How to Be Forensic Archaeologist - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Nov 5, 2022 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Forensic archaeologists play an important role in uncovering evidence for law enforcement to help solve criminal cases. Their work involves careful excavation in order to analyze, collect, and document artifacts from a crime scene. By meticulously studying the soil and artifacts, forensic archaeologists are able to determine the cause of death, identify potential suspects, and even solve cold cases.

In turn, their analysis can be used in court to prove the guilt or innocence of a suspect. The results of forensic archaeology have even been used to successfully convict suspects in high-profile cases such as the O.J. Simpson trial. As the science of forensic archaeology continues to develop, its impact on law enforcement will remain significant.

Steps How to Become

Get a Bachelors Degree in Archaeology. Most employers require a minimum of a bachelors degree in archaeology and/or anthropology for entry-level work in forensic archaeology. Coursework should include physical and cultural anthropology, archaeology, geology, and biology.
Gain Work Experience. To gain experience in the field, it is beneficial to participate in an internship or volunteer at an archaeological site. These experiences can help to develop skills such as excavation, data collection, and analysis.
Consider Specializing in Forensic Archaeology. After gaining experience in the field of archaeology, there are opportunities to specialize in forensic archaeology. Employers may require additional courses in forensic science, such as crime scene investigation or forensic anthropology.
Get Certified. It may be beneficial to become certified in forensic archaeology through the American Board of Forensic Anthropology (ABFA). Certification requires a masters degree in anthropology and/or archaeology and a minimum of two years of experience in the field.
Earn a Masters Degree. For those who wish to advance their career, a masters degree in anthropology or archaeology may be beneficial. There are several masters degrees that focus on forensic science and anthropology.
Develop Skills. Forensic archaeologists must be able to use specialized equipment, such as metal detectors and remote sensing devices. They must also have excellent communication and problem-solving skills.
Stay Up-to-Date. Forensic archaeologists must stay up-to-date on new technology, techniques, and research in the field. This can be done through attending conferences and workshops or subscribing to professional journals.

Staying ahead and competent as a Forensic Archaeologist requires continual education and practice. Keeping up to date with the most current methods and techniques is paramount to success in the field. Attending professional conferences, workshops, and seminars can help to stay up to date on the latest trends and advances in the field.

having an understanding of the legal system is essential for a Forensic Archaeologist to be successful as it allows them to work within the parameters of the law. Finally, collaboration with other professionals in related fields like anthropology, geology, and law enforcement can provide an invaluable exchange of ideas and resources that can help to strengthen the Forensic Archaeologist's expertise.

You may want to check Archaeology Conservator, Archaeology Educator, and Field Technician for alternative.

Job Description

Conduct archaeological field surveys, excavations, and laboratory analysis.
Prepare research designs, field notes, and archaeological reports.
Identify, analyze, and interpret artifacts, features, and other archaeological data.
Monitor construction projects for archaeological impacts and make recommendations for mitigation.
Consult with tribal governments and other stakeholders on archaeological projects.
Coordinate with other researchers, museum specialists, and land managers to ensure the preservation of archaeological sites.
Prepare and present educational programs on archaeology and related topics.
Assist law enforcement personnel in criminal investigations related to archaeological sites.
Testify as an expert witness in court cases concerning archaeological sites.
Monitor and assess human impacts on archaeological sites.

Skills and Competencies to Have

In-depth knowledge of archaeological methods and techniques
Expertise in the analysis of archaeological artifacts
Ability to interpret archaeological data and draw conclusions
Excellent communication and presentation skills
Understanding of relevant legal and ethical issues
Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment
Ability to work independently in remote or isolated locations
Ability to interact with members of the public and other stakeholders
A good working knowledge of computer technology and software packages
Excellent problem-solving and analytical thinking skills

Forensic archaeologists have a unique set of skills that are essential for their job. One of the most important skills is the ability to accurately assess evidence using scientific methods. This includes analyzing soil samples and other materials in order to determine the age, origin, and other characteristics of objects or remains.

In addition, they need to be able to work with law enforcement personnel to collect and analyze evidence from crime scenes. They must also be able to make connections between evidence and criminal activities. Finally, forensic archaeologists must be able to communicate their findings both verbally and in writing in a clear, concise manner to ensure that their work can be used in court.

Having these skills enables forensic archaeologists to provide valuable information to law enforcement, helping them solve crimes more effectively.

Cultural Resource Manager, Marine Archaeologist, and Artifact Analyst are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What inspired you to become a Forensic Archaeologist?
Describe a difficult case you have worked on and how you overcame any challenges.
How would you approach an archaeological crime scene?
What methods do you use to analyze and interpret archaeological evidence?
What experience do you have with the application of forensic archaeology in criminal cases?
How do you stay current on the latest trends in forensic archaeology?
What techniques do you use to document and collect evidence from a crime scene?
How do you maintain accuracy when collecting and recording evidence?
What is your experience in working with other professionals in the field, such as law enforcement, to investigate a crime scene?
How do you use technology to aid in your investigations?

Common Tools in Industry

Trowels. Used to excavate soil and sediment layers from archaeological sites (eg: sifting through dirt).
Shovels. Used to move large amounts of soil and other materials during excavation (eg: digging trenches).
Brushes. Used for cleaning and brushing away finer soil and dust from areas of interest (eg: dusting away soil around artifacts).
Sieving Equipment. Used to separate artifacts from soil and sediment (eg: sifting through dirt to find small objects).
Magnifying Glasses and Optics. Used to inspect artifacts more closely (eg: examining a shard of pottery).
Cameras and Photography Equipment. Used to document the excavation site and any features of interest (eg: taking pictures of artifacts).
GPS Devices. Used to accurately plot the coordinates of the excavation site and artifacts (eg: mapping out an excavation site).
Geophysical Prospection Equipment. Used to detect subsurface anomalies that may indicate artifacts or features (eg: finding buried remains with ground-penetrating radar).

Professional Organizations to Know

American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS)
Society for American Archaeology (SAA)
Archaeological Institute of America (AIA)
Institute of Archaeologists (IFA)
International Association for the Study of Human Paleopathology (IASP)
Forensic Archaeology Special Interest Group (FASIG)
Association for Field Archaeologists (AFA)
Association of Applied Archaeology (AAA)
International Association for Forensic Sciences (IAFS)
International Association for Identification (IAI)

We also have Field Supervisor, Archaeology Illustrator, and GIS Specialist jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Archaeology. The study of human activity through the recovery and analysis of material culture.
Anthropology. The study of humans, past and present, emphasizing the development of human culture and the biological and social diversity among different human populations.
Stratigraphy. The study of the layers of soil and artifacts that have been deposited over time.
Excavation. The process of uncovering and recovering artifacts, ecofacts, and features from an archaeological site.
Osteology. The study of bones, including their structure and function, their evolutionary history, and the identification of species.
Taphonomy. The study of the processes by which organic remains become preserved in the geological record.
Archaeometry. The application of scientific techniques to the study of archaeological materials.
Forensic Anthropology. The application of physical anthropology to the legal process, especially in the identification of human remains.
Forensic Archaeology. The application of archaeological methods to crime scene investigation, including the recovery and analysis of physical evidence from a crime scene.
Geophysics. The application of physical principles to the study of the Earth's structure and composition.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Forensic Archaeologist?

A Forensic Archaeologist is a professional who uses archaeological techniques to investigate criminal cases.

What kind of evidence do Forensic Archaeologists analyze?

Forensic Archaeologists analyze evidence such as human remains, artifacts, and environmental evidence like soil and vegetation.

What qualifications are needed to become a Forensic Archaeologist?

To become a Forensic Archaeologist, one needs to have a Masters degree in either Anthropology, Archaeology, or Forensic Science, as well as extensive experience in archaeological fieldwork.