This track is designed to provide entry-level training in basic archaeological skills and no previous experience is required. Upon completion of course, successful participants will have the practical skills and experience needed to work as a technician on a field crew for an archaeological survey.
Three-Part Course Design
| Online Course 2 Weeks, Part-Time |
New Mexico Office of Archaeological Studies will provide a 2-week course to prepare participants for field work. The course will include approximately 20 hours total of self-paced recorded content and live weekly check-ins. Curriculum will include:
|
| Field Training 3 Days, Full-Time |
New Mexico Office of Archaeological Studies will provide 3-day, in-person field training on basic skills at locations across New Mexico. |
| Field Experience 3 Weeks, Full-Time |
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
Courses will be offered on a monthly basis, subject to change based on logistics and enrollment.
| 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 permanent New Mexico resident.
- No previous education or experience is required.
- 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.
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis while funding is still available. For the September course, applicants must submit applications by September 15, 2025, 5 pm MDT.
For more information please contact Patricia Depner, New Mexico Department of Agriculutre, at pdepner@nmda.nmsu.edu or 575-646-2642.