Fall 2026 | Veterans Curation Program (VCP) Hourly Laboratory Technician -Veterans Only

Summary of Job Duties:

The Center for Archaeological Studies at Texas State University has openings for 4 Veterans Curation Program (VCP) Hourly Laboratory Technicians. The Veterans Curation Program (VCP) is a temporary employment and training program that provides military veterans with hands-on experience in archaeological processing at the Center for Archaeological Studies at Texas State University. Using industry-standard technology and software, veterans rehouse, photograph, and catalog archaeological collections managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. These collections may include artifacts, associated records, historical documents, and photographs.

These are paid hourly part-time positions for Veterans only who are currently enrolled at Texas State University. No prior experience is required. All necessary training will be provided. 

The application is open to all Texas State student veterans who have separated from the military in good standing. Participants receive paid federal holidays and sick leave, along with compensated time for personal growth and development. This includes support for résumé writing, scholarship and job applications, and applying to fellowships or graduate programs.

Technicians are expected to work 20 hours per week during CAS's standard lab hours (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) with schedules designed to accommodate class commitments. The lab is closed on evenings and weekends. 

VCP Laboratory Technicians process archaeological and archival collections in the VCP laboratory at the Center for Archaeological Studies. This position is responsible for re-housing, cleaning, repairing, photographing, and cataloging archaeological and archival materials. The Veteran will report directly to the laboratory managers who will train the Veteran in archaeological and archival curation, as well as provide professional growth and development assistance that may help with their transition to the civilian workforce.

Essential Functions:

Processing of federally owned archaeological and archival collections, which includes:

• Handling and sorting archaeological and archival materials
• Re-housing archaeological and archival collections to meet federal and state curation standards
• Creating labels for archaeological and archival collections
• Photographing artifacts
• Scanning documents, photographs, photo negatives, and slides
• Cleaning and repairing archival documents
• Collecting and recording relevant data about archaeological and archival materials
• Data entry and database management

Core Competencies:

• Willingness to learn about material culture and archaeological laboratory methods
• Ability to follow instruction
• Eagerness to work with others
• Desire to learn useful skills for the civilian workforce, such as digital photography and database entry
• Interest in personal growth and development assistance, including resume building and job search assistance
• Desire for a hands-on work experience
• Interest in a collaborative and supportive work environment
• Regular, reliable, and non-disruptive attendance is an essential job duty, as is the ability to create and maintain collegial, harmonious working relationships with others.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Formal education equivalent of a high school diploma
• Veteran of any branch of the United States Military
• Applicant will be asked to provide a copy of DD Form 214 (redacted to remove social security number) or NGB-22 for National Guard
• 20hrs/week Monday-Friday between 8am and 5pm

Additional Information:

https://veteranscurationprogram.org/

Applicants subject to background checks.

Salary Information:

$25.94 per hour

Required Documents to Apply:

1. Proof of Veteran Status (upload DD- 214 Form)
2. Cover Letter with Availability showing weekly work week schedule totaling 20 hours/week between M-F, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm (do not provide your class schedule)
3. Completed Hiring Questionnaire: https://forms.office.com/r/1xAjgsVFfA

Recruitment Contact Information:

Amy E. Reid, Veterans Curation Program (VCP) Laboratory Manager, areid@txstate.edu