Veterans Curation Program
University of Arkansas Satellite lab
Our Program:
Where is the lab located?
The University of Arkansas satellite VCP lab is in the University of Arkansas Collections Facility, which is located at the University of Arkansas Biomass Research Center Building, Room 123. The program is not available online.
Do I have to be a student at University of Arkansas to apply to the program?
The University of Arkansas satellite lab only hires students who are currently enrolled, however, these students do not have to be enrolled at the University of Arkansas, they can be enrolled at one of the local community colleges or with another university online. All employees will follow UA’s employment policies and other university 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 University of Arkansas’ online job database: https://uasys.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/UASYS/job/Fayetteville/Veterans-Curation-Program-Laboratory-Technician–3-Positions-_R0000355-1 . The application can also be found on the VCP website: https://veteranscurationprogram.org/how-to-apply/.
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?
Yes, parking is available at the facility. No parking pass is required.
I am busy during the day; can I work overtime or weekend hours?
The University of Arkansas Museum 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, University of Arkansas. You will not be a federal employee while in this position.
How much is the pay?
The pay rate is set by the University of Arkansas, and can be viewed on the University of Arkansas’s online job database: https://jobs.uark.edu/.
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!