Archaeologist

Archaeologist job description: Typical employers | Qualifications and training | Key skills | Useful links | Find jobs and courses

Archaeologists study past human activity by excavating, dating and interpreting objects and sites of historical interest. They implement excavation projects at historical sites and collect data that informs understanding of the past.

Major responsibilities of the job include:

• locating suitable excavation sites, including the use of geophysical surveys and aerial photography
• planning surveys and excavations
• examining, documenting and preserving artefacts
• producing, compiling and maintaining written, photographic and drawn records and electronic databases
• supervising and guiding staff
• collecting, analysing and interpreting data
• writing reports, papers and other articles for publication
• dating and interpreting finds
• mathematical, statistical and computational modelling
• assessing planning applications for building developers.

Excavations and job vacancies are advertised in bulletins from the Institute for Archaeologists, national newspapers and specialist publications such as Current Archaeology or those provided or promoted by the Council for British Archaeology. The British Archaeological Yearbook is a useful source of information for networking and speculative applications, which are essential. Vacancies for volunteers are advertised in a range of sources including CBA Briefings and the Fieldwork Opportunities Bulletin.

Although archaeological field work usually takes place in teams, it is possible to work on a self-employed basis. Opportunities for national and international travel may arise through different dig locations, consultancy work with international development organisations, or through attendance of professional conferences.

Typical employers of archaeologists

• local authorities
• national organisations such as English Heritage, National Trust, Historic Scotland and Cadw (the historic environment service of the Welsh Assembly)
• museums
• professional and commercial developers
• university archaeological units
• archaeological trusts.

Some archaeologists work on a freelance basis. While the job is physically tiring and involves long periods of time working outdoors in all kinds of weather, most archaeologists are passionate about their work and enjoy the thrill of discovering more about past civilisations.

Archaeologists may work in many different roles and specialisations according to practical expertise or particular periods of the past. These specialisations may in turn allow archaeologists to work in other fields, such as forensic investigation of modern crimes or climate change research. Many teaching opportunities are also available, as local archaeological groups become increasingly popular and require training in professional techniques.

Qualifications and training required

While academic qualifications are not always essential, most paid employees have an archaeology degree. For careers in academia, a first class honours degree is often necessary due to the fierce level of competition, as well as subsequent postgraduate study of a high standard.

Graduates from other degree disciplines will need to obtain a relevant postgraduate qualification, although qualifications in scientific and engineering subjects may be useful in laboratory analysis or reconstruction and restoration projects. Previous study in historical subjects may help interpretation of objects and planning of excavations, while knowledge of modern or historical languages, such as Latin or ancient Greek, may be useful in finds interpretation or when collaborating with foreign colleagues.

Whatever the role, archaeological experience is essential. Organised training excavations and field schools can offer excellent structured training programmes and practical experience, but bear in mind that a fee may be charged for accommodation, food and tuition. A wealth of alternative opportunities also exist on a local, national and international scale; details can be found in specialist publications and on relevant websites.

Membership of professional archaeological bodies can be useful in demonstrating commitment as well expertise; certain bodies require a minimum level of continuing professional development (CPD) in order to maintain membership. Student memberships are also available, and may be beneficial in allowing access to research centres and publications, as well as providing prizes and scholarships for research at numerous levels.

Key skills for archaeologists

Work on excavations can be physically demanding; it benefits you to have a good level of fitness, as well as patience and enthusiasm. In addition, the following attriubutes are valued by archaeologists and their employers:

• meticulous attention to detail
• written communication skills
• accurate recording and reporting skills, including writing, drawing and photography skills
• an inquisitive mind
• ability to extract and analyse data
• presentation skills
• good IT skills
• driving licence
• good time management
• flexibility in terms of location
• team working
• Tetanus vaccination.