Posting number: 2026-00468
Department: Office of Historic Alexandria
Division: Archaeology
Job classification: MUSEUM TECHNICIAN/ GS 09
Posting type: Open & Promotional
Categories: Museum, Historic Preservation
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Part-time Museum Technician
The City of Alexandria is located in northern Virginia and is bordered by the District of Columbia (Potomac River), Arlington, and Fairfax counties. With a population of approximately 150,000 and a land area of 15.75 square miles, Alexandria is the seventh largest city in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Alexandria has a charming waterfront and is a unique and historic place to live and work. About one-quarter of the city’s square miles have been designated as a national or local historic district. We proudly embrace our rich history and seize the endless opportunities that lie ahead. If you are interested in working for the vibrant City of Alexandria, we invite qualified candidates to apply for our Part-time Museum Technician position located in the Archaeology Division in the Office of Historic Alexandria (OHA).
An Overview
A Museum Technician provides support to City Archaeologists to implement the Archaeological Protection Code on projects reviewed by the Archaeology Division of the Office of Historic Alexandria (OHA). This work is performed under the direct supervision of the Code-supported Archaeologist in coordination with the staff Archaeologists and under the general supervision of the City Archaeologist. Passed in 1989, the code requires that City Archaeologists review all ground-disturbing projects to ensure that information about the past is not lost as a result of development. In 2025, more than 730 site plans and code reviews were completed. Archaeologists perform professional work in an integrated, community archaeology program.
What You Should Bring
The ideal candidate should have good knowledge of and interest in history and archaeological preservation and methods, including federal and state preservation standards, along with experience in using Geographic Information System (GIS) software. A background in conducting documentary research and archaeological excavation, and knowledge of historic artifact types, particularly from the 18th and 19th centuries in the mid-Atlantic region, are essential to this position. The job requires an individual who pays close attention to detail and has excellent organizational and communication skills that can be applied to project coordination and tracking. In addition, the ideal candidate must be able to interact well with the public and staff, and to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
The Opportunity – Examples of Work
- Performs specialized duties related to reviews of development projects to ensure compliance with the City of Alexandria's Archaeological Protection Code, including researching the history of development properties and utilizing GIS to evaluate development projects.
- Provides support for archaeologists conducting reviews.
- Updates archaeological preservation database and online interactive map related to Code project review.
- Collaborates with staff to develop quarterly Archaeological Protection Code Updates.
- Maintains, organizes, archives, applies metadata to and updates archaeology files on all Code-related projects.
- Helps to disseminate information about Archaeological Code requirements and results to the public.
- Conducts excavations on Code-related projects, as needed to satisfy Code requirements.
- Performs related work as required.
About the Department
OHA enhances the quality of life for city residents and visitors by preserving and interpreting Alexandria's historic properties, archaeological sites, cultural resources, artifact collections, objects, archives, records, and personal stories and by encouraging audiences to recognize Alexandria's diverse historic heritage and its place within the broader context of American history.
Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree in anthropology, archaeology, history, American studies, historic preservation, collections management, or related subject. Minimum 1 year of experience in the following: working with local and/or state and Federal preservation laws; evaluating development projects for archaeological potential; conducting Phase I, II, and III-level excavations; communicating with the public and professionals; using GPS, digitized survey equipment, and Geographical Information System (GIS) software; and coordinating and tracking projects. Experience with Proficio or other archaeological database for cataloguing, collections management, and project tracking.
The ability to perform the following tasks, with or without an accommodation: work in adverse weather conditions for historic site preservation, excavation and maintenance; conduct physical labor, including shoveling, kneeling, and lifting 25-30 lbs. during the course of a day's work for tasks such as archaeological excavation and collections management.
Supplemental information
This position requires the successful completion of pre-employment background checks to include, but not limited to, a criminal background screening. In addition, a valid driver's license and the ability to pass a required City driving class in order to operate a City van are required.