Archaeological Collections & Curation Intern

AECOM is seeking an Archaeological Collections & Curation Intern to be based in Raleigh, NC. The Transportation Group of AECOM is seeking an enthusiastic undergraduate or graduate student pursuing a degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, Museum Studies, Historic Preservation, or a related field to join our Cultural Resource Management (CRM) team in Raleigh, North Carolina.

This internship provides hands-on experience supporting archaeological laboratory operations, collections management, and artifact curation associated with federal, state, local, and private-sector compliance projects. The selected intern(s) will work closely with professional archaeologists and collections staff to process archaeological materials recovered from CRM investigations, including Phase I, II, and III projects.

The position offers valuable exposure to the full lifecycle of archaeological collections management, from laboratory processing and cataloging through preparation for permanent curation.

Responsibilities:

• Process archaeological artifacts recovered from CRM projects, including washing, sorting, labeling, and cataloging.
• Assist with inventorying and organizing archaeological collections and associated records.
• Enter artifact and provenience data into digital collections databases.
• Prepare collections for long-term curation in accordance with state repository requirements and federal standards, including 36 CFR Part 79.
• Organize project records, photographs, maps, field forms, and digital documentation.
• Conduct basic artifact identification and classification under the supervision of professional archaeologists.
• Support digitization and archival management efforts.
• Maintain laboratory organization and assist with collection storage management.
• Participate in special projects involving legacy archaeological collections and curation management plan implementation.

Qualifications:

• Candidates must be pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, Museum Studies, Historic Preservation, or a related discipline and must have completed at least one year of study.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to perform repetitive laboratory tasks with accuracy and consistency.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a professional team environment.
• Completion of archaeological field school and laboratory methods coursework.
• Previous experience in an archaeological laboratory, museum, repository, or collections setting.
• Familiarity with Southeastern U.S. archaeology and material culture.
• Basic understanding of federal and state historic preservation compliance processes.
• Experience with artifact databases and digital record management.
• Interest in pursuing a career in CRM.

Benefits: AECOM offers comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees, including medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan.