Antonio J. Waring, Jr. Archaeological Laboratory
Why Volunteer
The Lewis H. Larson, Jr. Volunteer Program is a very active program. Volunteers work along-side the professional staff and faculty in the Anthropology Department and the Waring Laboratory on a wide range of projects that providing hands-on experience. Volunteers can work with Physical Anthropology, Cultural Anthropology, Anthropological Archaeology, BAFAL Laboratory, and in multiple facets of the Waring Laboratory. If you are interested in anthropology, like to organize, teach, work with computers, and meet new people, then volunteering might be for you! Volunteers at the Waring Laboratory handle real artifacts from sites across the Southeastern United States. Volunteers are also eligible to take various practical workshops, provided through the Larson Volunteer Program, to teach methods of Curation and Excavation. Additionally, the Lewis H. Larson, Jr. Medal Reward Program offers incentives and allows the staff to thank volunteers for their work invested.
Who Can Volunteer
The Larson Volunteer Program is divided into Junior Volunteer (ages 10-17) and Senior Volunteer(ages 18-up). Volunteers can be students (secondary education or college students) and members of the local community. Whether you are still in school, in college, or just seeking a chance to further develop your skills, volunteering might be for you.
Requirements to Volunteer
Have an interest in anthropology, archaeology, education, forensics, and the sciences. - Be at least 10 years old. Ages 10-17 qualify as Junior Volunteers, and Age 18-up qualifies as Senior Volunters.
- Be able to work during normal operating hours.
- Have reliable transportation.
- Be able to work a minimum of 2 hrs/week for most positions (preferred) or 5 hrs/month.
- Must work 5 hrs/month to remain active and some of the work may be done at home.
Steps to Becoming a Volunteer
- Read the Volunteer Policy and Procedure Manual and complete the Application attached at the end of the document. Note: Junior Volunteers must have their parent/legal guardian sign the application.
- Bring in or mail the completed Application to: Volunteer Program, Antonio J. Waring, Jr. Archaeological Laboratory, University of West Georgia, Carrollton, GA 30118.
- The Applicant will be contacted by the Curator of Collections to schedule an interview. Appointments are made for Fridays. The interview is required to clarify the application, discuss expectations, and identify potential areas to volunteer.
- Volunteers are chosen based on experience and need of the supervisor. If hired, the applicant and the immediate supervisor will develop a written or oral contract of work.
- All volunteers, regardless of assignments, must complete Block I (Orientation) as part of the interview process and before being allowed to start. Block I training includes a tour of the Waring Laboratory, the Anthropology Building, and BAFAL.
- Block II training is required before beginning your project and is used to help you learn immediate available resources. Block II training may be amended, as required by position needs.
- Senior Volunteers at the Waring Laboratory must complete Quiz 1-9 of Managing Archeological Collections: Technical Assistance (National Park Service) with scores of 80% or better and have read the Training Packet.
Current Volunteer Opportunities
Click here to view current job openings for volunteers.