Veterans Curation Program
Texas State University Satellite Lab
Our Program:
Where is the lab located?
The Texas State University satellite VCP lab is located in the Center for Archaeological Studies (CAS) on the Texas State University campus in San Marcos, Texas. The program is not available online.
Do I have to be a student at Texas State University to apply to the program?
Yes, the Texas State University satellite lab only hires students currently enrolled at the University. All employees will follow the University’s employment and other policies.
If I apply, will I get into the program?
Our application process is competitive and we are unable to accept everyone who applies to the program. The number of positions we have in each term is determined by the funding provided by Congress and the Corps of Engineers and varies from term to term. If you are not selected, we encourage you to reapply for the next session, but please understand that not everyone is an ideal candidate for the work that we do in the program.
Do I need to have experience in archaeology or archives?
No, this is an entry-level position, aimed to provide training in skills that can easily be transferred to other jobs and careers. We train to successfully use Microsoft Office, digital photography, document digitization, and formal report writing, among other varied skills.
How do you select candidates?
The application process is open to all veterans. However, per Public Law 114–189, which was signed into law by President Obama on July 6th, 2016, the VCP was created “to employ and train Iraq and Afghanistan veterans in archaeological processing.” Preference will be given to veterans that separated post-9/11, but veterans from previous eras will be considered if open positions remain.
The best candidates will be highly motivated to pursue their professional goals AND demonstrate a need for learning and honing the entry-level skills that are taught during this program.
How do I apply for the program?
When we are hiring, you can find an application through Texas State University’s online job database, Jobs4Cats: https://www.careerservices.txstate.edu/jobs4cats.html
Logistics:
How many hours per week can I work?
If selected, the number of hours each technician is permitted to work on a weekly basis will be determined at the beginning of employment. Technicians generally work a part-time schedule of 20 hours/week in order to accommodate class and personal schedules.
Do you provide transportation?
No, we do not provide transportation or assist with transportation costs. You are responsible for getting to the facility each day.
Is parking available at the facility?
If you are accepted into the program your parking options will depend on the type of parking permit purchased: https://www.parking.txstate.edu/students.html
I am busy during the day; can I work overtime or weekend hours?
The Center for Archaeological Studies lab is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday and is closed when the University closes. Weekly schedules can be negotiated within the lab’s open hours to fit class schedules or other part time work, as agreed upon with lab managers. No overtime work is permitted.
Will I receive per diem or be expected to travel?
No per diem will be issued. Technicians report to the lab facility daily. This position does not include travel or work outside of the lab.
Employment:
Will I be working for the federal government?
No, employment with the VCP is through the sub-contractor, Texas State University. You will not be a federal employee while in this position.
How much is the pay?
Our pay rate is hourly and competitive. The rate of pay varies according to the city in which the lab is located. When the satellite VCP lab at CAS is hiring, the pay rate is included with the application on Texas State University’s online job database, Jobs4Cats: https://www.careerservices.txstate.edu/jobs4cats.html
Do you use my GI Bill?
No, this is not an internship or formal training program. We do not use your GI Bill. This program is set up like a normal, paid job with on-the-job training.
Do I have to want to get a job in this field?
You do not need to be seeking a career in archaeology or archives. In fact, the majority of our technicians do not look for positions within these fields.
The VCP program has had technicians start careers in everything ranging from entrepreneurship, to dental hygiene, to IT. We just ask that you are open to learning more about archaeology and archives and preserving the past!
Can I participate in the program more than once?
Due to our training structure, you cannot repeat the program. The skills we teach are intended to be transferable to other jobs and we would love to be able to give as many veterans as possible the opportunity to learn these skills.
Will I be placed in a job at the end of the term?
While we will assist you in finding a job, we do not directly place technicians in jobs. Technicians will have a limited amount of paid Professional Growth and Development time to use while working in the lab to develop their career goals. Staff can help with editing resumes, writing cover letters, conducting internet-based job searches, research towards finding additional educational resources, and much more!
What if I get a job in the middle of the program?
That’s great! We want to see you succeed and are happy to work with you to transition from the VCP to your new career!