What Does an Archaeologist Do and How Do You Become One?

Becoming an archaeologist typically requires a relevant university degree or a specialized apprenticeship, leading to a career focused on excavating, analyzing, and preserving historical sites and artifacts. This field offers diverse specializations but often involves temporary contracts, physical outdoor work, and a strong emphasis on research and detail-oriented skills.

What is a Career in Archaeology Like?

A career in archaeology is dedicated to studying past human cultures through their material remains. Far from just excavation, the role is multidisciplinary, involving surveying, laboratory analysis, and public education. The work is often divided into several key areas. Commercial archaeology involves working for development companies to ensure construction projects comply with preservation laws, with project timelines and budgets often set by the client. Research archaeology consists of long-term survey or excavation projects, typically funded by universities or grants, which can last for months or years. Public archaeology focuses on making archaeological findings accessible to the public, often through museums or heritage organizations funded by public money. Finally, specialist archaeology involves focusing on a specific niche, such as a particular historical period, geographical region, or type of artifact, like pottery or human remains.

What Are the Key Responsibilities of an Archaeologist?

An archaeologist's duties are extensive and vary with seniority and specialization. A standard set of responsibilities, based on industry standards, includes:

• Site Identification & Survey: Using techniques like aerial photography and Geographic Information Systems (GIS)—a framework for gathering and analyzing geographic data—to locate potential dig sites.
• Excavation & Team Management: Leading or participating in digs, which involves meticulous digging and careful supervision of team members.
• Recording & Analysis: Documenting finds through detailed notes, drawings, and photography, followed by cleaning, identifying, and analyzing artifacts in a lab. This can include scientific dating methods like carbon-dating.
• Preservation & Reporting: Ensuring the protection of sites, writing detailed reports, and advising on the conservation of archaeological remains.
• Public Engagement: Giving talks and presentations to share discoveries with the community and academic peers.

How Can You Become an Archaeologist?

There are two primary pathways to enter the profession: university education or an apprenticeship.

Pathway 1: University Education This is the most common route.

1. Earn an Undergraduate Degree: A bachelor's degree in Archaeology or a closely related field like Anthropology, Ancient History, or Heritage Management is the standard first step. Gaining skills in GIS or computer-aided design (CAD) during this time is highly beneficial.
2. Pursue a Postgraduate Qualification: For roles in academia, research, or high-level specialization, a master's degree or PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) is often required. This allows you to focus on areas like artefact studies or public archaeology.

Pathway 2: Apprenticeship This route emphasizes on-the-job training.

1. Archaeological Technician (Level 3) Apprenticeship: This entry-level program typically lasts 12 months and involves supporting excavations and post-excavation analysis.
2. Archaeological Specialist (Level 7) Degree Apprenticeship: Equivalent to a master's degree, this 36-month program combines university study with work experience, focusing on planning and leading archaeological investigations.

What Skills and Personal Attributes Are Needed for a Career in Archaeology?

Success in this field relies on a specific blend of hard and soft skills. Essential attributes include:

• Analytical Thinking: The ability to interpret fragmented evidence and solve historical puzzles.
• Meticulous Attention to Detail: Crucial for accurate recording and analysis of fragile artifacts.
• Patience and Persistence: Excavation and research can be slow processes with no guaranteed finds.
• Physical Fitness and Stamina: Fieldwork is physically demanding, often involving long hours in various weather conditions.
• Strong Communication Skills: Necessary for writing reports, publishing papers, and engaging with the public.
• Teamwork and Interpersonal Skills: Archaeologists almost always work as part of a diverse team.

Based on our assessment experience, developing these skills is critical for long-term career progression in archaeology.

What is the Typical Work Environment and Job Outlook?

Prospective archaeologists should be prepared for a non-traditional work setting. Much of the work is project-based, leading to a prevalence of temporary contracts rather than permanent positions, especially early in one's career. Work can be located anywhere in the world, from arctic conditions to tropical rainforests, and requires a significant amount of time outdoors. Employment opportunities exist with national heritage agencies, local governments, museums, universities, and private archaeological contractors.

To build a sustainable career in archaeology, aspiring professionals should focus on gaining diverse field experience, networking within the industry, and considering specialization to enhance their employability.