Archeologists :: Job Description

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Archeologists

Careers / Archeologists

Summary 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.

Sample Job Titles

1.	Archaeologist

2.	Associate Director

3.	Curator

4.	Director

5.	Director and Professor

6.	Director of Research Center

7.	Egyptologist

8.	Principal Archaeologist

9.	Project Director

10.	Research Archaeologist

11.	Research Professor

Job Tasks

	Study objects and structures recovered by excavation to identify, date, and authenticate them and to interpret their significance. Conduct anthropological or archaeological research.

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

	Write, present, and publish reports that record site history, methodology, and artifact analysis results, along with recommendations for conserving and interpreting findings. Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations.

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

	Present findings from archeological research to peers and the general public. Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations.

	Compare findings from one site with archeological data from other sites to find similarities or differences. Conduct anthropological or archaeological research.

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

	Assess archeological sites for resource management, development, or conservation purposes and recommend methods for site protection. Inspect condition of natural environments. Advise others about environmental management or conservation.

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

	Collect artifacts made of stone, bone, metal, and other materials, placing them in bags and marking them to show where they were found.

	Consult site reports, existing artifacts, and topographic maps to identify archeological sites. Collect archival data. Conduct anthropological or archaeological research.

	Teach archeology at colleges and universities. Instruct college students in social sciences or humanities disciplines.

	Develop and test theories concerning the origin and development of past cultures. Conduct anthropological or archaeological research.

	Lead field training sites and train field staff, students, and volunteers in excavation methods. Train personnel in technical or scientific procedures. Direct scientific activities.

	Create artifact typologies to organize and make sense of past material cultures. Conduct anthropological or archaeological research.

	Clean, restore, and preserve artifacts. Clean objects.

Work Activities

Importance	Work Activity

Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Training and Teaching Others — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

Communicating with Persons Outside Organization — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.

Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

Developing Objectives and Strategies — Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.

Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others — Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.

Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates — Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.

Developing and Building Teams — Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.

Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information — Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.

Scheduling Work and Activities — Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.

Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

Handling and Moving Objects — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

Performing Administrative Activities — Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.

Performing General Physical Activities — Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.

Monitoring and Controlling Resources — Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

Coaching and Developing Others — Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.

Provide Consultation and Advice to Others — Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.

Performing for or Working Directly with the Public — Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.

Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

Staffing Organizational Units — Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.

Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others — Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment — Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.

Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment — Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.

Nature of the Work


	(Abstract from Career Articles)

	Anthropologists and Archeologists
	Anthropologists and archeologists study the origin, development, and behavior of humans. They examine the cultures, languages, archeological remains, and physical characteristics of people in various parts of the world.

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Working Conditions


	(Abstract from Career Articles)

	Anthropologists and Archeologists
	Anthropologists and archeologists typically work in research organizations, government, and consulting firms. Although most work in an office, some analyze samples in laboratories or do fieldwork. Fieldwork in remote areas usually requires travel for extended periods.

	Read More >>

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Actress Rachel Weisz's father invented the artificial respirator.

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