Types of Archaeology Jobs
Archaeology careers require a strong undergraduate and graduate education, a passion for the preservation for history and artifacts and a persistent commitment to finding the perfect position within an academic, museum or corporate employer. While job growth is strong, these positions typically have candidates ready to apply within the museum and academic historic preservation community.
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Archaeology Jobs
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The Bureau of Labor highlights three primary positions that fall under the banner of archaeology careers. Archivists, curators and museum technicians work for museums, governments, zoos, academia and corporations requiring expert preservation of important records and artifacts. By preserving objects, documents, transcripts, photographs, coins and a wide assortment of materials, professionals in the field of archeology keep the history for society credible based on physical evidence.
Archivists
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Archivists establish, collect and maintain records of historical value. Archivists possess an understanding of the historical context of material they collect, including their intention and relationships to other sources of information. As they collect important historical records, they arrange and define information based on standard practice to ensure long-term preservation of larger collections of historic material. Archivists assist researchers; they plan and direct exhibitions, publication and outreach programs that support archival programs used for education and historical awareness. Archivists usually possess both undergraduate and graduate degrees, typically in History, Social Science or Library Science; a PhD is sometimes required for an Archivist seeking a career in a University setting.
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Curators
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The Princeton Review lists Curators as professionals who collect, interpret, preserve and protect objects of historic importance, primarily in museums, libraries or private collections. Curators create exhibits, collecting, labeling and providing the historical context for pieces included within the presentation. For a successful exhibit, curators must ensure pieces are kept safe, properly validated and researched, then returned to their respective homes which may be universities, museums or independent owners. To fund these exhibitions, curators sometimes must write grants; they also form working relationships with researchers, museums and other professionals in other archeology fields to ensure success. Curators possess an undergraduate and post-graduate degree. Areas of study include history, art, museum studies and public relations. To become a curator at a national museum, a PhD is required.
Museum Technicians
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Museum Technicians work in the museum environment in support of the Curator. Their primary responsibilities include cataloging pieces within a collection including documentation of location and artifact condition, surface cleaning, moving and handling artifacts, creating computer catalog records, research and exhibit installation. Some technicians, depending on the museum, may assist in leading tours with public interaction, requiring good interpersonal and communication skill. Museum technicians are typically interested in a career as an archivist, curator or in library science and pursue graduate or undergraduate study in Art, History, Museum Science, Anthropology or a related study.
Career Outlook
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According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, these Archaeology job titles comprised about 27,000 jobs in 2006. Museums and historical sites employed 38 percent of professionals, while state and private educational institutions employed 18 percent. Although academic, state and corporate business sectors employ archivists, curators and museum technicians, the job market is consistently competitive with job candidates outnumbering positions available. Still, these careers are expected to grow by 18 percent through 2016, ahead of all occupations.
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