Getting Started - Summer Work

[Johnny]

As some of you may know, I'm just beginning work on an anthropology degree and this is my first summer really familiarizing myself with the sites and learning opportunities here in Colorado. I've applied for a couple of volunteer spots on PIT projects (didn't get my first choice, 2nd is more of a longshot) and found another through the Colorado Archaeological Society. Aside from PIT and local societies, are there other places I should look for volunteer opportunities in the summer? I don't have any formal field experience but am well read, skilled in mapping and more than capable in the outdoors. Anything within 8-10 hrs drive of Denver is worth looking at.

[Rokcet Scientist]

I would hazard a guess that Charlie can use you, but he's down in Texas, isn't he, Min?

[Johnny]

I could make Texas 10 hrs from here...

[Minimalist]

Yes but Charlie is not digging as much as picking up stone tools which erode out of a hillside.

What about the State Archaeological Department? Every state is facing budget problems. I would think they love to have a few talented volunteers walk in the door?

[Johnny]

Yes but Charlie is not digging as much as picking up stone tools which erode out of a hillside.

What about the State Archaeological Department? Every state is facing budget problems. I would think they love to have a few talented volunteers walk in the door?

I would've thought so, too. But it would seem that they're much more interested in pushing their Program for Avocational Archaeological Certification...which I should probably do since it's $12 and I would be able to claim more field experience than running a sieve in the back 40. I'm guessing that they're just not there yet as far as an online content management system to make it easy to maintain a project listing for volunteers.

[Rokcet Scientist]

Yes but Charlie is not digging as much as picking up stone tools which erode out of a hillside.

Well then I can see Charlie tell Johnny: "Go pick up stone tools from that hillside, then go identify, describe, measure, photograph, register, classify, and store them". It's just Mother Nature that's doing the digging for them. Much better for Johnny's back too!

[Minimalist]

Yeah but not for his resume!

[Rokcet Scientist]

Yeah but not for his resume!

If that resume makes him part of the team that proved pre-Clovis and perhaps HE in the Americas I'm sure it will do.

[Johnny]

If that resume makes him part of the team that proved pre-Clovis and perhaps HE in the Americas I'm sure it will do.

That would most certainly "do". If by do, you mean kill me with sheer freakin excitement.

Update: I've got some emails out to folks in the CAS and will be waiting another three weeks to hear about the PIT project. Colorado's Office of Archaeology will be holding their Summer Survey soon but they strongly prefer/require that you've done some of their classroom training first. I've got an email out to see if they would mind making an exception for a skilled 28 year old wanting out of a 12 year IT career.

I've looked in to this Charlie Hatchett fellow you guys have mentioned. Seems he's in Austin, which is basically "back home" for me. His finds are very very interesting and I'm digging through his site, preclovis.com, right now. I'd love to help him in the field but what Charlie needs most from me is a new website with a content management system for easy updates and a design that doesn't include a tiled background image.

[Digit]

Holding something in your hand that was last held by someone ten thousand years ago is a most awe inspiring feeling. Just take something to calm yourself before hand. Like a large Scotch!

Roy.

[Minimalist]

If you find some 10,000 year old scotch, let me know. And save a shot for Charlie.

[Digit]

And save a shot for Charlie.

What calibre?

Roy.

[Rokcet Scientist]

Picky?

[Johnny]

What calibre?

He's from Texas. Anything less than .45ACP would prolly just piss him off.

[Rokcet Scientist]

What calibre?

He's from Texas. Anything less than .45ACP would prolly just piss him off.

Then he'll just love my Barrett .50!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TWJp14tkBlU