| Getting hired into an archaeology field position is the | | | | experience that is fairly common through most or all |
| dream of both archaeology students/recent graduates | | | | such positions in this branch of scientific inquiry. These |
| and longtime practitioners alike. The skills required to | | | | can be broken down neatly into the general categories |
| perform competent archaeological work are many. A | | | | of field work, lab work, and report writing. |
| degree of physical readiness, mental aptitude, and | | | | 1. Field work: This set of skills and experience includes |
| scientific curiosity are needed in equal measures if the | | | | the ability to make oneself available to collect data in |
| job is to be performed at a satisfactory level. | | | | the field. The ability to set up or maintain an excavation |
| People who choose the path of archaeological | | | | site and preserve findings for later analysis through the |
| science often joke amongst each other about the | | | | following of proper procedure is a must. GPS/GIS |
| limited prospects for finding gainful, steady employment. | | | | experience is also a bonus for some positions. |
| The fact is, though, that jobs in the field of archaeology | | | | 2. Lab work: Once you have collected your artifacts, |
| are widely available. Some of the open positions are | | | | you need to be able to manage artifact inventories |
| purely scientific and research-oriented in nature, while | | | | and of course to conduct a competent analysis of |
| others entail your preserving archaeologically-important | | | | your findings. Computer experience to aid in this |
| sites prior to industrial, residential or commercial | | | | analysis is also in high demand. |
| excavation and development of a particular site. | | | | 3. Report writing: You need to be able to communicate |
| If you are looking for archaeology field jobs, you can | | | | your findings to a wide audience using strong verbal |
| prepare yourself for becoming a successful hire for | | | | and written communication skills. Familiarity with |
| the type of position you always wanted with the | | | | comparative studies is also a bonus. |
| following information. | | | | For any or all of these elements of field work, the |
| Range of Possible Positions | | | | ability to manage people is sometimes also in required, |
| In the field of archaeology, there is a range of positions | | | | depending upon the position. |
| available. Some positions involve almost exclusively | | | | Required Education |
| doing field work, while others entail a good measure of | | | | Educational requirements will vary by position, but most |
| lab work and report writing, as well. Some positions are | | | | positions are looking for candidates who have |
| more managerial in nature, while others are not. The | | | | completed or are working toward a B.A. in |
| types of positions you are likely to see advertised | | | | archaeology or anthropology. Some, however, require |
| include artifact analyst, lab director, lab technician, | | | | or at least favor candidates with an M.A. or Ph.D. |
| project director, principal investigator, and program | | | | Benefits You Should Expect |
| manager. | | | | Archaeology positions can pay quite well for |
| While the job for which you get hired will depend in | | | | well-experienced workers. However, even entry-level |
| part upon your experience level in different areas, you | | | | positions can start at a not-too-shabby $12-$15/hour. |
| should apply for even those positions that may seem | | | | Many jobs' benefits packages include paid holidays, |
| just out of reach given your background. You may be | | | | medical, and dental plans. If your position includes field |
| surprised about whom a hiring committee will hire when | | | | work, often your employer will cover your lodging |
| they are in need of good people. And, be sure not to | | | | during the course of excavation jobs, as well as |
| underestimate those skills you do have, as they can | | | | transportation from your lodging to the field site each |
| compensate for those you lack in the eyes of your | | | | day for the duration of the job. |
| future employer. | | | | Working in the field of archaeology can be very |
| Required Experience | | | | rewarding. If you have the proper training and |
| There is no one-size-fits-all job description for | | | | background, you owe it to yourself to explore the |
| archaeological field work. Still, there is a set of skills and | | | | possibilities of getting a field work position. |