Fieldwork Opportunities for Veterans

Explore hands-on archaeology programs designed for veterans pursuing careers in archaeology, anthropology, and cultural resource management. Gain real-world experience, professional training, and the support of a veteran-led team.

Important Information to Consider Before Applying

Before submitting your application, please carefully review the details below. AVAR offers distinct pathways for veterans seeking professional employment and volunteer opportunities. Understanding what makes our program unique and what we expect from our team members helps ensure a rewarding experience for everyone involved.

The AVAR Program is Unique

AVAR combines professional archaeological training with dedicated veteran support.

AVAR recognizes that veterans join us from diverse backgrounds, each with unique personal and professional goals. We proudly offer various avenues to engage with archaeological fieldwork, ensuring that veterans can find opportunities that match their individual interests and career aspirations.

Our program emphasizes two critical components: professional-level skill training and robust support systems, including ongoing mentorship and resources to promote overall well-being. This dual approach equips veterans not only to excel in archaeological work but also to thrive personally and professionally. AVAR is highly competitive—joining our team means representing AVAR both on and off-site at prestigious archaeological projects throughout the U.S. and internationally.

What we offer

Professional development, veteran-focused support, and a renewed sense of purpose.

AVAR provides veterans a structured pathway toward a fulfilling career in archaeology and cultural resource management. Our carefully designed programs include:

  • Professional Development: Expert-led technical training integrated with comprehensive wellness and mental health support. For qualified candidates, we offer competitive, long-term paid employment opportunities comparable to leading CRM firms.

  • Supportive Peer Community: AVAR fosters a collaborative, respectful environment where veterans support and encourage one another. Our teams thrive because we actively hire veterans who demonstrate respect, empathy, and camaraderie, regardless of service branch, gender, background, or personal beliefs.

  • Renewed Sense of Purpose: Combining meaningful archaeological work with veteran-focused mentorship creates a profound sense of pride and accomplishment among our team members. Joining AVAR means becoming part of something impactful, purposeful, and deeply rewarding.

Volunteer vs. Professional Opportunities

Understand which AVAR path aligns best with your background and career goals.

We recommend Volunteer Opportunities to veterans who:

  • Want a hands-on introduction to archaeological fieldwork.

  • Seek experience with archaeological tools and techniques.

  • Wish to build confidence in the physical and social aspects of field archaeology.

  • Have a strong personal interest in the historical subject matter of volunteer sites.

  • They are primarily motivated by unique experiences rather than financial compensation.

  • We review volunteer applications on a quarterly basis. The portal will open for 60 days each quarter, followed by a 30-day review period.

We recommend Professional Opportunities to veterans who:

  • Aim to pursue full-time or part-time archaeological employment.

  • Have previous archaeological experience through AVAR or other organizations.

  • Currently participate in or have graduated from programs in archaeology, anthropology, or related disciplines.

  • Need a regular, reliable paycheck and are prepared to work diligently in physically demanding environments.

  • We review professional applications on a rolling basis - apply today.

These recommendations are general guidelines. Many AVAR team members move fluidly between professional and volunteer projects, depending on their evolving interests, career goals, and life circumstances.

Application Requirements

Eligibility and required documentation for AVAR applicants.

To apply to AVAR’s veteran-focused programs, candidates must meet the following criteria:

  • Honorably discharged veterans, Active-Duty personnel, National Guard members, and Reservists from all U.S. military branches are eligible.

  • Verification of veteran status or active service via a DD-214 Member-4 form or equivalent official documentation.

  • Professional applicants must provide a resume or CV (including two professional references), a brief statement of interest (max. 400 words), and a copy of your current driver’s license.

  • Certain projects require background checks and clean driving records due to client-specific requirements.

Once your application is submitted, AVAR staff will carefully review your materials.

Professional applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

The Volunteer application portal is open for 60 days each quarter, followed by a 30-day review period, during which you will be contacted if you have been selected to interview for the program.

FAQs

  • Yes, our nonprofit mission specifies that we serve US military veterans. AVAR accepts applications from honorably discharged veterans and active-duty personnel from all branches.

  • No prior knowledge or experience of archaeology is necessary for volunteer projects. We have trained archaeologists on-site to provide guidance and training in methods and techniques. Experience is preferred and often required for professional positions.

  • After nine years, we have learned what type of individual thrives on AVAR projects, and we have tried to capture this in our core values (listed above).  Use your initial communications and interviews with AVAR Staff to demonstrate these traits.

  • Professional work is ongoing all year. Volunteer projects are limited, and in order to serve as many veterans as possible, we may restrict participation to one excavation per person, per year.  You may place your name on a standby list for additional excavations in that year in the case of a cancellation.

  • AVAR ensures necessary archaeological tools and equipment are provided on-site and shared across the team. Individuals may chose to bring their own personal dig kits.

    Participants will receive a packing list based on the environment of the project they are attending.

  • Our goal is to keep the cost of attending a project as low as possible. AVAR covers the cost of food and accommodation, as well as travel costs when possible.  Please ask for information specific to your project.

    It is always recommended that you bring sufficient funds for personal purchases such as souvenirs, or meals and drinks that you would like to purchase in addition to what is provided.

  • The application process is outlined above, and reiterated on our application form.

    Upon successful receipt of your materials, you will be notified if you have been selected to interview for the program.

    Interviews for eligibility may include:

    • AVAR Ops Manager (for field technician consideration)

    • AVAR Mental Health Clinician (for volunteer project placement)

  • Yes, traveling for archaeology is one of the field’s most exciting and difficult aspects. A career in archaeology requires significant time away from home.

SUPPORT

Veterans often face significant mental health challenges as they transition to civilian life, and reaching out for support is a sign of strength. If you or a fellow veteran is in crisis, help is available 24/7 through the Veterans Crisis Line by calling 988 and pressing 1. This confidential service offers immediate support and connects veterans and their loved ones with trained professionals who understand their unique experiences.