Archeologist Job Description: Duties, Education, Training and Certification Requirements, Job Outlook and Salary
Submitted by: Gypsy Santiago
Job Overview: An archeologist is someone who studies prehistoric people and their culture. Their work involves understanding artifacts, recording details of artifacts and important sites, keeping these finds safe, performing extensive research and deciding which sites can be excavated to make new discoveries. These scientists are also responsible for presenting discoveries to museums and other scientists and have extensive knowledge in geographical information systems, computer-aided design and other technical programs used in recording artifacts and site discoveries.
Education, Training and Knowledge Requirements: An archeologist must possess a bachelor’s degree in archeology and advanced practical skills in modern languages, arts, architecture, ancient history and languages, as well as all aspects of archeology, including methods and principles. Teaching archeology or working with large companies will require a doctorate degree in archeology.
Skills & Abilities: They must be highly analytical, inquisitive, detail-oriented and extremely knowledgeable in government laws and regulations about archeology, history, mathematics and statistics. He/she should also possess effective written and verbal communication skills, solid interpersonal and leadership skills; and good presentation skills, among others.
Duties: Tasks vary largely depending on seniority, but these scientists are generally responsible for cleaning, restoring or preserving artifacts; collecting artifacts made of metal, bone, stone or other materials and ensuring proper identification; comparing findings from other sites; consulting existing artifacts, reports or other factors in identifying archeological sites; creating artifact typologies; providing in-depth descriptions of artifacts; developing and testing theories about the origin or development of past cultures; recording locations as well as conditions of artifacts uncovered; researching and assessing sites of ancient cultures to answer various research questions.
Archeologists
are also experienced in studying structures and objects during and after excavation; writing, presenting and publishing reports about discovered artifacts or sites; interpreting significance of discovered items to ancient or modern history; leading field training sites; assessing archeological sites for development, conservation or resource management purposes and recommending ways to protect sites. Some scientists teach in universities and colleges, while others train staff.
Earnings & Job Outlook: Archeologists land work in universities, museums, government agencies, or engineering companies, while others prefer to become private consultants. The job growth in archeology is expected to increase by ten percent through 2015, particularly in industries like scientific, technical or management consulting services. Salary may begin at $30,000 per year and earn up to $42,000 after 3-5 years of field experience. Those with extensive experience can earn up to $100,000 annually.
Gypsy Santiago is a professional resume writer and career search strategy/career branding coach with years of experience in assisting job seekers prepare for the job market. She helps create career-targeted resumes, provides useful tips about career transition, offers future career ideas and guide jobseekers about effective job search techniques.
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Word Count: 430 Date: Sat, 7 Aug 2010 Time: 11:58 PM
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