How to Be Archeologist - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Apr 12, 2022 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The advancements in archeology have had a drastic effect on our understanding of the past. With the development of new technologies such as GIS mapping and 3D imaging, archeologists have been able to uncover previously inaccessible sites, uncovering ancient artifacts and uncovering more information about ancient cultures. the advent of carbon dating has enabled archeologists to accurately date artifacts and determine their age and place in history.

This has been instrumental in piecing together the history of our planet and understanding how different societies interacted with each other in the past. Furthermore, the use of modern scientific techniques such as DNA analysis has enabled archeologists to better understand the cultural practices of ancient people and gain insight into their lifestyle. All of these developments have enabled us to get a better understanding of our past and have made us more knowledgeable about the world around us.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a Bachelor's Degree. To become an archeologist, you will need to obtain a bachelor's degree in archeology or a related field such as anthropology, history, or geology. During your studies, you will learn about archeological methods and techniques, anthropological theory, and research methods.
Gain Practical Experience. You can gain practical experience through internships and field schools. Internships provide the opportunity to work under the guidance of experienced professionals in the field and to gain hands-on experience in areas such as excavations, artifact analysis, and report writing.
Pursue Further Education. Depending on the type of archeology you want to pursue, you may need to pursue further education. For instance, if you want to specialize in underwater archeology, you may need to obtain a Master's degree in marine archeology.
Obtain Certification. It is recommended that you obtain certification in archeology to demonstrate your skills and qualifications. You can obtain certification through the Register of Professional Archeologists or The Society for American Archeology.
Get a Job. Once you have obtained the necessary qualifications and experience, you can start looking for a job as an archeologist. There are jobs available in museums, government agencies, universities, and consulting firms.

The importance of staying ahead and qualified as an archeologist cannot be overstated. Professional development, such as attending conferences and taking courses, is essential to stay abreast of new techniques, technologies, and research. staying active in the field through field work and volunteer opportunities increases practical knowledge and skills, making you a more competitive candidate for positions.

Finally, keeping up with professional organizations and reading relevant literature helps to stay current in the field. All of these efforts can provide you with the qualifications to stay ahead of the competition and reach your career goals.

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Job Description

Excavate archaeological sites to uncover artifacts, remains, and other evidence of past cultures.
Analyze artifacts and other evidence to determine the origin and cultural significance.
Research historical records to identify potential archaeological sites and determine appropriate methods of investigation.
Supervise a team of assistants in the field, including directing them to excavate and document sites.
Use various methods of dating, such as carbon dating, to determine the age of artifacts.
Prepare reports and presentations on research findings for academic, government, and private organizations.
Publish academic papers on archaeological discoveries.
Present lectures on archaeological topics to students and the general public.
Consult with other professionals in related fields to discuss research findings and theories.
Work with environmental agencies to develop plans to protect archaeological sites from damage caused by development or natural causes.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Familiarity with archaeological methods and techniques
Knowledge of archaeological fieldwork methods
Ability to analyze and interpret archaeological data
Knowledge of relevant laws and regulations
Ability to manage archaeological projects
Ability to write reports and other documents related to archaeological findings
Understanding of relevant cultural and environmental issues
Experience with laboratory analysis of artifacts
Strong research and analytical skills
Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Archeology is an important field of study that requires a wide range of skills and knowledge. An archeologist must have a deep understanding of history, geography, anthropology, and other related fields to be successful. Problem solving and research skills are paramount in order to uncover and interpret artifacts, symbols, and remains to better understand the past.

The archeologist must also possess a keen eye for detail as they examine and analyze ancient artifacts. the archeologist must possess excellent communication skills in order to collaborate with other experts in their field, as well as present their findings to the public. Finally, the archeologist must have strong organizational skills in order to record and classify data, as well as keep detailed records of their findings.

Without the necessary skills and knowledge, an archeologist would be unable to uncover the mysteries of the past.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What made you interested in archeology?
Tell me about your most significant research project.
How do you plan to use your archeological skills in the future?
What challenges have you faced while conducting archeological research?
How do you collaborate with other archeologists?
What techniques and technologies do you use to uncover artifacts?
How do you handle ethical issues when conducting archeological research?
How do you keep abreast of the latest discoveries in the field of archeology?
What challenges do you foresee for the future of archeology?
What strategies do you use to engage the public in the work of archeology?

Common Tools in Industry

Trowel. Used to carefully scrape away the top layers of soil during an excavation (eg: scraping away dirt to uncover artifacts).
Brush. Used to delicately remove dirt and debris from artifacts (eg: cleaning pottery shards).
Shovel. Used to quickly remove dirt during an excavation (eg: removing dirt to reveal a buried object).
Pickaxe. Used to break up rocks and hard surfaces during an excavation (eg: breaking up a rock to uncover fossils).
Screen. Used to sift through dirt and soil for small artifacts (eg: sifting through dirt to find small arrowheads).
Magnifying Glass. Used to closely examine specimens and small objects (eg: looking at an inscription on a pottery shard).
GPS Unit. Used to track the location of artifacts during an excavation (eg: marking the coordinates of a newly discovered artifact).
Metal Detector. Used to locate buried metal objects (eg: finding a hidden coin under the surface).
Camera. Used to document an excavation and its findings (eg: taking pictures of artifacts for further analysis).
Notebook/Pencil. Used for taking notes during an archaeological survey (eg: writing down observations about an excavation site).

Professional Organizations to Know

Society for American Archaeology
World Archaeological Congress
Council for British Archaeology
American Anthropological Association
Archaeological Institute of America
International Council on Monuments and Sites
Society of Antiquaries of London
Royal Archaeological Institute
Association of Professional Archaeologists
National Association of State Archaeologists

Common Important Terms

Anthropology. The study of human cultures, societies, and behaviors.
Archaeological context. The physical and environmental setting of an archaeological site and the surrounding area which can provide clues about the societies that inhabited the area.
Excavation. The process of uncovering archaeological sites by digging, often with a combination of manual and mechanical tools.
Artifact. An object that has been made, used, or modified by humans in the past.
Surveying. The process of gathering data about a location, typically using a range of techniques such as aerial photography, ground-penetrating radar, magnetometers, and topographical mapping.
Stratigraphy. The study of layers of soil and sediment to determine the relative age of artifacts found within them.
Radiocarbon Dating. A method of determining the age of an organic object by measuring the amount of the radioactive isotope carbon-14 that it contains.
Ethnoarchaeology. The study of present-day societies to gain an understanding of how archaeological sites may have been used in the past.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Archeologist?

An Archeologist is a scientist who studies the human past through the recovery and analysis of material culture, such as artifacts, architecture, and ecofacts.

What kind of training is required to become an Archeologist?

To become an Archeologist, a person must typically have at least a bachelor's degree in archeology or a related field, such as anthropology or history. Depending on the type of work they do, some Archeologists may need specialized training or an advanced degree.

What types of skills are important for an Archeologist?

An Archeologist should possess strong research and analytical skills, as well as the ability to interpret and communicate information. They should also have knowledge of data collection methods and be able to use a variety of tools and technology, including computers and surveying equipment.

What is the average salary for an Archeologist?

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for Archeologists was $62,410 in May 2019.

What type of work environment do Archeologists typically work in?

Archeologists may work in an office or laboratory setting, but they also spend a great deal of time outdoors in the field collecting data and artifacts. They may also travel to various sites to conduct research or excavations.