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Archeologists

An occupation in Arts and Humanities

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Job Description

Conduct research to reconstruct record of past human life and culture from human remains, artifacts, architectural features, and structures recovered through excavation, underwater recovery, or other means of discovery.


Interests

Investigative - Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.


Tasks

1. Write, present, and publish reports that record site history, methodology, and artifact analysis results, along with recommendations for conserving and interpreting findings.

2. Compare findings from one site with archeological data from other sites to find similarities or differences.

3. Research, survey, or assess sites of past societies and cultures in search of answers to specific research questions.

4. Study objects and structures recovered by excavation to identify, date, and authenticate them and to interpret their significance.

5. Develop and test theories concerning the origin and development of past cultures.

6. Consult site reports, existing artifacts, and topographic maps to identify archeological sites.

7. Create a grid of each site and draw and update maps of unit profiles, stratum surfaces, features, and findings.

8. Record the exact locations and conditions of artifacts uncovered in diggings or surveys, using drawings and photographs as necessary.

9. Assess archeological sites for resource management, development, or conservation purposes and recommend methods for site protection.

10. Describe artifacts' physical properties or attributes, such as the materials from which artifacts are made and their size, shape, function, and decoration.

11. Teach archeology at colleges and universities.


Skills

Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Science - Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.


Knowledge

History and Archeology - Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.

Sociology and Anthropology - Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures and their history and origins.

English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Geography - Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.

Education and Training - Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

Administration and Management - Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.


Education

Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed

Education: A bachelor's degree is the minimum formal education required for these occupations. However, many also require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).

Training: Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.


School Programs

The college search results are undergraduate programs associated with Archeologists. Further education may also be required to pursue this career.

The training search results include both short and long-term programs associated with Archeologists, and may be more appropriate for adult and non-traditional students. Further training may also be required to pursue this career.



Archeology. - A program that focuses on the systematic study of extinct societies, and the past of living societies, via the excavation, analysis and interpretation of their artifactual, human, and associated remains. Includes instruction in archeological theory, field methods, dating methods, conservation and museum studies, cultural and physical evolution, and the study of specific selected past cultures.


Wages

In US the average wage for this occupation was:

$41,060 for entry level workers, and $88,020 for experienced workers.


Job Outlook


Additional Resources

Archaeology for Kids - This program introduces students (ages of 9-13) to the science of archaeology. They learn important archaeological concepts through hands-on, interactive activities.

Museum Education Institute at the New York State Museum - The Institute introduces teachers to the Museum research process, with access to current research information, and encourages interaction with Museum research and collections staff. The teacher workshops are aligned with New York State Learning Standards and encourages hands-on and inquiry based training opportunities. Evolution,earth science and archaeology are upcoming themes.

Archaeological Perspective - If you're planning for the summer, think like an archaeologist! This year we will be digging up the remains of Vikings and Middle Kingdom Egyptians in two all-new scenarios designed specially for kids.The archaeology camp?s premise is that learning something relevant, useful, and meaningful, should be fun.The camps are held at a variety of locations in NYS.

Archaeological Perspective - Think like an archaeologist! Dig up the remains of Vikings and Middle Kingdom Egyptians in two all new scenarios designed specially for you. The camps are held at a variety of locations in NYS.

Social scientists, other - Visit this link for additional information on this career from the Occupational Outlook Handbook; a publication produced and maintained by the United States Department of Labor.


Similar Jobs

Park Naturalists - Plan, develop, and conduct programs to inform public of historical, natural, and scientific features of national, state, or local park.

Sociologists - Study human society and social behavior by examining the groups and social institutions that people form, as well as various social, religious, political, and business organizations. May study the behavior and interaction of groups, trace their origin and growth, and analyze the influence of group activities on individual members.

Anthropologists - Research, evaluate, and establish public policy concerning the origins of humans; their physical, social, linguistic, and cultural development; and their behavior, as well as the cultures, organizations, and institutions they have created.

Historians - Research, analyze, record, and interpret the past as recorded in sources, such as government and institutional records, newspapers and other periodicals, photographs, interviews, films, and unpublished manuscripts, such as personal diaries and letters.

Archivists - Appraise, edit, and direct safekeeping of permanent records and historically valuable documents. Participate in research activities based on archival materials.

Curators - Administer affairs of museum and conduct research programs. Direct instructional, research, and public service activities of institution.

Museum Technicians and Conservators - Prepare specimens, such as fossils, skeletal parts, lace, and textiles, for museum collection and exhibits. May restore documents or install, arrange, and exhibit materials.


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