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The NCC volunteer application process and program management is done online via Better Impact Volunteer Management Software. Your personal information will be collected by the application in accordance with their privacy policy and managed by the NCC to respect your privacy.

Share your love of local heritage by volunteering for the NCC Archaeology Program.

Our volunteers help with archaeological field and lab work, including test pitting, excavation, and artifact washing, sorting and cataloguing. This work increases the understanding of archaeological resources in the National Capital Region.

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Description

Title: Archaeology Volunteer
Location: various NCC properties in Ontario and Quebec

Under the supervision of NCC Archaeology Program staff, volunteers will participate in archaeological inventory, impact assessment, mitigation, or lab work to gather information about resources on NCC-managed land.

Tasks may include test pitting or block excavation (using a shovel or trowel), screening soil, recovering artefacts, recording sites and stratigraphy, taking photos, or washing, sorting and cataloguing artifacts.

Tasks are performed outdoors and indoors. Volunteers need appropriate footwear (e.g. steel-toed or sturdy boots), clothing, and equipment (e.g. gloves, long pants, hat, bug repellant, sunscreen).

The NCC will provide the necessary tools, including field equipment (e.g. screens, shovels, trowels, tape measures, first aid kit) and lab equipment (e.g. washbasin, screen, brushes, pens).

Conditions

Commitment and schedule

Volunteers must be available for at least 8 half-day shifts per season (over a 6-month period). There should be at least four half-day shifts to pick from per month. Additional shifts may be available on short notice. Volunteers must also attend the introductory meeting or take part in preseason artifact identification training.

From early June to the end of October, depending on weather conditions.

Mostly involves fieldwork.

From early November to the end of May, depending on weather conditions.

Mostly involves lab work.

Requirements

  • Be 18 years of age or older (exceptions possible)
  • Have a means of travel to and from the field or lab
  • Be able to obtain a security clearance (the NCC will provide more information)
  • For field shifts: Be able to walk several kilometres on foot and do manual work in varying weather conditions. For lab shifts: Be able to sit for long periods of time.

Assets

  • Bilingual (English and French)
  • First aid certificate (CPR, level C)
  • Knowledge of local Indigenous history
  • Knowledge of archaeological artifacts (pre-contact or historic)
  • Knowledge of the NCC’s mandate

Note: The NCC will provide development activities to volunteers.