Native American cultures (past and present) while encouraging our visitors to reflect on the long and ongoing history of Indigenous peoples in this region. Staff contribute to creating a respectful learning environment that emphasizes cultural awareness, thoughtful interpretation, and meaningful engagement. Working at SunWatch encourages ongoing learning, community engagement, and the rewarding experience of helping visitors connect with the village.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Maintains and constructs outdoor reconstructions at SunWatch Village
• Maintains and supports native prairie areas and outdoor educational gardens
• Assists with general groundskeeping tasks at SunWatch
• Delivers guided tours of SunWatch Village for visitors
• Helps with the harvesting of natural materials used for reconstruction work
• Creates village elements such as tools, hides, and decorative features
• Assists with maintenance and cleaning of the SunWatch Interpretive Center as needed
• Provides site access for contractors and vendors when required
• Oversees opening and closing procedures on scheduled workdays
• Attends biweekly staff meetings and biweekly one-on-one meetings with a supervisor

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position does not have formal supervisory responsibilities; however, the technician may occasionally assist in guiding volunteers and volunteer groups participating in site activities and reconstruction projects.

Education and/or Experience

The ideal candidate is pursuing or has completed a degree in Anthropology, Archaeology, or a related field and is eager to gain hands-on experience in a working archaeological environment. Candidates should enjoy working outdoors and be comfortable performing physical, hands-on work in a field setting. Experience participating in an archaeological field school or volunteering in archaeological fieldwork is strongly preferred, but candidates who are excited to learn and develop new skills in archaeology are encouraged to apply.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands or fingers, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee is required to stand, walk, sit, and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The applicant must be comfortable performing the duties associated with this job under various conditions. The employee may be exposed to wet and/or humid conditions; moving mechanical parts; using ladders for high, precarious places; and outside weather conditions. The employee is required to comply with all safety equipment provided for the work conducted, including ear and eye protection, chainsaw chaps, leather aprons for the use of draw knives, gloves, and in some cases closed-toe shoes. The employee may also be regularly exposed to the sun, poison ivy, and insects (bees, wasps, flies, and others).

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Organization provides equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment regardless of race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, status as a Vietnam-era or special disabled veteran, or any other protected factor in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, employee development, transfer, promotion, compensation, and corrective action.