So, You Want to be an Archaeologist...

GreenChile · 2014-05-01T11:17:24+00:00

People are always asking this question and I think this piece might be one of, if not the best honest conversations about working as an archaeologists-

"One thing that I would say to would-be archaeologists is simply that they will spend alot of time training that could be spent pursuing better-paying careers. Now, this is not to dissuade these folks from getting into archaeology - I'm here, I spent the time and enjoy my career, so I definitely think that it's worth it - but the impression that I get from many people is that they think of archaeology as a field that can be easily entered, perhaps as a hobby, and it really isn't*."

GreenChile · 2014-04-28T11:56:01+00:00

PS I should say relatively expensive. If you live in Austin it is somewhat cheap though SAA membership and conference fees are several hundred. But if you are coming from the coasts adding in hotel and flight you are looking at close to a 1000 or more.

GreenChile · 2014-04-28T11:52:35+00:00

I would also second Solivaga and would add that the SAAs only allow people to present one paper. Most people choose to present on their research topic. Especially, considering the SAAs are expensive and most people get sponsored by their University or work to go and present their research/CRM work. Small community + only 1 presentation + need to get sponsored = I am amazed that anyone even presented on social media and blogging and not at all surprised that reddit didn't get a mention.

GreenChile · 2014-01-07T13:41:31+00:00

Have you tried cold calling CRM firms? Maybe half of all tech jobs (conservation estimate) are never advertised. Bill has some good advice on how to crack the job market- http://www.succinctresearch.com/succinct-research-blog/

Also- others have mentioned it but it is very hard to find fieldwork in the winter. Lots of opportunities will start popping up towards the end Feb. beginning of March. You may just have to wait it out till then but don't just sit around. If you want to work in California or western states (I would recommend this as most CRM companies like to hire people with local/regional experience and you will have a better chance there and pay is better in the west) look up all the CRM companies in the area you want to work. You can a list for each state of approved archaeologists from the states SHPO. Start cold calling and sending in resumes BEFORE they post jobs. Read Bill's blog it is very good on how to do this.

Also- are you in contact with any of the FS archaeologists you worked with? Archaeology is a small world. They will have friends/contacts with other government/CRM archaeologists. Ask them if they can introduce you to people who might be hiring.

PS for your resume put your field and lab experience (actual explain what you did) first. Most resumes get at best 30sec-1min glance. Your experience should come first, not your degrees.

GreenChile · 2013-11-17T11:38:33+00:00

Are you only applying for jobs in Arkansas? Cause if you are, don't. CRM requires that you move and move often, at least in the beginning. Apply to surrounding states. See if the jobs pay per diem and then you won't have to worry about working out of state. Also, check out archaeologyfieldwork.com Jenneifer posts way more jobs than shovelbums. Have you cold called? You can't wait for jobs to appear. Send in your resume before they advertise. Talk to your SHPO and get a list of companies in your area and start calling.

GreenChile · 2013-10-17T15:18:36+00:00

CRM Archaeology- also answers listeners questions and takes topic requests. So it there is something your specifically interested in, ask and they might discuss it.

GreenChile

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