Archaeologist I

Posting Details

Posting Summary

Logo Posting Number STA00539PO26 Job Family Research Job Function Archaeology USC Market Title Archaeologist Link to USC Market Title https://uscjobs.sc.edu/titles/133663 Job Level R0 - Research Business Title (Internal Title) Archaeologist I Campus Columbia Work County Richland College/Division College of Arts and Sciences Department CAS South Carolina Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology State Pay Range G06 USC Market Range MRC - $40,269 $49,330 $58,390 Anticipated Hiring Range $40,269 - $49,330 Location of Vacancy Columbia SC Part/Full Time Full Time Hours per Week 37.5 Work Schedule

• Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm
• Must be willing to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the department.

Basis 12 months Job Search Category Other

About USC

About University of South Carolina

From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor's degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service - helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.

Veterans' Preference Statement

The University of South Carolina is committed to equal opportunity and proudly values the skills and experience military veterans bring to our workforce. Across South Carolina, we are making veterans a priority for employment and recognize their vital contributions to our state and our communities.

Benefits for FTE Positions

The University of South Carolina (USC), through the State of SC and Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA), offers employees a valuable benefits package, including health and life insurance, generous paid leave and retirement programs. To learn more about USC benefits, access the "Working at USC" section on the Applicant Portal at https://uscjobs.sc.edu. Research Grant or Time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some, or no benefits, based on the grant or project funding.

Position Description

Advertised Job Summary

Act as administrator of the Hobby License program; manage all databases related to the Maritime Research Division (MRD) program; support archaeological research; participate in community outreach events and act as principal/co-principal investigator on projects as designated by the supervisor. The employee will also manage equipment and act as a dive safety officer for the MRD.

Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience

• Requires a bachelor's degree in area of research specialty.

Required Certification, Licensure/Other Credentials Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in archaeology or anthropology is preferred.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Public relations skills. Excellent communication skills.
• Research and documentation skills. Writing skills, namely, the ability to be flexible in writing styles to meet the needs of both research and education/outreach goals.
• Public speaking skills. Organizational skills.
• Extensive diving experience, including experience in low-zero visibility, heavy seas, currents, and other challenging conditions.
• Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite, social media skills. Small boat handling

Job Duties

Job Duty

Act as administrator of the hobby license process responsible for handling licenses and reports as well as public interaction regarding all licensing questions and concerns. The employee will provide the managing archaeologist with quarterly and yearly statistics as well as all information regarding reported underwater sites and small finds. Evaluate reports for archaeological potential and communicate with licensees and general public about their finds and to arrange site and collection visits as warranted.

Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 50 Job Duty

Function as an archaeologist for the MRD. The responsibilities include actively seeking and obtaining research, funding, and partnership opportunities. The employee will also plan, supervise and conduct archaeological research including historical and archival research and analysis, fieldwork, site assessments, excavation and documentation of marine and riverine archaeology sites, and act as principal/co-principal investigator on projects in collaboration with the State Underwater Archaeologist. Perform diving, underwater search, survey and excavation. Is responsible for participation and continuous qualification in all MRD diving operations. Write, present, and publish scholarly and popular papers and presentations on maritime archaeology and related fields in South Carolina. Research and documentation activities include site recording, photography, videography, drawing, and artifact recovery, stabilization and conservation. Manage databases for the MRD. This includes hobby licenses, archaeological research and site files, imagery, equipment, online and GIS systems.

Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 20 Job Duty

Supervise and maintain MRD equipment and supplies including boats, dive gear, tools, etc. This includes keeping an up to date inventory and maintenance/repair database and reporting necessary procurements and/or repairs to supervisor. This responsibility also includes the coordination, logistical planning, and safe operation of equipment necessary for projects and surveys regarding boats, boat handling, and diving operations. The employee will act as a dive safety officer for MRD on projects and coordinate with staff regarding dive safety plan review, logistics, and staff diving statistics. The employee is responsible for maintaining knowledge of all current safety procedures and the various designations and roles lawfully delegated such as diver, diving officer/diving supervisor, and dive safety officer.

Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 10 Job Duty

Work with the supervisor to achieve long and short-term goals of the MRD, specifically relating to education and outreach initiatives. This will include, but is not limited to, planning, development and facilitation of presentations, events, literature, social media, etc. with MRD staff, volunteers and interns as well as independently. This position requires a high degree of public interaction including verbal, written and interpersonal.

Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 10 Job Duty

Provides assistance and guidance to SCIAA staff related to underwater archaeology and the hobby licence process to ensure compliance with federal, state, and University policies and procedures.

Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 5 Job Duty

Contribute to the overall success of the College of Arts and Sciences by performing all other duties and responsibilities as assigned by supervisor.

Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 5

Position Attributes

Employees in Safety-Sensitive or Security-Sensitive positions will be subject to pre-employment and post-employment drug testing in accordance with University policy HR 1.95 Drug and Alcohol Testing.

Safety Sensitive or Security Sensitive No Hazardous weather category Non-Essential

Posting Detail Information

Number of Vacancies 1 Desired Start Date 08/16/2026 Job Open Date 07/17/2026 Job Close Date 08/31/2026 Open Until Filled No Special Instructions to Applicant

Positions are advertised for a minimum of five (5) business days on our job website. After five (5) business days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email.

We are only accepting applications submitted by August 31, 2026.

The University of South Carolina offers a valuable benefits package including but not limited to:

• Health and Life Insurance
• Retirement Programs
• Paid Tuition
• Dependent Scholarships
• Annual Leave
• Sick Leave
• 13 Paid Holidays (including an extended December holiday)
• Paid Parental Leave
• Professional Development Opportunities

Click here to learn more about why you should work at USC.

Quicklink for Posting https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/209700 EEO Statement

The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender (including transgender), gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDs status, military status, national origin, pregnancy (false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, childbirth, recovery therefrom or related medical conditions, breastfeeding), race, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, local law, or regulations.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• • Do you have at least a Bachelor's Degree in archaeology or anthropology?

• Yes

• No

• • Do you have extensive diving experience, including experience in low-zero visibility, heavy seas, currents, and other challenging conditions?

• Yes

• No

• • Do you have experience in the safe operation of equipment necessary for projects and surveys regarding boats, boat handling, and diving operations?

• Yes

• No

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Cover Letter
• Letter of Recommendation 1
• Letter of Recommendation 2
• Letter of Recommendation 3
• Resume
• List of References and Contact Information

Optional Documents