myfuture... Australia's career information & exploration service


Advanced Search

Occupation Details

Archaeologist



Fact Sheet

Photographing and recording artifacts

Photographing and recording artifacts

Archaeologists study past human societies by recovering, recording, analysing and interpreting material remains and other evidence that can help shed light on the past. Archaeologists draw upon a wide range of different types of evidence, including cultural artefacts, food remains, skeletal remains, environmental evidence and landscapes.

Duties and Tasks

Archaeologists may perform the following tasks:

  • liaise with indigenous and non-indigenous community groups
  • survey, map and record archaeological sites
  • organise and carry out excavations, field surveys and surface collections
  • clean, conserve, restore, reconstruct and display material found at archaeological sites
  • photograph or draw features and artefacts on-site and during post-excavation analysis
  • analyse findings through a variety of means, including physical and chemical techniques and documentary research
  • document the information obtained from the findings in a concise report
  • advise individuals and groups on heritage matters, including conservation options and legal provisions
  • prepare material for publication.

Specialisations

Archaeologists may specialise in particular geographic regions or areas of study, such as the identification of animal skeletal or plant remains.

Quick Facts

School subjects that include some aspect of ART provide a useful background to these jobs. In some cases an art-related subject is a pre-requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
School subjects that include some aspect of geography provide a useful background to these jobs. In some cases a geography-related subject is a pre-requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
School subjects that include some aspect of HISTORY provide a useful background to these jobs. In some cases a history-related subject is a pre-requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
School subjects that include some aspect of LANGUAGE provide a useful background to these jobs. In some cases a language-related subject is a pre-requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
Use of precision or semi-precision tools or instruments or deft hand movements are required for these occupations. Included are jobs where poor co-ordination or incomplete use of hands or fingers may make tasks dangerous or difficult to undertake.
These jobs require you to be able to see clearly to examine items close-up. It covers jobs where poor vision e.g. tunnel vision, could make the work place unsafe or the job difficult to undertake, e.g. draftsperson working with detailed drawings; checkout operator reading dockets; work requiring good hand-eye co-ordination for working with precision or semi-precision tools.
These jobs are generally performed in an unusually hot, cold or humid environment, so may be unsuitable for people who have diabetes or other conditions aggravated by extremes of temperature or humidity.
Workers performing these jobs would usually be expected to spend more than three-quarters of their day outdoors, exposed to the weather. They may report back to an office, station, depot or other central site.
The main duties and tasks involved in these jobs require daily physical exertion, such as bending and twisting, lifting, climbing, pulling, pushing, carrying or other effort where physical fitness is required. People with heart, back or other conditions who should avoid physical strain may wish to avoid these jobs.
These jobs require moderate or better reading and writing skills. Workers may be expected to prepare, understand or act on written materials, such as letters or reports. People may wish to avoid these jobs if their reading or writing English skills are limited to a small range of words or phrases and symbols. Jobs remaining may still require very basic reading or writing skills.
Included are jobs involved in the preparation and publication of printed materials, jobs involved in the study of society and the relationships between people, and jobs concerned with the preservation of items of significance to society.
These jobs involve WORKING WITH IDEAS to investigate or seek solutions to scientific, technical, social or other issues. Activities include observing, researching, analysing and interpreting results. The ability to develop theories, apply logic and explore abstract ideas in a specialist area of knowledge is important.
These jobs involve WORKING WITH IDEAS, to creatively express, present or perform them. An appreciation of design, style, form, beauty or related concepts used to develop or interpret an idea are important. Activities include writing, painting, singing, dancing, decorating, designing and performing.
These jobs involve WORKING WITH THINGS, using the hands, or special tools or equipment to make, fix, install or adjust them. Activities include doing practical and physical tasks, and may require an understanding of how equipment or machinery works.
These jobs involve WORKING WITH DATA to order, process or retrieve facts and figures, or to develop or administer policies and procedures. Activities include organising, using or updating information, such as files or accounts, developing or following procedures or systems, and the planning, budgeting, and staffing of an organisation.
Jobs in this group usually require completion of a recognised Bachelor Degree, or extensive relevant experience. Some jobs also require post-graduate study, such as a Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma or Master Degree.

Work Conditions

Archaeologists may work with a variety of people on excavations, including indigenous groups, academics from related areas, technical staff, people who live in the vicinity of the archaeological sites, labourers and other workers under their direction. Archaeologists are making increasing use of new technologies, including geophysical survey devices, geographic information systems (GIS), web-based communication platforms and global positioning system (GPS) devices.

Personal Requirements

  • patience, perseverance and determination
  • an eye for detail
  • enjoy science and history
  • aptitude for research
  • strong writing skills
  • aptitude for working with computers
  • able to work as part of a team
  • prepared to endure rough and isolated living conditions for extended periods while involved in fieldwork
  • able to remain objective.

See State Specific Information below for further education and training options.

Removing excess soil to assess the site

Removing excess soil to assess the site