Want to dig without a degree? The Archaeological Institute of America's Archaeological Fieldwork Opportunities Bulletin lists dozens of volunteer gigs worldwide. Earthwatch offers similar programs, while paying dig experiences run thousands per month. The US National Park Service posts volunteer opportunities, sometimes with lodging. Local archaeological societies at city and state levels also recruit weekend volunteers, and museums often need collection helpers.
Ways laypeople can volunteer on archaeological excavations
Key facts
- The Archaeological Institute of America's Field Opportunities Bulletin lists dozens of volunteer opportunities worldwide
- Earthwatch offers volunteer archaeological opportunities
- Paying volunteer dig experiences cost thousands of dollars for a month
- The US National Park Service posts volunteer digs on its website and may provide lodging
- Museums and universities accept volunteers to maintain and curate collections
- Local archaeological societies exist at the city, county, and state levels and recruit weekend volunteers
Sources
Fieldwork Opportunitiesarchaeology.brown.edu
The AIA website has some great resources - check out the Archaeological Fieldwork Opportunities Bulletin (AFOB) and their extensive Fieldwork List.
2026 Fieldwork Opportunitiesasor.org
Are you a student or volunteer looking to join an ASOR-affiliated project for fieldwork? The projects below all have fieldwork planned for 2026.
Jobs, Training and Volunteer Bulletin | CIfAarchaeologists.net
Discover your next job or training opportunity with CIfA's Jobs, Training and Volunteer bulletin. Our weekly bulletin is the most comprehensive source for the ...
Fieldworkarchaeological.org
Search the Archaeological Fieldwork Opportunities Bulletin for an excavation, or let us bring the experience to you with an Interactive Dig.
Finding Fieldwork – UR Archaeologyblog.richmond.edu
Visit the Archaeological Institute of America's Archaeological Fieldwork Opportunities Bulletin (AFOB) to find current volunteer and field school positions ...
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