{"id":230,"date":"2022-08-29T09:00:40","date_gmt":"2022-08-28T23:30:40","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blogs.flinders.edu.au\/humanities-and-social-sciences\/?p=230"},"modified":"2022-08-18T15:26:45","modified_gmt":"2022-08-18T05:56:45","slug":"what-could-a-career-in-archaeology-look-like","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.flinders.edu.au\/humanities-and-social-sciences\/2022\/08\/29\/what-could-a-career-in-archaeology-look-like\/","title":{"rendered":"What could a career in Archaeology look like?\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Ever been told that archaeology graduates struggle to find jobs, let alone build a career? Well, guess what? The reality is completely different. Today, archaeologists are highly sought-after with most employment coming from within the booming cultural heritage industry.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Opportunities for archaeologists are spread across the country. From undertaking archaeological surveys in the remote iron ore landscape of Western Australia\u2019s Pilbara region, carrying out salvage excavations of 19<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">th<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">-century homes in the middle of Adelaide, or developing cultural heritage management and conservation plans for Australia\u2019s historic and Indigenous sites, archaeologists are urgently needed to fill these roles.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Employers in Archaeology<\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Archaeologists today can work for a range of employers including:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Cultural heritage consulting companies<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Mining and energy companies<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Indigenous-run organisations or corporations<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Museum sector (local, state\/territory, national)<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"5\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Government departments dealing with cultural heritage\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"5\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">National and state-run parks<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"5\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Conservation organisations such as the National Trust<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"5\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Universities<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Top careers in Archaeology<\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">With a degree in Archaeology, you\u2019ll be suited to a range of occupations around the globe, including:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>1) Archaeologist and Cultural Heritage Specialist<\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">This is the primary job for archaeologists today. There are laws in every state and territory that require any development project such as building a mine or road to undergo a cultural heritage<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\"> assessment to identify and determine their significance and how best to manage any sites that may be impacted by such developments (historic sites, Indigenous sites such as rock art and stone artefacts, etc.).\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Any number of specialists may be brought in to help including stone artefact experts, and geoarchaeologists who help to understand how archaeological sites formed over time.\u00a0 Archaeological and cultural heritage expertise and advice are critical to properly managing and safeguarding Australia\u2019s diverse cultural heritage.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>2) Museums: Curator, Conservator, Collections Manager<\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Curators develop exhibitions about certain topics such as the archaeology of the Maya civilization, conservators focus on the restoration of objects held in museum collections, especially those that are fragile, while collections managers look after objects including their cataloguing and storage, assisting with the development of collections through acquisition, facilitating research into the collections, and working in partnership with Indigenous communities in repatriation efforts.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>3) Education and Public Programs<\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Developing, managing and delivering public programs for various organisations such as the National Trust, schools and museums that are designed to share stories about archaeology, cultural heritage and museum exhibitions.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>4) Heritage Officer and Advisor for Local, State\/Territory and Commonwealth\u00a0<span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Heritage officers and advisors are employed to provide advice and guidance concerning cultural heritage matters, and in some instances implement cultural heritage management plans. These people are employed by government departments at the local, state\/territory and Commonwealth level, industry (mining and energy companies such as Rio Tinto, BHP Billiton, Woodside, SA Energy etc.) and Indigenous corporations (among others).\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>5) Forensic Archaeologist<\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Forensic archaeologists use archaeological techniques to investigate human burials and skeletal remains. They are employed by state and federal police, defence forces, government heritage management agencies, archaeological consultants, museums, and global organisations like the United Nations.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Activities involve location, recovery, and analysis of human remains. Forensic archaeologists undertake projects involving burial site disturbances related to development projects, mining, and natural erosion; human skeletal remains discovered by the general public or police; soldiers missing in action; genocide and war crimes; repatriation of indigenous ancestral remains and management of contemporary cemeteries.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>6) Maritime Archaeologist<\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Maritime archaeologists are trained in the same fundamental techniques of survey and interpretation as terrestrial archaeologists, but with a focus on coastal, intertidal and underwater archaeology. They have specialist skills that may include diving, boat handling, sonar survey and underwater photography. They are also likely to have specialist knowledge of historical ships, aircraft or submerged ancient landscapes lost to past sea level rise. Maritime archaeologists are employed by federal and state governments, universities and archaeological companies working with coastal and offshore developers.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Top emerging careers in Archaeology<span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Besides the long-established, \u201cregular\u201d career paths, there are also a number of newly emerging, niche jobs available to Archaeology graduates:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>1) Author or Content Writer about Archaeology<span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Stories about archaeology capture the public\u2019s attention. Content writers create and share stories about topics such as archaeological projects, recent discoveries and debates, and share these with media outlets including popular archaeology websites and podcasts. Authors on the other hand create fictional or non-fictional stories about archaeology that are published.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>2) Digital Archaeologist<\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Digital archaeology is an emerging field or sub-discipline. Digital archaeologists gather historical and archaeological source material to create scientifically accurate 2D and 3D digital reconstructions of ancient and historic sites. They are likely to learn survey techniques like 3D modelling, laser scanning, and photogrammetry and to have advanced photography skills. They produce content in the form of digital art and graphics, 3D visualisations or Virtual and Augmented Reality experiences for historic sites. Digital archaeologists may work as freelancers or are employed by archaeological consultancies around the world.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>3) Researcher<\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Some archaeologists are also freelance researchers who work with media production companies to develop content for documentaries or other programs. This type of work involves searching for content, producing data to accurately tell the story of the archaeology of a topic, selecting locations for shoots and so on.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Start your archaeological career<\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">As you can see, there is no shortage of interesting job opportunities in Archaeology. Lay the foundation today and study a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.flinders.edu.au\/study\/courses\/bachelor-archaeology\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Bachelor of Archaeology<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.flinders.edu.au\/study\/courses\/major-archaeology\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Bachelor of Arts Archaeology major<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Wanting to specialise? Undertake a Master of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.flinders.edu.au\/study\/languages-culture\/20-years-of-maritime-archaeology\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Maritime Archaeology<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.flinders.edu.au\/study\/courses\/postgraduate-archaeology-heritage-management\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Archaeology and Heritage Management<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Or take your studies even further and be inspired by Meghan who won an <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.flinders.edu.au\/humanities-and-social-sciences\/2022\/05\/19\/studying-in-australia-on-an-international-phd-scholarship\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">international PhD scholarship<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, researching in the field of Geoarchaeology.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">So, what will it be?<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>\u00a0 Ever been told that archaeology graduates struggle to find jobs, let alone build a career? Well, guess what? The reality is completely different. Today, archaeologists [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4389,"featured_media":231,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1331,1355,1461],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-230","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-archaeology","category-bachelor-of-arts","category-career"],"post_mailing_queue_ids":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.flinders.edu.au\/humanities-and-social-sciences\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/230","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.flinders.edu.au\/humanities-and-social-sciences\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.flinders.edu.au\/humanities-and-social-sciences\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.flinders.edu.au\/humanities-and-social-sciences\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4389"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.flinders.edu.au\/humanities-and-social-sciences\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=230"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.flinders.edu.au\/humanities-and-social-sciences\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/230\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.flinders.edu.au\/humanities-and-social-sciences\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/231"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.flinders.edu.au\/humanities-and-social-sciences\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=230"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.flinders.edu.au\/humanities-and-social-sciences\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=230"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.flinders.edu.au\/humanities-and-social-sciences\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=230"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}