Introduction
There is more to archaeology than meets the eye - it's not just
people in dirty boots scratching delicately around some muddy hole
and unearthing trinkets and bits of buildings from a bygone
age. That's not to say that such activity isn't worthwhile in
itself. Many people get great pleasure from archaeological
digs, to say nothing of their historical value, whether they do it
for recreational or professional reasons or simply watch it on
television. Finding out more about our past is important
work. Archaeological posts exist in all types of authority
and are sometimes called by other names such as Heritage
Officer.
The primary aim of the job at local government level is to
protect the archaeological resources in the area in accordance with
the council's development policy. It entails protecting our
heritage, which is made up of physical remains that represent the
traces of past lives, from natural processes such as erosion and
developers who may not appreciate their responsibilities and who
might be at best thoughtless and at worst rapacious.
Work Environment
This encompasses both the office and outdoors especially on
redevelopment sites. Travel is necessary at local and regional
levels. Work usually goes on no matter what the weather and
there is a great deal of standing, kneeling and walking about
required. Protective clothing, hard hats and strong boots are
provided. The standard working week is 37 hours but there are
no anti-social shifts required.
Daily Activities
These are fairly constant and involve advising planners and
archaeological consultants, setting up projects, monitoring works
funded by private developers and assessment and field
evaluations. The overall aim is to determine which sites
require archaeological investigation. This entails preparing
briefs and specifications for the work and supervising the
outcome. Typically, the archaeologist will spend a lot of
time studying planning applications and negotiating with developers
and consultants: making sure about any potential risks to
archaeological remains and deciding whether or not fieldwork
assessment is necessary. They will then advise the planners
accordingly.
The long term objective is to preserve the material remains of
the past - castles, medieval houses, caves, Roman forts or even
prehistoric flint scatters, for example - either undisturbed (in
situ) or by careful recording during excavation. These
records are lodged in a database maintained by the authority called
the Sites and Monuments Record. People can then either read
about them or visit sites when they are made accessible. The
archaeologist's work will also often require information
management, through the maintenance and updating of the council
Sites and Monument Record, and may also involve contributing to the
direct management of archaeological sites. Archaeologists use
trowels and even pick-axes for excavation but that is normally done
by archaeological contractors whose work the local government
archaeologist monitors. For a large part of the time they
will be using a computer, having lots of discussion and negotiation
with planners, architects, developers, archaeological contractors
and consultants, demolition contractors, inspectors from the
national heritage agency (Cadw - Welsh Historic Monuments) and the
general public. They work on their own initiative guided by
the standards laid down by the Institute for Archaeologists and the
Association of Local Government Archaeological Officers.
Skills & Interests
To be good at this job you would need to have:
- patience;
- drawing, photographic and computer skills;
- good observation;
- knowledge of British archaeological remains and fieldwork
practices;
- knowledge of the planning process;
- practical ability;
- attention to detail;
- caring nature;
- interest in the environment;
- project management ability;
- a head for figures;
- the ability to get on with people from different
backgrounds;
- negotiating skills.
Entry Requirements
A first degree, usually in archaeology, is essential.
Practical experience of archaeological fieldwork (excavations and
survey) and project supervision is usually required. It is
expected that you will pursue continuing professional development
through membership of the Institute for Archaeologists.
Future Prospects & Opportunities
This is a fairly narrow and competitive field of work. There
are better promotion prospects for archaeological
contractors. You can progress by moving between departments
or councils or seek opportunities outside local authorities such as
universities or in the national heritage agencies, for
example.
After Chief Archaeologist the next post up in local government is
County Archaeologist.
Further Information & Services
Association of Local Government Archaeological Officers www.algao.org.uk
CADW www.cadw.wales.gov.uk
Council for British Archaeology www.britarch.ac.uk
Creative & Cultural Skills www.cciskills.org.uk
Institute for Archaeologists www.archaeologists.net
Royal Commission on the Ancient & Historical Monuments of
Wales www.rcahmw.gov.uk
You may find further information about this area of work through
Careers Wales (www.careerswales.com/) or
in your local library, careers office or school careers
library.