Employment & Internships

Archaeology Internship Summer 2026

About the opportunity: In 2026, archaeological research will focus on the site of a 19^th century kitchen that once stood on Red Hill’s historic grounds (excavation area pictured below). Red Hill is seeking one (1) Archaeology Intern for Summer 2026 to assist with fieldwork and lab work. The intern will work with the Staff Archaeologists, field technicians, and volunteers while gaining experience with archaeological methods, public archaeology, and the work of a historic site. This position requires outdoor work and moderate physical activity such as crouching, lifting, and digging with shovels and trowels. This is a paid internship, offering $17 an hour. Free on-site lodging is available for the duration of the internship, provided that the intern signs an Agreement of Occupancy. Red Hill can partner with students to complete the internship as part of course credit, as long as the student lets the staff know in advance what paperwork will need to be completed.

Duties:

• Assist the Staff Archaeologists with archaeological fieldwork, which may include shovel test pit survey, excavation, site recording, and data collection using GIS
• Assist the Staff Archaeologists with archaeological lab work, including cleaning, sorting, labeling, and researching artifacts
• Help the Staff Archaeologists orient new volunteers to the excavation site by explaining the basic history of the site, project goals, and instructions for basic fieldwork techniques
• Engage with visitors by explaining basic information about the project
• Occasionally help with Red Hill events, including the Naturalization Ceremony and the Independence Day Celebration

Field School Option: As an optional component of the Red Hill archaeology internship, the intern can elect to participate in the Dr. James W. Jordan Archaeological Field School, offered by Longwood University’s Institute of Archaeology. This field school runs for four weeks (May 17, 2026 – June 14, 2026), and introduces students to archaeological field methods through the investigation of a site in Halifax County, VA, known as The Cove. The Longwood Institute of Archaeology’s research at The Cove focuses on pre-contact archaeological sites associated with the Saponi Tribe in the Late Woodland period.

If the intern chooses this option, they are expected to participate in all field school activities, including lessons and lectures, archaeological excavation, site recording, artifact processing, and assignments. Cabin lodging, shower facilities, and meals are provided to field school students (including the Red Hill intern) by the Longwood Institute of Archaeology, at no cost to the intern. Red Hill’s archaeologists, teaming with the Longwood faculty as co-Principal Investigators, will be present during all four weeks of the field school. The intern’s pay ($17/hr) applies to both their time in the field school and their time at Red Hill. Academic credit for participation in the field school is not automatically offered to the intern; if they wish to receive academic credit, they must notify Lucia Butler, Staff Archaeologist, and coordinate with Longwood University to enroll in the field school and pay the course tuition. The field school is completely optional for the Red Hill archaeology internship, and an applicant’s decision to participate or not participate will not affect their application.

Qualifications:

• Completed college-level coursework in archaeology, anthropology, history, historic preservation, or a related field
• 3.0 or above cumulative GPA
• Ability to commit to a minimum of 30 hours per week
• Ability to work with a team as well as independently under supervision
• Strong communication skills
• Excellent organization and attention to detail

Internship Duration: 8-12 weeks; the start date depends on the intern’s participation in field school. The end date is flexible, depending on the intern’s school schedule.

• With field school option: internship starts May 18, ends early-mid August
• Without field school option: internship starts June 22, ends early-mid August

Pay: $17/hour

To apply: Please email your resume, a cover letter, and two references to Lucia Butler, Staff Archaeologist, no later than March 27^th, 2026.

 Contact:

Lucia Butler

Staff Archaeologist

Phone: 434-376-2044

Email: lucia@redhill.org