In 2025, the New Mexico Legislature gave the New Mexico Department of Agriculture (NMDA) funding to implement a statewide archaeological field training program in coordination with the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs. NMDA is administering the program and has contracted with the Department of Cultural Affairs’ Office of Archaeological Studies to develop and deliver the course education and trainings. The purpose of this pilot program is to train New Mexicans in the professional skills and experience needed to work on archaeological projects as field technicians or supervisors.
Two tracks for different levels of experience
| Field Technician Track | Supervisor Track |
|
|
Three-Part Course Design
Courses will be offered on a monthly basis, subject to change based on logistics and enrollment.
|
Online Course |
New Mexico Office of Archaeological Studies will provide a 2-week course to prepare participants for field work. The course will include approximately 10 hours per week of self-paced recorded content and live weekly check-ins. |
|
Field Training |
New Mexico Office of Archaeological Studies will provide 3-day, in-person field trainings on professional skills at locations across New Mexico. |
|
Field Experience |
Program will place participants on 3-week field crews to gain professional experience on real projects across the state. Participants will complete task books demonstrating required skills. NMDA will seek to place participants on local projects that fit their location and schedule. |
Tentative Course Timeline
| Course Offerings | Two-Week Online Course | Three-Day Field Training |
| September | September 19 - October 2 | October 3 - 5, Northern NM |
| October | October 3 - 16 | October 17 - 19, Central NM |
| November | October 31 - November 13 | November 14 - 16, Central NM |
| December | November 28 - December 11 | December 12 - 14, Southern NM |
| January | January 16 - 29, 2026 | January 30 - February 1, 2026, Southern, NM |
Participant Eligibility
- Participants must be a permanent New Mexico resident.
- For the Technician Track, participants are not required to have any previous education or experience related to archaeology. For the Supervisor Track, participants are required to have completed a B.A./B.S. degree in a relevant field or be in good academic standing to receive one by end of academic year.
- Participants must be able to participate on a full-time, three-week archaeology project to complete the Field Experience. They will be compensated for their time and travel.
- Participants must be able to perform strenuous physical activity, including hiking up to 5 miles per day, carrying heavy packs, digging, and lifting up to 20 pounds of weight.
- Participants must be able to work in adverse environmental conditions, including high temperatures, variable weather, difficult off-trail terrain, high elevations, and remote locations outside of cell service.
Financial Support for Participants
- No Cost for Enrollment: The course will be free for all accepted participants.
- Financial Support: For the Field Training, participants who travel are eligible to receive support for living costs and travel reimbursement. For the Field Experience, participants will receive compensation for their time spent on the project.
Application
To apply, please download and complete the application .
Applicants must send an email to pdepner@nmda.nmsu.edu with the subject line “Arch Training Application” and include the following attachments:
- Completed & signed application
- Proof of New Mexico residency: Scanned copy of valid and current New Mexico driver's license, ID card, or alternative proof of residency. For alternative proof of residency, applicants can provide the forms of evidence established by the NM Higher Education Department.
Supervisor Track only (in addition to the above steps):
- University diploma or unofficial academic transcript showing that the applicant has completed a B.A./B.S. degree in a relevant field or is in good academic standing to receive one by end of academic year
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis while funding is still available. For the September course, applicants must submit application by September 15, 2025, 5 pm MDT.
More Information
Field Technician track breakdown
For more information on the program, please contact Patricia Depner, New Mexico Department of Agriculture at pdepner@nmda.nmsu.edu or 575-646-2642.