Archaeologist
Archaeologists examine ancient sites and objects to learn about the past. They may specialise in particular geographical areas, historical periods, or types of object, such as pottery, coins or bones.
Excavations, commonly called 'digs', are only part of an archaeologist’s work, which also includes recording, analysing and interpreting archaeological remains. Archaeologists are also involved in the preservation and conservation of artefacts, historic sites and monuments, curating, publicising and displaying artefacts and carrying out research and educational work.
Depending on the archaeologist's specialist area, typical work activities include:
Although this is a career open to all graduates, a degree/HND in one of the following subjects would be useful:
Archaeology is a broad subject linking with many others, such as geography, history and social sciences, and there are some specialisms where a science degree such as biology, botany, medicine, geology, or environmental science may be more appropriate than a purely archaeological qualification.
A qualification in computing may also be useful because of the recent expansion in computer applications in archaeology. Knowledge of computer-aided design (CAD) and geographical information systems (GIS) is very beneficial.
Entry without a degree is possible. A few institutions offer foundation degrees and, at a lower entry level, paid or volunteer archaeologists can work towards a Level 3 or 4 NVQ in archaeological practice.
A postgraduate conversion course or a qualification in an archaeological specialism may be helpful if a specialist skill or knowledge, such as human or animal bone analysis, is required. Specialist postgraduate courses are available in a wide variety of subjects, and may be particularly useful for those wanting to specialise and pursue an academic career. A list of courses is available from British Archaeological Jobs and Resources (BAJR) .
Archaeologists need to demonstrate evidence of the following:
A driving licence is usually required, and being physically fit is also important in many posts as a lot of the work may be outdoors in potentially demanding environments.
Pre-entry work experience, above and beyond the compulsory field-work experience involved in undergraduate study, will demonstrate your commitment and genuine interest. Volunteering is the best way to gain this experience and the majority of volunteers start as diggers, who must be enthusiastic and flexible.
It can be beneficial to attend training events run by specialist bodies such as the Institute of Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC) and The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB) . Many are open to non-members and can provide networking opportunities for potential entrants.
Not all new positions are advertised, and it is still common for jobs to be filled through speculative applications and word of mouth, especially with small organisations or in the voluntary sector.
Try to develop contacts, possibly through work experience, your academic department, personal contacts and local representatives of professional bodies and associations. Join one of the professional bodies, which usually offer free student membership, for access to professional journals and information about vacancies.
For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.
Training for archaeologists usually takes place on the job, but it is essential to keep abreast of research and scientific breakthroughs through training and continuous professional development (CPD). Attending internal and external training courses, relevant seminars and conferences is an effective way of keeping up to date with current issues and refreshing knowledge.
There are a number of short, specialised courses for those who wish to develop their knowledge, and these provide opportunities for professionals to further their career in new areas. These courses are run by organisations such as English Heritage and by academic institutions.
The Institute for Archaeologists (IfA) has an NVQ qualification in Archaeological Practice, a vocational course for those in work. A number of short courses are available through external organisations such as the Oxford University Department for Continuing Education . A postgraduate qualification in a vocational subject such as heritage management may be of benefit to career development.
For a list of courses or a large resource of guides and manuals, look on the website of the British Archaeological Jobs and Resources (BAJR) or the Council for British Archaeology (CBA) .
A typical career path may entail two years as a digger, several as a site supervisor and then progression to a project management or managerial role.
Becoming a Member of the Institute for Archaeologists (IFA) and undertaking agreed levels of continuing professional development (CPD) is a key part of career development, and will enable progression to more senior posts. The IFA aims to help professional development within the field and maintains a register of organisations committed to meeting the IFA Quality Assurance Scheme for Archaeologists.
In the private sector, where contracts may be short and temporary, career progression can be limited, but the public sector may offer greater opportunities for career development, with local authorities having well-established promotion routes to more senior posts, which may include becoming managing a team of cross-functional conservation professionals, including surveyors, heritage managers and building control officers. Find out more from the Association of Local Government Archaeological Officers (ALGAO) .
A career in archaeology rarely follows a structured format, and as it is a small profession, competition for promotion can be fierce. Gaining specialist skills may help provide access to opportunities in other areas such as conservation, or archaeological sciences.
One of the biggest growth areas in recent years has been rescue archaeology - private contractors employ diggers, site supervisors, researchers and others in advance of building or development work.
There are opportunities to move into lecturing in universities or into academic research posts, although a postgraduate research degree or a proven publications record may be necessary.
Another career development opportunity is to move into writing, either updating academic study material to reflect new technology and findings, or publishing books or journals about archaeological experiences in the field.
Archaeologists can find employment in:
Although the profession is growing, there are generally speaking many more qualified applicants than there are jobs, so many archaeologists combine traditional archaeological work with a teaching or research post; a number of colleges and universities offer such opportunities.
There are new opportunities in the construction industry, working for a specialist historic building contractor, or for a private developer carrying out rescue archaeology in advance of building or development work. Archaeological societies or organisations such as the Council for British Archaeology (CBA) and the Institute for Archaeologists (IfA) also offer employment opportunities.
Employment can also be found with various charities, the most well known being National Trust , but there are also amenity societies such as the Victorian Society and The Georgian Group , which are national charities dedicated to specific types of buildings. Such organisations tend to be very small and are run mainly by volunteers, but they may employ a limited number of archaeologists or building conservation specialists.
Networking is an invaluable way of finding out about openings. Try Online Archaeology for making contacts.
For volunteering opportunities, try Archaeo-Volunteers and Past Horizons .
Get tips on job hunting, CVs and covering letters and interviews.
Tweet