Global adventurers seeking archaeological experiences can refer to the Archaeological Fieldwork Opportunities Bulletin for announced expeditions across the globe.
Archaeological Fieldwork Opportunities Abound in 2025
Get ready to delve into the past as a volunteer in various archaeological projects around the world. Here's a roundup of some exciting opportunities for 2025.
Tell Timai Archaeological Project
The Tell Timai Archaeological Project, set in Egypt's Nile Delta, invites participants to join its summer season from June 16 to July 25, 2025, and also offers a winter season in December. Based at the Dig House in a nearby town, participants can expect shared rooms and basic amenities, including heated showers. The project focuses on the Greco-Roman city of Thmouis, with a particular interest in Roman monumental architecture and the rise of Christianity.
Archaeological Fieldwork Opportunities Bulletin (AFOB)
The AFOB, the world's largest fieldwork resource, offers continuously updated listings for projects worldwide. It's important to note that AFOB listings are provided by project directors or staff members, not the Archeological Institute of America (AIA).
Requirements and Qualifications
Archaeological fieldwork opportunities generally require applicants to have relevant field experience, physical fitness, and sometimes specific educational or professional qualifications, depending on the program or position. Many fieldwork roles require 1 to 3 years of archaeological field experience, especially in relevant geographic regions. Some opportunities require only a high school diploma plus 2 years’ experience and the ability to perform physical tasks such as lifting up to 40 lbs. Certain programs emphasise no prior experience needed, focusing on students or beginners in archaeology, but participants must be prepared for physically demanding work outdoors.
Application Details
Deadlines vary for these opportunities. For instance, a Visiting Senior Scientific Specialist position requires applications by August 7, 2025, and submission via a specific university system with a cover letter, CV/resume, and references. Field schools may have earlier deadlines, such as the Kampsville, IL field school, which has a July 25, 2025 deadline.
Program Formats and Commitments
Some opportunities are field technician jobs involved in CRM (Cultural Resource Management) work, requiring practical skills in excavation, survey, mapping, and artifact identification. Intensive field schools offer training in excavation, survey techniques, lab work, CRM laws, and reporting over several weeks. Field schools and academic programs may provide academic credit and focus on both practical skills and post-excavation analysis. Age minimums sometimes apply, commonly 18 years old or older.
Examples of Specific Programs
Some examples of specific programs include the University of Illinois Visiting Senior Scientific Specialist, Kampsville Applied Archaeology Field School, Israel Roman Hippos Excavation, BSc Archaeological Practice with Professional Placement, and CORE Archaeology's cultural programs in Cusco, Peru.
CORE Archaeology Programs
CORE Archaeology programs run year-round and offer a certificate of participation to all project volunteers for completion of their placement. In Cusco, Peru, volunteers support the Ministry of Culture and national park staff at Machu Picchu, assisting with conservation, maintenance, education, and awareness initiatives under the supervision of licensed archaeologists. The program's activities vary with the seasons, with the dry season (April through November) and wet season (December through March) affecting project tasks.
NOMAD Science Programs
The NOMAD Science program offers three program options in Mongolia: one for 3.5 weeks in northern Mongolia recovering artifacts from looted cemeteries, another for exploring and mapping ancient sites, and a third for gathering data on reindeer carcasses using zooarchaeological methods. The second NOMAD Science program runs from July 22 through August 18, 2025, with starting costs at $3,950. The first NOMAD Science program in Mongolia runs from June 22 through July 18, 2025, with a starting cost of $3,550. The third NOMAD Science program runs from August 14 through September 5, 2025, and costs $4,250.
Foothill Ecuador Summer Program
The Foothill Ecuador Summer Program, a three-week field experience in Cangahua (Cayambe), Ecuador, invites participants to assist with excavation, artifact cataloging, and community projects, blending archaeology and anthropology. The program runs from June 28 through July 18, 2025, and costs $2,500. Spanish skills are a plus for this program.
The Tell Timai Archaeological Project
For more information about the Tell Timai Archaeological Project, including fee details, contact the project director.
Contact Information
Any questions should be directed to the designated contact for a specific project listing. It's important to note that the AIA can remove any posting listed at any time, and participants should contact the project director for the most up-to-date information.
- Join the Tell Timai Archaeological Project in Egypt's Nile Delta from June 16 to July 25, 2025, or during the winter season in December, and reside at the Dig House.
- The Archaeological Fieldwork Opportunities Bulletin (AFOB) provides a continuous list of projects worldwide, with listings provided by project directors or staff members.
- Volunteers in archaeological fieldwork opportunities often need relevant field experience, physical fitness, and sometimes specific educational or professional qualifications.
- The United Nations Visiting Senior Scientific Specialist position requires applications by August 7, 2025, for submission via a specific university system, while some field schools have earlier deadlines, such as the Kampsville, IL field school, with a July 25, 2025 deadline.
- CORE Archaeology programs in Cusco, Peru, offer a certificate of participation to volunteers who support the Ministry of Culture and national park staff at Machu Picchu, focusing on conservation, maintenance, education, and awareness initiatives under the supervision of licensed archaeologists.
- The NOMAD Science program in Mongolia offers three program options, including recovering artifacts from looted cemeteries, exploring and mapping ancient sites, and gathering data on reindeer carcasses using zooarchaeological methods, with costs ranging from $3,550 to $4,250.
- Participants of the Foothill Ecuador Summer Program can assist with excavation, artifact cataloging, and community projects in Cangahua, Ecuador, blending archaeology and anthropology, with Spanish skills being a plus, and the program running from June 28 through July 18, 2025, for $2,500.
