Archaeology Program Intern - Seasonal

The Maryland-National Capital Park & Planning Commission
Montgomery County, MD

Under the direction and guidance of Montgomery Parks Senior Archaeologist, the Archaeology Intern will gain experience in public archaeology, with emphasis on geospatial data management, archaeological site data management, and public outreach. Over the course of ten weeks, the Intern will use geographic information system (GIS) software to create a digital record of select archaeology sites that will aid Parks archaeologists in stewarding and interpreting Montgomery Parks’ archaeological resources for the public. After georeferencing field maps and producing a shapefile containing all associated metadata, the Intern will select one site for which they will develop an archaeology site tour to be delivered to the public.

The Montgomery Parks Archaeology Program is part of the Cultural Resources Stewardship Section (CRSS) of Montgomery Parks, which is charged with preserving and interpreting cultural resources on park land in Montgomery County, Maryland for the benefit of both current residents and future generations. CRSS manages a wide array of Park-owned cultural resources and activities – ranging from historic buildings to archaeological sites to public interpretation – and plays a vital role in advancing public understanding, engagement, and stewardship of these assets.

GIS and Cartography

  • Use ArcGIS Pro to georeference archaeology site maps from legacy Parks archaeology projects.

  • Produce maps that visualize the excavations and results for archaeological analysis and create publicly accessible versions, where appropriate.

Data Management

  • Digitize and organize archaeology site plans and other site records.

  • Create attribute table of pertinent excavation information such as strata, results, features, dimensions, and related artifact log numbers.

Writing and Public Speaking

  • Utilize site maps, field notes, background research, and available reports to write and plan an archaeology site tour for the public.

  • Deliver site tour to the public for at least one site.

Important Skills and Characteristics

  • Enthusiastic about legacy archaeological records

  • Enjoy problem-solving and research

  • Basic understanding of GIS software

  • Interest in a career in public archaeology

  • Basic knowledge of archaeological fieldwork methods, particularly in the Mid-Atlantic

  • Exemplary organizational skills

  • Ability to work independently and stay on task

  • Ability to write in an engaging and informative manner

  • Interest in developing public speaking skills

Preferred Qualifications

  • Fieldwork experience in Mid-Atlantic archaeology

  • Proficiency with ArcGIS Pro software

  • Previous public speaking and public archaeology experience

Minimum Qualifications

  • Be at least 18 years of age

  • Must be currently enrolled in a bachelor’s/master’s degree in Anthropology, Archaeology, or related field

  • Have excellent communication and customer service skills

  • Must be able to walk on rough terrain and work in the summer heat

May be subject to medical, drug and alcohol testing.

Supplemental Information

  • This position is a 10-week internship, with 25 hours per week to be carried out between May and August. The position does not include benefits.

  • Complete background and Child Protective Services investigations will be completed prior to hire.

  • The position may be filled by either an undergraduate or graduate student. The pay rate is commensurate with experience.

Working Conditions

The first part of the project will be conducted indoors and involve long periods of working on a computer. The latter part of the project will be performed outside in the summer and include walking on trails. All equipment needed to conduct this work will be provided.


The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate a workplace culture of diversity, equity and inclusion without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, gender identity, or any other non-merit factor.

Applicants with Disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

If you require accommodations or special arrangements due to a qualifying disability, please notify the Recruitment & Selections Services Unit at the time of applications at or 301-454-1411 (Maryland Relay 7-1-1)

M-NCPPC will make all efforts to reasonably accommodate you.

// // //