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MVAC Archaeology Technician

Universities of Wisconsin · La Crosse, WI · Part time

Posted Apr 6, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell us about your field experience with archaeological surveys and excavations.

What they are checking: Whether they have real hands-on field time, since that is 95 percent of this role.

Tell us about a time you made a mistake in field notes or recording. How did you fix it?

What they are checking: Whether they are honest about errors, since bad records can ruin a site's data.

How do you work with a crew when the schedule and weather keep changing?

What they are checking: Whether they stay flexible and cooperative under unpredictable field conditions.

What would you do

What do you do if you find human remains during an excavation?

What they are checking: Whether they know to stop work, notify supervisors and follow state burial site laws.

Field days can be long, hot and physical. How do you keep yourself and your crew safe?

What they are checking: Whether they take heat, terrain and equipment safety seriously.

A landowner or member of the public stops by a dig site and asks questions. How do you handle it?

What they are checking: Whether they can represent the project professionally and protect site information.

About the work

Walk us through how you'd excavate and record a unit, from opening it to closing it.

What they are checking: Whether they know proper excavation methods, levels, provenience and recording.

How do you process artifacts in the lab, from washing to cataloging?

What they are checking: Whether they understand lab procedures that protect artifacts and records.

What artifact types common in the Upper Mississippi Valley can you identify, such as lithics or ceramics?

What they are checking: Whether they have regional knowledge useful for MVAC's work around La Crosse.

How do you use GPS, total stations or other tools to map a site?

What they are checking: Whether they can collect accurate spatial data in the field.

Practice this interview out loud.

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The full job description

As published by Universities of Wisconsin.

Current Employees: If you are currently employed at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, log in to Workday to apply through the internal application process. Position Title: MVAC Archaeology Technician Job Category: University Staff Employment Type: Regular Job Profile: Archaeology Lab Technician Job Duties: If hired from this pool, the archaeology technician will be under the general supervision of the relevant department chair. This position consists of assisting MVAC staff members in conducting archaeological surveys and excavations in the field and processing the artifacts in the laboratory. 95% – Archaeology field experience conducting surveys and excavations and processing the artifacts. 5% – Other duties as assigned by supervisor. The College of Arts, Social Sciences, and Humanities (CASSH) is a vibrant academic community bringing together the strengths of the liberal arts, innovative interdisciplinary programs, and the creative energy of the School of Visual and Performing Arts. The College actively supports the university’s General Education Program and offers a robust number of undergraduate degrees and three graduate programs. As a staff member in CASSH, you will join colleagues who share a deep commitment to student success . UW-La Crosse does not offer H-1B or other work authorization visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout the employment term. If you have questions regarding this, please contact Human Resources at 608-785-8013. Key Job Responsibilities: Department: Archaeology & Anthropology Required Qualifications: • Have taken a formal archaeology field school and have additional field experience. • All the physical demands necessary to be able to complete archaeology field work. • Travel and overnights on occasion. Preferred Qualifications: • Additional experience as archaeology field crew supervisor. How to Apply: Required application documents: Cover letter (that addresses the required qualifications) CV / Resume Three to five references with contact information Contact Information: Katherine Stevenson kstevenson@uwlax.edu Special Notes: Application deadlines TO ENSURE CONSIDERATION: Priority consideration is given to those candidates who apply by the listed ‘First Review Date’. Applications received after that date may be considered at the discretion of the search committee. Application materials will be evaluated, and the most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process. Incomplete and/or late application materials may not receive consideration. If you have questions regarding this recruitment, or if you are not able to complete the application online due to a disability or system problem, please contact the Office of Human Resources. Confidentiality of Applicant Materials UWL is a state agency and subject to Wisconsin’s Open Records Law. UWL will not, however, reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing except as may be required by Wisconsin’s Open Records law. In certain circumstances, the identities of “final candidates” and/or the identity of the appointed applicant must be revealed upon request. CBC & Reference Check Policy All candidates for employment are subject to a pre-employment screening which includes a criminal background check, work authorization, and verification of education. It will also require you and your references to answer questions regarding sexual violence and sexual harassment. Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (Clery Act) For the UWL Annual Security and Fire Safety Reports (i.e., Clery Report), which includes statistics about reported crimes and information about campus security policies, see http://www.uwlax.edu/student-life/student-resources/annual-security-report/ or contact the University Police Department at 608.785.9000. INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR BENEFITS Your benefits add an additional 40%+ to the overall financial package from the university. Highlights include: • Paid vacation for 12-month positions. • Excellent flexible health insurance with low co-pays and good coverage. • Paid holidays and paid sick days. • After 5 years of employment, you become vested in our retirement system which ensures income post-career. • Benefits at UWL are highly competitive with local industry and some of the strongest in state and nation. Benefit eligibility is determined at the point of hire. This information is provided for illustrative purposes only. Benefits are also pro-rated based on the appointment percentage. UW is an Equal Opportunity Employer Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other bases protected by applicable federal or State law and UW System policies. We are committed to building a workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.

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