Nicholas Wiggins
Archaeologist · Educator · Science Communicator
Brisbane, QLD
Skills
- Field survey
- Excavation
- Lithic Identification
- Skeletal Analysis
- Geomorphology
- Total Station
- GIS (R, QGIS, ArcGIS)
- Data Analysis
- Data Management
- Text Analysis
- Coding (R, Python, HTML)
- Photogrammetry
- Consulting
- Teaching and Training
- Analytical Writing
- Research
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Legislative Understanding
- Field survey
- Excavation
- Lithic Identification
- Skeletal Analysis
- Geomorphology
- Total Station
- GIS (R, QGIS, ArcGIS)
- Data Analysis
- Data Management
- Consulting
- Teaching and Training
- Analytical Writing
- Research
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Legislative Understanding
- Text Analysis
- Coding (R, Python, HTML)
- Photogrammetry
Fieldwork Experience
Field Archaeologist and GIS Technician
April 2025 - Present
- Conducting archaeological surveys, site inspections, and cultural heritage assessments across diverse landscapes
- Utilising GIS, LiDAR, aerial imagery, and historical mapping to identify and assess heritage sites
- Producing maps, spatial analyses, and cartographic products for heritage and environmental projects
- Preparing technical reports, site records, and compliance documentation in accordance with heritage legislation
- Collaborating with Traditional Owners, government agencies, and multidisciplinary project teams
- Recording, analysing, and interpreting archaeological sites, artefacts, and cultural heritage values
Excavation and Survey Member
April 2012, July 2014, July 2016
Paleontological Excavation and Survey
- Palaeontological fieldwork in open and cave environments in regional and remote parts of Queensland
- Site survey design, excavation, geomorphological interpretation, use of OSL tubes, skeletal identification, and fossil preparation
Archaeologist and GIS Technician
December 2015 to March 2016
École Française d'Extrême-Orient (EFEO)
- Planning and leading field surveys and excavations
- Led training sessions and developed technical documentation for local Cambodian colleagues
- Utilising LiDAR and past research to plan fieldwork, create maps, and analyse landscapes
- Created detailed reports for our varied stakeholders in accordance with heritage policy
- Independently identifying and recording ceramics, boundaries, and significance of archaeological sites
Archaeologist
December 2013 to February 2014
University of Sydney's Greater Angkor Project
- Supervising, surveying, and excavating archaeological sites in the Great Angkor area
- Created site plans and section drawings
- Linked Total Station measurements with LiDAR datasets
- Identifying, cataloguing, and storing ceramic, wood, bone, and metal artefacts
Trainee Field Archaeologist
July to August 2011
Malawi Early-Middle Stone Age Project (MEMSAP)
- Fieldwork, desktop assessment, and reporting on African stoneage sites
- Conducted survey, excavation, and artefact recovery
- Implemented more efficient data editing processes
Additional Experience
Technology Trainer
June 2016 to May 2026
UQ Library
- Consulting with and training scholars in new software and emerging technologies
- Specialising in GIS, photogrammetry, 3D modelling, text analysis, data analysis, and data visualization
- Creating and delivering educational content for audiences ranging from university researchers to school students
- Technical consultation for research projects with UQ researchers
- Designed a whale skeleton using photogrammetry for the Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation (QYAC) and the Queensland Museum
- First aid officer, active engagement in relevant policy discussions
Manager, Technology Training
October 2023 to March 2024
UQ Library
- Led the software training and accessibility teams
- Engaged with university stakeholders to improve policy and the delivery of student experience projects
- Improved process documentation for internal and external use
- Managed and supported a team of four
- Project management for the Library Orientation Week Project
Research Technician
August 2016 to October 2023
UQ Library
- Data entry and database design improvement for historical data
- Navigating large volumes of Indigenous documents with text analysis software
- Technical support and facilitation of volunteer workshops for website content creation
- Ensuring project requirements were being met
- Facilitating understanding between historically minded and technologically minded parties.
Assistant Manager, Digital Capability Support
June 2021 to May 2022
UQ Library
- Coordinating basic and advanced IT support
- Ensured that Library IT services were appropriate, seamless, and enhanced the student experience
- Recruitment, development, and training of IT staff
- Created a comprehensive knowledge base to deliver high quality knowledge centred service
- Provided robust reports and feedback to Library management.
Education
BSc (Hons) - Geology – First Class
University of Queensland
2014 to 2015
St Lucia
BA/BSc - Archaeology/Ecology – GPA: 6
University of Queensland
2010 to 2013
St Lucia
Cert III in Information Technology
Sunshine Coast TAFE
2007 to 2009
Maroochydore
Tutoring Experience
GIS Tutor
UQ School of Earth and Environmental Sciences
February 2017 to June 2017
ITAS Tutor (Indigenous Tutorial Assistance Scheme)
University of Queensland Earth Sciences
August 2013 to November 2013
Palaeobiology Tutor
University of Queensland Earth Sciences
July 2015 - November 2015
Extracurricular Activity
Coding Community Coordinator and Presenter
UQ I User Group
May 2022 to May 2024
GIS Community Treasurer and Coordinator
GeoSpatial Share
May 2022 to May 2024
Conference Organiser and Presenter
ResBazQLD 2023
March 2023 to November 2023
Conference Organiser and Web Designer
Computer Applications in Archaeology Conference
May 2012 to June 2013