Archaeological Surveyor

Archaeological surveyors study sites for future excavations. They use air photographs and land surveying instruments to find, measure and plot all relevant features.

The Work

You could be:

• using air photographs to interpret features on the ground


• using geophysical equipment to identify features under the ground
• using surveying instruments to plot features on the ground


• using these details to make maps to plan fieldwork


• recording and analysing the results of excavations


• making drawings and plans and constructing cross-sections during digs to show progress


• making reports or presentations based on your findings


• advising members of the excavation team.

Conditions

• You do some of your work, such as drawing, in an office.


• You would work away from home while on field excavation projects.


• When you are working on field excavations, you may have to be outside in all types of weather.
• When on field excavations, your living conditions may be very basic.
• You may have to work irregular hours.

Getting In

• Most archaeological surveyors have a degree in archaeology or in a surveying-related subject, together with a postgraduate qualification in archaeological surveying or a related subject.


• In Scotland, you can take an MA or a BSc in Archaeology, or combine it with another subject at the Universities of Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow. You need 3-4 relevant Highers at good grades for entry, and for the BSc courses you need to have Maths or science subjects.


• At the University of St Andrews, you can study archaeology with a selection of degree courses, for example in art history, classics and history. There are also honours degree programmes in archaeology and either ancient history or mediaeval history. Entry requirements are 4 Highers at good grades.


• Postgraduate courses in archaeology are available at the Universities of Edinburgh and Glasgow and at the UHI Millennium Institute, Orkney College.


• Glasgow University offers the Postgraduate Diploma and MLitt in Aerial Archaeology. It includes an 8-9 week work placement, with the option to study a module from another course such as geophysical surveying.


• Entry to this career is very competitive. It is helpful to have experience in voluntary work in museums or on excavation sites.


• Some archaeological surveyors work for bodies such as Historic Scotland, the National Trust for Scotland (NTS), local authorities, museums or universities.


• Others work for small, independent units or are self-employed as consultants.


• For some posts, you will need a driving licence.

What Does It Take?

You need to be:

• methodical


• interested in history


• analytical


• resilient


• physically fit


• adaptable.

• IT skills, to produce 2D and 3D maps and plans


• a keen attention to detail


• the ability to interpret data and findings


• the ability to work on your own initiative as well as part of a team


• good observation skills.

Training

• If you have qualifications, training is mainly on the job.
• If you do not have qualifications, you may be able to train on the job with part time study in land surveying and then take a qualification in archaeology.

Getting On

• This is a small profession and there is a lot of competition for promotion.


• Many posts are linked to short-term projects.
• If you work on field excavations, you may have to travel or move often.
• You may be able to move from working for a small unit, to a larger organisation with more possibilities for promotion.

Pay

The figures below are only a guide. Actual pay rates vary, depending on:

• where you work


• the size of the organisation you work for


• the demand for the job.

More Information

• Most work is in field archaeology.
• Local authorities must now consider the need to investigate possible archaeological remains before any major development takes place. In 2007, excavations of an old industrial site were carried out in Rutherglen, near Glasgow, prior to the construction project of the M74 extension.


• The current economic downturn, in particular the slump in the house building industry, has affected employment opportunities in some areas of archaeology. (Source: Institute for Archaeologists, 2010).

Addresses

The following organisation(s) may be able to provide further information.