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Archaeologist

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Archaeologist

Archaeologist Career Details

Archaeologists study material remains left by people and societies from all periods of history. These include pottery, stone, wood and metal artifacts, buildings and environmental evidence such as animal bones, seeds and insect remains.

Typical archaeology tasks include:

  • identifying possible archaeology sites using a range of methods such as aerial photography, fieldwalking and surveying
  • taking part in archaeology excavations ('digs') usually as part of a team
  • recording finds and sites using photography, detailed notes and drawings
  • cleaning and conserving archaeology finds
  • identifying and classifying finds and using laboratory analysis and carbon dating
  • carrying out research
  • using computers to produce simulations of the way a site or artifact would have looked.
There are several specialisms within the role:
  • field archaeology - most of the time is spent planning digs and analysing finds, with a smaller proportion of time on the actual excavation
  • county and regional archaeology - checking planning applications and identifying the impact of development on archaeological sites
  • archaeological survey investigation - using a variety of survey work, including aerial photography
  • inspection - in order to preserve and protect important sites, buildings and monuments
  • museum work - displaying and looking after artifacts in a museum
  • industrial archaeology - preserving industrial artifacts and buildings
  • archaelogical conservation - cleaning, recording and investigating artifacts and materials in a laboratory, possibly working in a museum or university
  • teaching in universities, colleges or schools.
Most archaeologists specialise in a particular aspect of the subject.

Working Environment

Archaeologists normally work a 38 hour week, 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday. Those who work in museums may have to work weekends on a rota basis. When working on excavations, field archaeologists often work variable hours.

The workplace and working conditions are very varied. Archeologists may work inside in a museum or laboratory or outdoors carrying out excavation work.

Archaeologist Related Skills

As an archaeologist you should:
  • have an enquiring mind
  • be patient, methodical and able to pay attention to detail
  • have planning skills in terms of time, budgets and projects
  • be able to work to deadlines
  • have the perseverance to pursue research
  • have a working knowledge of computers
  • have good communication skills and the ability to write reports
  • be physically fit.

Archaeologist Career Opportunities

Further Career Information

If you would like to know more about a career as an Archaeologist related facts, statistics, articles and websites.

Career Steps

Not quite sure about a career as a Archaeologist? Try our step-by-step career guide to reaching your chosen career.

Career Courses

Not quite qualified to be a Archaeologist? Take a look at Postgraduate Archaeologist courses, Undergraduate Archaeologist courses, Adult learning Archaeologist courses, our course browses or use our search form and find courses which will help you on your chosen career path.