Archaeologist

Go Construct; Peterborough; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A professional archaeology organization in Peterborough is seeking an archaeologist responsible for conducting field surveys, excavating sites, and preserving historical artefacts. Candidates should have a relevant degree and practical experience, with potential earnings starting at £21,000 and going up to £45,000 with experience. A CSCS card may be necessary for site work.

Qualifications

• You should possess a degree in Archaeology or a relevant field.
• Experience in fieldwork or an apprenticeship is beneficial.
• CSCS card may be needed for construction site work.

Responsibilities

• Conduct field surveys and excavations to identify heritage assets.
• Make records of heritage buildings' structure and condition.
• Redesign projects to protect heritage assets.
• Monitor and record excavation works.
• Assess proposed developments' impacts on heritage.

Skills

Analytical thinking skills

Good grasp of numeracy

Excellent organisational abilities

Interest and knowledge of history

Attention to detail

Excellent verbal and communication skills

Basic computer skills

Education

Undergraduate degree in Archaeology

Postgraduate study in Archaeology

Apprenticeship in Archaeology

Job description

What does an archaeologist do?

As an archaeologist, you will be responsible for helping to increase understanding of the past. Duties may include using specialist tools to uncover historical sites and find artefacts that are then preserved. You could also be involved in the planning of projects.

Responsibilities

• Undertaking field surveys, research and excavations (digs) ahead of construction projects to identify whether heritage assets might be present
• Making records of the structure, fabric and condition of heritage buildings
• Helping to redesign projects to protect heritage assets
• Monitoring and recording excavation works to ensure archaeological finds are preserved
• Assessing the potential impact of proposed developments and planning applications
• Assessing sites using aerial photography and field surveys
• Recording finds using photography, drawings and detailed notes
• Cleaning, identifying and classifying finds in a laboratory
• Undertaking lab analysis, i.e. carbon-dating and sampling
• Producing computer simulations of how artefacts or sites may have once looked
• Preserving and conserving artefacts in museums
• Ensuring culturally important heritage sites and buildings are protected
• Working in an office or museum and making site visits in all weathers.

How to become an archaeologist

There are several routes to becoming an archaeologist. You can gain the qualifications you need by doing a university course or an apprenticeship.

You should explore the options to find out which is the right one for you.

You may need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card to work on a construction site.

University

The majority of professional archaeologists have an undergraduate degree.

You’ll need 2 - 3 A levels (or equivalent) for a degree. Afterwards, you may be able to join a company’s graduate trainee scheme.

Once you have a first degree you could apply for postgraduate study to specialise further or do more training with the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA).

• Find a university course
• Funding advice
• Equivalent entry requirements explained

Apprenticeship

An apprenticeship with an archaeological company is a good way into the industry.

Apprenticeships are open to anyone over the age of 16. As an apprentice, you will be fully employed by your company and expected to work a minimum of 30 hours a week. Your time will be split between on‑job experience and a college or training provider.

You could complete an archaeological specialist degree apprenticeship. You’ll need 4 - 5 GCSEs (or equivalent) at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels (or equivalent) for this.

• Guide to apprenticeships

Work experience

Competition for archaeology courses and jobs is high. Practical work experience with a local archaeological association, museum or another employer will improve your chances of being accepted. This will also help you to decide whether this job is for you, further your skills and impress employers.

• Find out more about work experience

Skills

• Analytical thinking skills
• Good grasp of numeracy
• Excellent organisational abilities
• An interest and knowledge of history, geography, and sociology
• Be thorough and pay attention to detail
• Excellent verbal and communication skills
• Analytical thinking skills
• Able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Qualifications

• Archaeology
• Conservation
• Ancient history
• Heritage management
• Museum studies
• Environmental archaeology
• Anthropology
• Human evolution
• Forensic science
• Archaeological science.

How much could you earn as an archaeologist?

The expected salary for an archaeologist varies as you become more experienced.

• Newly trained archaeologists can earn £21,000
• Trained archaeologists with experience can earn up to £45,000*

Salaries depend on location, employer, level of responsibility, any overtime you may do, and whether you have completed and industry recognised training route.

• Salaries have been collected from multiple industry sources