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

Aug 17, 2022 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Zooarchaeologists are archaeologists who specialize in analyzing animal remains from archaeological sites. They use their expertise to reconstruct the past and provide a better understanding of how humans interacted with the environment and other animals. This knowledge can have many implications for the present.

For example, it can help inform conservation efforts, resource management, and public policy. Zooarchaeologists also use their skills to identify different species and determine their role in an ancient ecosystem. By combining the analysis of animal bones with other archaeological evidence, they can gain insight into human-animal relationships, diet, and subsistence strategies.

In addition, they can learn how ancient cultures managed their resources and interacted with the land. zooarchaeologists provide crucial information about the past which can be used to better manage our resources and improve our understanding of human history.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelor's Degree. To become a zooarchaeologist, a person must first earn a bachelor's degree in anthropology, archaeology, or another related field. This degree should include courses in archaeology, anthropology, biology, and chemistry.
Obtain Experience. Experience in the field is essential for a career as a zooarchaeologist. This experience can include fieldwork with professional archaeologists, volunteer work with a local archaeological society, or internships in related fields.
Pursue a Master's Degree. A master's degree in anthropology, archaeology, or a related field is often required for a career as a zooarchaeologist. Coursework should include topics such as animal biology, animal behavior, and animal husbandry.
Become Certified. Certification is not required to become a zooarchaeologist, but it can help a person demonstrate their knowledge and experience in the field. The American Zooarchaeology Association (AZA) offers certification programs for zooarchaeologists.
Participate in Professional Organizations. Joining professional organizations such as the AZA can help a person network with other professionals and stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the field.

Zooarchaeology is a field of science that involves the study of animal remains from archaeological sites. It is a valuable tool for understanding past human behavior, as well as the environmental conditions of the time. Becoming a successful zooarchaeologist requires a range of skills and knowledge.

A thorough understanding of zoology, anatomy and animal behaviour is essential, as is the ability to identify animal bones. Good analytical skills are also vital, as zooarchaeologists must be able to interpret the data they collect and draw accurate conclusions. the ability to work independently and in a team environment is important, as zooarchaeologists often collaborate with other specialists in their field.

Finally, having a passion for the subject and strong motivation to learn and grow as a professional can be very beneficial in becoming a highly capable and skilled zooarchaeologist.

You may want to check Archaeology Librarian, Archaeozoologist, and Geomorphologist for alternative.

Job Description

Conduct zooarchaeological fieldwork and laboratory analysis of animal remains.
Develop and apply zooarchaeological theories and methods to interpret past cultural activities.
Prepare reports, manuscripts, and presentations on zooarchaeological research.
Analyze and interpret animal remains from archaeological sites.
Develop research designs to study the relationships between animal remains and human behavior.
Collaborate with other archaeologists, biologists, and paleontologists in research projects.
Utilize computer applications to analyze animal remains.
Teach courses on zooarchaeology, including the identification and interpretation of animal remains.
Consult on archaeological projects related to the identification, analysis, and interpretation of animal remains.
Supervise students and other staff in zooarchaeological research projects.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of animal anatomy, behavior, and ecology.
Knowledge of archaeological methods, theories, and techniques.
Ability to identify animal bones and other remains.
Familiarity with taphonomy and zooarchaeological methods.
Ability to describe and analyze faunal remains.
Proficiency in statistics and quantitative analysis.
Understanding of conservation and preservation of archaeological and paleontological specimens.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and other software applications.
Good communication skills, both written and verbal.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.

A successful zooarchaeologist needs to have a wide range of skills to be able to effectively analyze archaeological remains. An understanding of animal anatomy, ecology, and behavior is essential for identifying and interpreting the remains. Familiarity with taphonomic processes and the principles of archaeology is also necessary to understand the context of the remains within the archaeological record.

zooarchaeologists must possess strong analytical and critical thinking skills in order to interpret the complex data generated by their research. The combination of these skills enables zooarchaeologists to draw meaningful conclusions about past human-animal interactions, helping us to better understand the history of our species.

Archaeology Conservator, Cultural Resource Manager, and Field Technician are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What inspired your interest in Zooarchaeology?
What experience do you have in conducting archaeological fieldwork?
How do you assess the impact of human activities on animal populations?
What scientific methods do you use to identify and analyze animal remains?
How do you interpret cultural or environmental implications from animal remains?
How do you collaborate with other disciplines to gain a comprehensive understanding of archaeological sites?
How do you use GIS and other technology in your research?
What strategies do you use to effectively communicate your research findings?
How do you balance competing interests when making decisions about archaeological excavations?
What strategies do you use to ensure ethical considerations are included in your research?

Common Tools in Industry

Osteometric Board. A flat, smooth board used to measure the length and width of animal bones. (eg: To measure the length of a deer femur)
Microscope. An optical instrument used to magnify objects. (eg: To view tiny faunal remains)
Trowel. A hand tool used to dig or scoop soil. (eg: To excavate a layer of soil in an archaeological context)
Sampling Grid. A metal template used to systematically sample an area during excavation. (eg: To ensure an unbiased sample of faunal material is collected)
Screen. A mesh container used to separate soil, artifacts, and other small objects from sediment. (eg: To separate bone fragments from soil in a dry sieving context)
Dental Records. A reference library of photographs and detailed descriptions of animal teeth and skulls. (eg: To identify the species of a bone fragment)

Professional Organizations to Know

Society for American Archaeology
International Council for Archaeozoology
Archaeological Institute of America
European Association of Archaeologists
Society for Historical Archaeology
International Association of Archaeological Prospection
World Archaeological Congress
Society for Archaeological Sciences
Association of Environmental Archaeology
Society for the Study of Human Ecodynamics

We also have Archaeomagnetist, Photogrammetrist, and Archaeobotanist jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Faunal Analysis. An analysis of animal remains from an archaeological site, such as bones and teeth, that is used to understand the diet, economy, and behavior of the people who lived there.
Zooarchaeology. The study of past animal use, exploitation, and domestication by humans, using archaeological and other evidence.
Archaeozoology. The study of animal remains from archaeological sites in order to understand the relationship between humans and animals in the past.
Taphonomy. The study of how living organisms become fossils and how they are preserved in the archaeological record.
Osteology. The study of bones and their anatomy, used in understanding animal remains from archaeological sites.
Bone Chemistry. The study of the chemical composition of bones and teeth to determine the diet and health of past individuals.
Ethnozoology. The study of the relationship between human cultures and animals, both living and extinct.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Zooarchaeology?

Zooarchaeology is the scientific study of animal remains from archaeological sites, which can provide information about human activities and the environment in the past.

What kinds of animal remains are studied in Zooarchaeology?

Zooarchaeological studies can include the analysis of bones, shells, teeth, and other remains of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and invertebrates.

What methods are used by Zooarchaeologists to study animal remains?

Zooarchaeologists use a variety of methods to study animal remains, including observation, measurement, and microscopic analysis. Zooarchaeologists also use taphonomic analysis to understand the processes that affected the preservation of the remains.

What kinds of information can Zooarchaeologists learn from analyzing animal remains?

Zooarchaeologists can learn about a wide range of topics from analyzing animal remains, including the diet and subsistence patterns of past peoples, environmental conditions, and cultural practices.

What are some career paths for a Zooarchaeologist?

Zooarchaeologists may work as researchers, professors, museum curators, cultural resource management specialists, or conservationists.

Web Resources

Zooarchaeologist Elizabeth Reitz joins our emeritus faculty anthropology.uga.edu
In Memory of: Noted Zooarchaeologist Stanley J. Olsen Dies news.arizona.edu
NAU zooarchaeologist studies animal-human interaction from news.nau.edu