Archaeologist

Archaeologists learn about the past by studying material remains, which could be anything from fragments of bone to gold coins or even entire buried cities. Although excavations, or 'digs', are the most visible and best known part of their work, archaeologists spend much more time planning digs and analysing and recording finds than they do actually digging in the ground.

They may search ploughed fields for artefacts such as pieces of pottery or ancient coins, take aerial photographs to show up bumps or depressions in the ground characteristic of ancient settlements, or undertake laboratory tests, such as radio carbon dating.

Some archaeologists use computers to create films, simulations and virtual reality, interpreting and displaying their finds in museums. Others are concerned with conservation, with recording and analysing historic sites and monuments, or teaching in universities, colleges or schools. Interpretation and dissemination are as important as excavation and may take up much of the archaeologist's time.

Entry level
Archaeologists usually need a degree, and you will find that some 90% of the profession are graduates. Although many professional archaeologists have degrees in archaeology, some have degrees in related subjects such as geography or biology.

A postgraduate conversion course in archaeology might be helpful, or a specialist postgraduate course in such subjects as: industrial archaeology, prehistoric archaeology, aerial photography, biomedical and forensic Egyptology, conservation of historic objects, numismatic studies, archaeological heritage management and so on.

Pre-entry work experience, above and beyond the fieldwork experience gained through your degree, will show commitment and a genuine interest in becoming a professional archaeologist. This experience is most likely to be gained through voluntary work. The Council for British Archaeology can normally help you arrange this.

Making the grade
Only a small proportion of people who study archaeology make a long-term career in the profession. It can be difficult to get established in this field, and your early years are likely to involve a series of short-term contracts.

Training tends to be through short, specialist courses relevant to the particular job. The Institute of Field Archaeologists is currently developing a process of personal development planning, while the British Archaeological Jobs Resource has a large resource of guides and manuals for several aspects of archaeology, including osteology, fieldwalking, building recording and geophysics.

Personal qualities
As an archaeologist, you should have a passionate interest in your subject, something you can demonstrate from an early age by membership of, for example, a Young Archaeologists' Club.

You would need a reasonable level of physical fitness for excavations, while writing up your finds would require attention to detail and considerable mastery of your material. You must be methodical and very well organised, and capable of handling delicate objects with care.

Ongoing research and scientific breakthroughs mean that you must keep up to date with more than just your own specialist area.

Looking ahead
Around 40 per cent of archaeologists work for commercial organisations which carry out field investigation and research. These organisations are often small, employing fewer than ten staff. Archaeologists are also employed by national bodies such as English Heritage, Historic Scotland, CADW in Wales, the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland, the National Trust and national parks.

Other employers include local authorities, museums, universities and other educational institutions.

Career development can be very slow, leading many archaeologists to stay in the profession for four to five years after graduating, before leaving to seek a higher salary elsewhere. A career in archaeology rarely follows a defined promotional ladder; it is more usual to take and make opportunities as they arise.

If you are suitably persistent, a typical career path might involve two years as a digger, and five to ten years as a site supervisor, followed by a move into project managing a unit or into a development control post in a local authority. The director of a unit might stay in the same post for 25 years. The lack of staff turnover can lead to bottlenecks at both project manager and director levels.

The biggest growth area in the recent past has been in rescue archaeology in advance of building work, whereby private contractors employ diggers, site supervisors, researchers, specialists and others. The developer is responsible for the costs and timings of any excavation and post-excavation work. Research sites may be excavated over months or years, depending on funding.

Alternative suggestions
You might also consider working as an archivist, conservation officer/restorer, higher education lecturer or museum/art gallery curator.

Take-home pay
Salaries in archaeology tend to be low, ranging from around £13,000 to £13,700 for a digger; and £13,700 to £15,500 for an assistant site supervisor.

Salaries at more senior levels depend very much upon the post held and the employer. University academics or those working for English Heritage tend to command the highest pay.

The Institute of Field Archaeologists carried out a salary survey in 2003, showing an average salary for archaeologists of £19,161. This compares to a national average full-time salary for all occupations at the same time of £24,498.

Effects
Some archaeologists work standard office hours, Monday to Friday. On excavations, hours are more variable. Part-time work is possible. The workplace and working conditions are very varied: some archaeologists work indoors, in comfortable conditions, but excavations frequently involve working outdoors in all weathers. Excavating can involve kneeling and working in cramped, muddy conditions and requires the use of protective clothing. Excavation work may involve spending considerable periods of time away from home.

As your career progresses, you are likely to spend more time indoors. Temporary contracts are common, with the average length of a temporary contract being ten months.

Sources of information
Council for British Archaeology: www.britarch.ac.uk
Council for Scottish Archaeology: www.britarch.ac.uk/csa
Training Online Resource Centre for Archaeology: www.torc.org.uk/
Institute of Field Archaeologists: www.archaeologists.net
Museums Association: www.museumsassociation.org

CRCI: K