Archaeologists research millions of years of history. They examine historic sites, foundations, old buildings, monuments, paintings and shipwrecks and use information they gain to identify details about the lives of the people that made or used them and the origins of our civilisation.
Archaeologists also preserve, record, analyse and interpret archaeological remains and use a wide range of equipment, from basic pointing trowels (essential for excavations) to sophisticated laboratory instruments and computers. They also use many investigative techniques, such as geophysical surveying, radiocarbon dating and aerial photography.
Working hours vary. Many archaeologists work a 37-hour week, Monday to Friday. On excavations, hours are more variable and overtime may be possible, particularly as the work is often away from home, sometimes overseas. Archaeologists may work indoors in museums, laboratories and offices or work outdoors in all weathers.
Salaries range from around €25,000 a year to €35,000 a year or more.
An archaeologist needs:
- patience, persistence, determination and self-motivation
- good computing and IT skills, because of the increasing use of computer-aided design (CAD) and geographical information systems (GIS)
- care and respect when handling delicate and fragile objects
- the ability to work as a team member (especially important in fieldwork)
- a reasonable level of physical fitness (for fieldwork).
Institute of Archaeologists of Ireland
Archaeology Ireland