Creative and design
Archaeological specialist
Planning, undertaking and leading archaeological research and investigation.
Summary
This occupation is found in the Cultural Heritage, Historic Environment and Education sectors.
The broad purpose of the occupation is to plan, undertake and lead Archaeological Research and Investigation, which may comprise surveys, excavation, post-excavation analysis and scientific analysis of archaeological materials and data. Archaeological Specialists have specialised knowledge of one or more aspects of archaeological investigation and analysis. They are responsible for the processing, reporting and preparation for long-term deposition of archaeological data and materials.
In their daily work, an employee in this occupation interacts with organisations of all sizes in the public, private and third sectors. Typically, they interact with colleagues, external stakeholders and members of the public. Archaeological Specialists work on site (outside, all weathers), in an office or in a laboratory, including operating technical equipment and carrying out physical tasks.
An employee in this occupation will be responsible for leading and undertaking Archaeological Research and Investigation, with a high level of responsibility for the delivery and quality of their own work and that of others. They are responsible for providing a specialist resource to colleagues. The size of the employer will impact the team the Archaeological Specialist is responsible for, or interacts with, but typically they will train and supervise less skilled personnel, and be responsible for the delivery of programmes and projects of all sizes and complexities, as well as communicating the results of the work internally and externally.
Typical job titles include
- Aerial investigation | Aerial investigation and mapping investigator | Archaeological investigator | Artefact specialist | Environment archaeologist | Finds officer | Finds supervisor | Geophysics supervisor | Heritage scientist | Mapping investigator | Materials scientist | Project officer
Knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSBs)
K1:
How to recognise and understand archaeological site types, periods, artefacts and ecofacts and site formation processes.
K2:
Methods of archaeological investigation, how and why archaeological materials/ data are recovered
K3:
Relevant primary and secondary data and sources relating to Archaeology
K4:
Understanding of how established techniques and methodologies can be practically employed in the research area of their specialism, and how they are used to create and interpret knowledge.
K5:
Critical awareness of current academic research within the specialism, and regional, national and international research agendas
K6:
Requirements of formal publication, including standards for writing, editing and style
K7:
Fundamentals of relevant Health and Safety legislation and their employer’s Health and Safety Policy and Procedures and operational procedures.
K8:
Legal requirements, professional standards, relevant procedures and guidelines relevant to archaeological investigation and the processing, publication and storage of data and materials
K9:
Roles of clients, stakeholders and project team members within an archaeological investigation and how to ensure effective relationships and communications between them
Technical Educational Products
- ST0769: Archaeological specialist (degree) (Level 7) Approved for delivery
- Reference:
- OCC0769
- Status:
Approved occupation
- Average (median) salary:
- £35,828 per year
- SOC 2020 code:
- 2115 Social and humanities scientists
- SOC 2020 sub unit groups:
- 2115/02 Archaeologists
S1:
Research, access and apply relevant primary and secondary data relating to Archaeology
S2:
Contextualise and synthesise data and results within relevant frameworks.
S3:
Maintain and develop reference materials and databases, categorising and classifying data, including electronic data, appropriately.
S4:
Select, secure, check and calibrate suitable equipment and reference resources
S5:
Evaluate the relevance of research methodologies, techniques and background information to the investigation in question
S6:
Work effectively both independently and within a team
S7:
Work accurately and efficiently to conduct work to high standards within defined project objectives
S8:
Communicate clearly and effectively through written documentation
S9:
Ability to employ supervisory techniques effectively
Technical Educational Products
- ST0769: Archaeological specialist (degree) (Level 7) Approved for delivery
- Reference:
- OCC0769
- Status:
- Approved occupation
- Average (median) salary:
- £35,828 per year
- SOC 2020 code:
- 2115 Social and humanities scientists
- SOC 2020 sub unit groups:
- 2115/02 Archaeologists
B1:
Be receptive to feedback, commit to quality and continuous professional development, including independent learning.
B2:
Know the limits of their own understanding, abilities and responsibilities, how to practice within them, and when and how to seek expert assistance
B3:
Be capable of conceptual thought, independent decision-making and professional judgement in order to solve problems and plan and complete complex tasks
B4:
Work effectively individually and as part of a team including professional collaboration and cross-disciplinary dialogue
B5:
Be approachable and able to communicate with all levels of their own and other organisations, as well as the general public
B6:
Apply an awareness of professional judgement and ethical behaviour. Be sensitive to and aware of the cultural, historic and spiritual context of objects and structures
B7:
Take reasonable care for the health and safety of themselves and of others who may be affected by their acts or omissions at work
Technical Educational Products
- ST0769: Archaeological specialist (degree) (Level 7) Approved for delivery
- Reference:
- OCC0769
- Status:
- Approved occupation
- Average (median) salary:
- £35,828 per year
- SOC 2020 code:
- 2115 Social and humanities scientists
- SOC 2020 sub unit groups:
- 2115/02 Archaeologists
