Job Listing
🔗Public Archaeologist / Program Specialist

  • Full Time
  • Ringwood, NJ
  • $60,000/- USD / Year
  • February 20, 2026
  • Department: Department of Cultural & Historic Affairs
  • Job Summary: Under the direction of the Director of the Department of Cultural & Historic Affairs, this position assists in the planning and execution of the daily operations of the Passaic County Archaeology Center.
  • Job Qualifications:

    QUALIFICATIONS / ELIGILBITY:

    ·       Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in archaeology, anthropology, art history, museum studies, or related field;

    ·       Experience in public archaeology, museum interpretation, or community-based research;

    ·       Experience developing exhibits, educational programming, or digital interpretation;

    ·       Proficient computer skills including but not limited to: Office, Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator;

    ·       Working weekends are required for this position. Depending on the event taking place, some nights may be required. Candidates will not be considered otherwise;

    ·       New Jersey residency is required.

    PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

    ·       Must be physically able to operate a variety of automated office machines, which include a computer, calculator, typewriter, etc.;

    ·       Must be able to walk or stand for extended periods of time;

    ·       Must be able to operate a variety of visual and audio aids;

    ·       Must be able to lift, carry, push, and pull or otherwise move objects, up to 30 lbs. Physical demands are for light work.

  • How to Apply:

    Email Resume/CV with cover letter to:
    kellyr@passaiccountynj.org
    by February 20th.

  • Job benefits: Medical & Pension
  • Contact Name: Kelly C. Ruffel, Director
  • Application Email: kellyr@passaiccountynj.org

Website County of Passaic

The Passaic County Department of Cultural & Historic Affairs (DCHA) is responsible for the operation of several historic sites and facilities throughout the County. In operating these sites, the DCHA develops and implements cultural programs, exhibitions and displays, grant programs, historic research and comprehensive reports, heritage tourism campaigns, and restoration projects – all to encourage public awareness and visitation to the County’s cultural assets. The Department also assists other County Departments and municipalities by reviewing matters concerning historic sites and structures, administer arts and historic preservation regrant programs; and support for the arts through county-wide art events and installations.

The Passaic County Archaeology Center is devoted to exploring and preserving the archaeological heritage of the county with an aim to understand how it functioned both locally and as part of a larger region. By providing educational and public programming and collaborating with local partners, the Archeology Center fosters a love of the past and promotes the need to protect the County’s cultural resources.

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

·       Welcomes visitors and responds to questions about the history of the site and its programming;

·       Manage artifact processing, cataloging, analysis, and curation in accordance with best practices and repository requirements;

·       Translate archaeological research into accessible interpretive materials, including exhibits, signage, brochures, and digital media;

·       Develop and lead public archaeology programs such as site tours, lectures, workshops, and hands-on activities;

·       Creates educational content aligned with school curricula and lifelong learning initiatives;

·       Helps prepare museum exhibits on the County’s archaeological collections for public display;

·       Represent the Public Archaeology Center at public meetings, professional conferences, and community events;

·       Contribute to websites, social media, newsletters, and publications to promote programs and discoveries;

·       Respond to public inquiries related to archaeology and cultural resources;

·       Assist in the management of daily operations of the historic site;

·       Conducts off-site programming and presentations as needed;

·       Regular duties may include reports on the conditions of property and museum space; writing and researching, editing promotional material and brochures, coordinating with other historic sites and partners, registering guests for events, and compiling data on attendance and visitor experience; and

·       All other duties assigned within the scope of the Department.

 

SALARY / HOURS: $45,000 – $60,000 / Full-time Permanent  *Based on experience

SCHEDULE: Wednesday – Sunday / 9:00am – 5:00pm

Benefits

All NCPE interns received an hourly stipend, the rate is listed at each position description. Additionally, interns receive paid time off (PTO), paid Federal holidays if working full-time, and access to NCPE's Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for career and personal counseling, coaching, and referrals. Project sites may also offer a housing allowance and/or commuting stipend; this information is also listed in the description or offered during the interview.

Eligible NCPE interns who successfully complete their internships may count their position towards earning a Public Land Corps (PLC) Non-Competitive Hiring Authority certificate. To be eligible to earn a PLC certificate, an intern must be 30 years old or younger (or 35 if a veteran). Once earned, the PLC hiring authority certificate may be used to apply for eligible Federal temporary, term, or permanent positions. Successful completion of a NCPE internship does not guarantee Federal employment. Contact manager@preservenet.org for more details.

Eligibility

To be eligible, applicants must be
*at least 18 years old;
*no older than 30 years of age (or 35 years if a Veteran) when beginning the internship; applicants who are 31 or older (or 36 or older if a Veteran) are not eligible;
*currently enrolled in a degree-seeking academic program at the college level (or recently graduated within the past 12 months)
*be a U.S. Citizen or permanent resident.

Interns are not allowed to work more than 1200 hours total in the program; previous interns must stay within this overall limit. The length of an internship can vary from 10 to 30 weeks if full-time (40 hours per week) or longer if on a part-time schedule. If selected, the exact starting date will be determined by you and the NPS supervisor. The stipend rate is $17.00 per hour unless otherwise listed.

The successful candidate is responsible for finding and paying for travel to and housing at the internship location; some exceptions apply. The supervising office may be able to assist in locating housing but it is ultimately up to the individual accepting the internship to find accommodation.

The National Council requires all interns working in-person at Federal facilities and/or with Federal employees receive the Covid-19 vaccination. Please be advised that you may also be required to wear a mask, depending on the protocols adopted by your work site. Also be aware that, due to Government-wide security requirements, a background check will be required if you are selected for a position. This will include providing information about recent housing and employment history. The position supervisor will have more information about these requirements and procedures at the time of hiring. You may direct any questions to NCPE's Internship Program Director, Julee Johnson, at manager@preservenet.org.

Please note that interns are not NCPE or NPS employees. Stipends are academic awards and taxes are not withheld, nor are social security contributions made on your behalf. These funds may be taxable, however, so consult a tax preparation professional if you have questions.

How to Apply

You may review NCPE's internship opportunities anytime without registering. Use the search function to find listings by location, keyword, or area of interest/category. Once you identify one or more positions of interest, there is a 3-step application process.

Step 1: Click on the Apply for Job button, then select Universal Application. Click on Register to create a User Account, which requires a username and email. A link will be sent to you from manager@preservenet.org to create a password. We suggest that you add this email to your safe senders list so you don't miss receiving this important link. You will be instructed to Log In to Preservenet using your username or email and password, which will take you back to the Universal Application.

Step 2: The Universal Application is required to apply for all NCPE internships. You fill out this form only once. In addition to contact information, educational status, work history, and experience, it requires two attachments: (1) the 2 most recent years of academic transcripts. These may be unofficial transcripts if official versions are unavailable. A PDF is preferred, labeled Your Your Last Name_Your First Name_Transcript. (2) a resume or CV (curriculum vitae). Please limit to a maximum of 4 pages; 2 pages are preferred. A PDF is preferred but jpg, png, doc, or docx file types are accepted. Label Your Last Name_Your First Name_Resume. This form may be saved as a draft and completed later. Use the link provided to return to the form.

Step 3: Once you submit the Universal Application, you may browse and apply for NCPE internships using the link provided. Complete the application process by clicking on the Apply for job button found at each internship listing and upload the required Essay. Use the essay to explain why you are applying for an internship, including how your interest areas will benefit the National Park Service (NPS) and how the internship will further your studies and career goals. Be as specific as possible; there is a 400-word maximum length. Submit the essay to finish the application for that position. You may apply for a maximum of 6 internships during an application round; there is no limit at other times of the year. DO NOT SKIP THIS STEP!



Logging in with a Registered User Account and completing the Universal Application is required to apply for NCPE Internships. Please visit the Universal Application page to register for an account and complete the form. After logging in and completing the form, refreshing this listing will display the Job Application to apply online.