What Do Archaeologists Do?
Archaeologists can work in a multitude of organisations, undertaking a broad selection of tasks. Whilst there are options to go and excavate sites, an archaeologist can also be desk-based. Some examples are listed below:
- archival work;
- in a laboratory undertaking the scientific study of botanical, human, animal, small mammal or insect remains;
- teaching in a University;
- involved with local authority planning decisions for building and road development;
- museums employ conservators to look after their collections artefacts and finds;
- illustrators use computer programs and manual drawing skills to produce images of sites and finds;
- some of the large organisations employ staff to manage computer databases for the historic environment;
- a small but increasing area of employment is in maritime and marine archaeology;
- and many more besides!
In short then, archaeology is a sector of varied employment that requires many different types of skills.
The section on archaeologists’ job roles in the ‘How do I become and archaeologist’ FAQ may also help answer your questions.
More answers can be found on the main FAQ page.
