Archaeologists study sites and objects to learn about the past. If you are fascinated by history and enjoy investigating, this job could be just what you are looking for.

Tasks:

• identifying possible sites to study using methods such as aerial photography, field-walking and surveying
• taking part in excavations (known as digs), usually as part of a team
• recording finds and sites using photography, detailed notes and drawings
• identifying and classifying finds
• cleaning and preserving finds in a laboratory
• using laboratory analysis, for example carbon dating
• using computers to produce simulations of the way a site or artefact would have looked
• preserving industrial artefacts and buildings
• checking planning applications and identifying the impact of development on archaeological sites
• making sure that important sites, buildings and monuments are protected and preserved
• classifying, displaying and looking after artefacts in a museum.

Key skills:

• an enquiring mind
• a patient and methodical approach
• accuracy and attention to detail
• good planning and organisational skills
• the ability to work to deadlines
• perseverance in research
• IT skills
• the ability to work well as a team member or leader
• good communication skills and the ability to write reports.

Average Salary (2013):

United Kingdom: Experienced archaeologists can earn £30,000 a year and over.

Qualifications and training required:

Most professional archaeologists have a degree, and many have a postgraduate qualification as well.

You can do general degree courses in archaeology, as well as those specialising in different aspects of the work, such as:

• conservation
• environmental archaeology
• human evolution
• forensic investigation
• archaeological science.

You could also study for a BTEC HND or foundation degree in archaeology.

Once you have an archaeological degree, there is a wide range of postgraduate courses that you could take to help you to specialise. These are in areas such as:

• conservation
• heritage management
• archaeological sciences
• archaeology of specific regions and periods.

Source: https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk