Archaeologist

Archaeologists study sites and objects to learn about the past.

There are several specialisms: field archaeology; industrial archaeology; archaeological conservation; teaching; county and regional archaeology; archaeological survey investigation; inspection; and museum work.

They often specialise in a particular geographical area, period of history or type of artefact, such as pottery.

Depending on specialist area, the work of an archaeologist could include: identifying possible sites using methods such as aerial photography, field-walking and surveying; taking part in excavations ('digs'), usually as part of a team; recording finds and sites using photography, detailed notes and drawings; cleaning and preserving finds;

Other duties include:  identifying and classifying finds; using laboratory analysis and carbon dating; carrying out research; and using computers to produce simulations of the way a site or artefact would have looked.

Many also write about their work for publication in books and journals.

Starting salaries for excavators and site assistants can be between £13,700 to £15,500 a year.

Salaries for experienced archaeologists depend on the post held and the employer.

University academics and archaeologists working for national bodies such as English Heritage tend to command the highest pay, with contractors and consultants earning less.

Most professional archaeologists have a degree, BTEC HND or foundation degree.

You can do general degree courses in archaeology, as well as those specialising in different aspects of the work, such as conservation, environmental archaeology, human evolution, nautical archaeology and archaeological science.

 

As competition for jobs is strong, it is useful to gain some practical experience. Local and regional archaeological associations often have a programme of field activities that you could get involved in.

See the Council for British Archaeology (CBA) for details of volunteering opportunities.