Top 12 Archaeologist Skills to Put on Your Resume

In today’s competitive job market, archaeologists must showcase a unique set of skills on their resumes to stand out among the multitude of candidates. This article outlines the top 12 archaeologist skills that demonstrate your expertise and passion for unearthing the past, making your application irresistible to potential employers.

Archaeologist Skills

1. Excavation
2. Stratigraphy
3. GIS (Geographic Information Systems)
4. Radiocarbon Dating
5. Photogrammetry
6. Artifact Analysis
7. Paleoethnobotany
8. Zooarchaeology
9. Remote Sensing
10. D Modeling
11. Ceramics Petrography
12. Ground-penetrating Radar (GPR)

1. Excavation

Excavation, in the context of archaeology, is the systematic process of digging and removing earth to uncover and study past human activity, artifacts, and structures buried beneath the surface.

Why It's Important

Excavation is essential for archaeologists as it allows them to uncover and study artifacts and structures buried beneath the ground, providing valuable insights into human history, cultures, and past environments.

How to Improve Excavation Skills

Improving excavation techniques in archaeology involves meticulous planning, adopting new technologies, and ensuring the preservation of archaeological contexts. Here are concise tips for achieving this:

1. Pre-Excavation Planning: Conduct thorough site surveys and geophysical assessments to identify areas of interest. This can minimize unnecessary digging and focus efforts on promising locations. National Park Service - Planning

2. Employ Technology: Utilize advanced tools like Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), drones for aerial photography, and 3D scanning to map sites accurately and non-invasively. Archaeological Institute of America - Technology in the Field

3. Precision Excavation: Apply the principle of stratigraphic excavation, carefully removing soil in measured layers to preserve the chronological context of finds. ScienceDirect - Stratigraphy in Archaeology

4. Documentation: Record every step of the excavation process through detailed notes, photographs, and drawings. This documentation is crucial for analysis and future reference. SHA - Field and Lab Standards

5. Conservation on Site: Implement immediate conservation measures for delicate finds to prevent deterioration until further preservation work can be done. ICCROM - Conservation

6. Collaborative Approach: Work with specialists in various fields such as paleobotany, zooarchaeology, and material science for a comprehensive understanding of the site and its artifacts. SAA - Archaeological Specializations

7. Ethical Considerations: Ensure that the excavation respects local communities and adheres to legal and ethical guidelines protecting cultural heritage. ICOMOS - International Principles

By integrating these strategies, archaeologists can enhance the precision, efficiency, and ethical standards of their excavations, leading to more meaningful interpretations of the past.

How to Display Excavation Skills on Your Resume

2. Stratigraphy

Stratigraphy in archaeology is the study of the layers (strata) of earth and materials that have accumulated over time at a site. It is used to analyze the chronological sequence of past human activities by examining the order and position of these layers, helping archaeologists understand the timeline and historical context of artifacts and structures found within them.

Why It's Important

Stratigraphy is crucial for archaeologists because it provides a relative dating system through the analysis of soil layers (strata), allowing them to understand the chronological sequence of human activity and cultural deposits at a site. This helps in reconstructing past human behaviors, environments, and historical developments.

How to Improve Stratigraphy Skills

Improving stratigraphy, especially for an archaeologist, involves enhancing the understanding and interpretation of stratigraphic sequences to accurately date and contextualize archaeological findings. Here are concise tips:

1. Continuous Learning: Stay updated with the latest methodologies and case studies in stratigraphy by accessing resources from reputable organizations such as the Society for American Archaeology and the International Association of Sedimentologists.

2. Field Techniques: Enhance field recording techniques, including detailed note-taking, photography, and drawing, to capture stratigraphic layers accurately. The Archaeological Institute of America offers resources and workshops on field methods.

3. Laboratory Analysis: Utilize laboratory analyses such as sedimentology, paleoecology, and chronometric dating techniques to interpret stratigraphic contexts. Resources for laboratory techniques can be found through academic institutions and publications, such as Elsevier’s books and journals on archaeological science.

4. Software Tools: Adopt stratigraphic software tools like Stratigrapher or Harris Matrix Composer for visualizing and analyzing stratigraphic sequences.

5. Collaboration and Training: Participate in workshops, courses, and fieldwork opportunities to learn from experienced stratigraphers. Opportunities can be found through academic institutions and professional organizations such as the Geological Society of America.

6. Publication Reviews: Regularly read and review stratigraphic studies in scientific journals to understand current debates, methods, and discoveries. Journals such as Journal of Archaeological Science and Quaternary Science Reviews are valuable resources.

Improving stratigraphy requires a combination of up-to-date knowledge, practical skills in field and lab work, and the use of modern tools and technologies.

How to Display Stratigraphy Skills on Your Resume

3. GIS (Geographic Information Systems)

GIS (Geographic Information Systems) is a digital tool that enables archaeologists to capture, store, analyze, and visualize spatial and geographic data related to archaeological sites, facilitating the mapping and analysis of landscapes, excavation findings, and cultural patterns over time.

Why It's Important

GIS is crucial for archaeologists as it allows for the spatial analysis of archaeological sites, enabling the visualization, interpretation, and management of spatial data, which aids in uncovering patterns, trends, and relationships in historical and environmental context, thereby enhancing research, preservation, and decision-making.

How to Improve GIS (Geographic Information Systems) Skills

Improving GIS for an archaeologist involves enhancing data accuracy, analysis capabilities, and interdisciplinary integration. Here are concise strategies:

1. Data Accuracy: Prioritize high-resolution satellite imagery and Lidar technology to improve site detection and mapping. USGS Earth Explorer and OpenTopography offer valuable resources.

2. Analysis Capabilities: Utilize advanced GIS software like QGIS for its extensive plugins and analysis tools, tailored for archaeological applications.

3. Interdisciplinary Integration: Combine GIS with other scientific methods (e.g., geophysics, remote sensing) for a comprehensive understanding. The Journal of Archaeological Science often discusses such integrated approaches.

4. Training and Education: Continuously update your skills through courses and workshops. Platforms like Esri Training offer courses specifically designed for improving GIS skills.

By focusing on these areas, archaeologists can significantly enhance their use of GIS in research and fieldwork.

How to Display GIS (Geographic Information Systems) Skills on Your Resume

4. Radiocarbon Dating

Radiocarbon dating is a method used by archaeologists to determine the age of organic materials up to about 50,000 years old by measuring their carbon-14 content.

Why It's Important

Radiocarbon dating is crucial for archaeologists because it provides a reliable method to determine the age of organic materials, enabling them to construct accurate timelines of human activity and cultural development over thousands of years.

How to Improve Radiocarbon Dating Skills

Improving radiocarbon dating involves enhancing precision, accuracy, and applicability to different materials. For archaeologists, the focus is often on minimizing sample size, expanding the range of datable materials, and refining calibration techniques. Here are concise strategies for improvement:

1. Use Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS): AMS allows dating of smaller samples with greater precision, reducing the need for large or destructive sampling. AMS at Oxford

2. Refine Calibration Curves: Improve the accuracy of radiocarbon dates by using more comprehensive, up-to-date calibration curves that consider variations in atmospheric C-14 over time. IntCal Calibration Curves

3. Employ Bayesian Statistical Analysis: Utilize Bayesian methods to integrate radiocarbon dates with other archaeological and environmental data, providing more nuanced interpretations of dating results. ChronoModel for Bayesian Analysis

4. Pre-treatment Techniques: Enhance the purity of samples through advanced pre-treatment methods to remove contaminants, ensuring the radiocarbon measurements reflect the actual sample age. Pre-treatment methods

5. Cross-Check with Other Dating Methods: Where possible, corroborate radiocarbon dates with other dating techniques (e.g., dendrochronology, luminescence dating) for more accurate age estimations. Comparing Dating Methods

By integrating these strategies, archaeologists can significantly enhance the reliability and scope of radiocarbon dating in their research.

How to Display Radiocarbon Dating Skills on Your Resume

5. Photogrammetry

Photogrammetry is a technique used by archaeologists to create detailed 3D models of artifacts, sites, and landscapes by taking multiple photographs from different angles and then processing these images with specialized software. This non-invasive method allows for accurate documentation, measurement, and analysis while preserving the integrity of historical sites and objects.

Why It's Important

Photogrammetry is crucial for archaeologists as it enables the precise, non-invasive documentation of artifacts and sites, facilitating detailed analysis, preservation, and sharing of cultural heritage with unparalleled accuracy and efficiency.

How to Improve Photogrammetry Skills

To improve photogrammetry for archaeological purposes, consider the following concise tips:

1. Use High-Quality Equipment: Opt for a camera with a high-resolution sensor and a suitable lens for detailed captures. Digital Archaeology

2. Optimal Lighting Conditions: Ensure even lighting to avoid shadows and highlights that can distort the model. Natural and artificial light in photogrammetry

3. Multiple Angles and Overlaps: Capture images from various angles with at least 60-70% overlap for more accurate stitching. Photogrammetry guidelines - Historic England

4. Use Ground Control Points (GCPs): GCPs enhance the accuracy of your models significantly. Ground Control Points in Photogrammetry

5. Post-Processing Software: Utilize robust software for stitching and refining models, like Agisoft Metashape or Autodesk ReCap. 3D Recording, Documentation and Management of Cultural Heritage

6. Continuous Learning: Stay updated with the latest techniques and software advancements in photogrammetry. Society for American Archaeology

Implementing these strategies will significantly enhance the accuracy and quality of photogrammetric models in archaeology.

How to Display Photogrammetry Skills on Your Resume

6. Artifact Analysis

Artifact analysis, in the context of archaeology, is the systematic examination and interpretation of material objects recovered from past human activities to understand their manufacture, use, and cultural significance.

Why It's Important

Artifact analysis is crucial for archaeologists as it enables the understanding of past human behaviors, technologies, and cultures through the systematic examination of material remains, providing direct insights into the lifeways of ancient societies.

How to Improve Artifact Analysis Skills

Improving artifact analysis in archaeology requires a multifaceted approach focusing on technological advancements, interdisciplinary collaboration, and methodological refinement. Here are concise strategies:

1. Leverage Technology: Utilize advanced imaging and scanning techniques like 3D modeling and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) to analyze artifacts non-destructively, revealing hidden details about manufacture, usage, and provenance.

2. Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Engage with specialists in materials science, conservation, and historical linguistics, to gain insights from different perspectives, enhancing understanding of artifact context and significance.

3. Enhanced Dating Techniques: Apply precise dating methods like Luminescence Dating and Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS) for accurate artifact chronology, providing a more reliable framework for historical interpretation.

4. Digital Documentation: Implement GIS and CAD for spatial analysis and digital archiving, facilitating better data management, sharing, and collaborative research.

5. Experimental Archaeology: Conduct reconstruction experiments to understand the manufacturing processes, usage, and wear patterns of artifacts, offering practical insights into past human behavior and technological capabilities.

By integrating these strategies, archaeologists can significantly enhance the depth and accuracy of artifact analysis, contributing to a more nuanced understanding of human history.

How to Display Artifact Analysis Skills on Your Resume

7. Paleoethnobotany

Paleoethnobotany is the study of ancient plant remains associated with human activities, helping archaeologists understand past diets, agriculture, and interactions with the environment.

Why It's Important

Paleoethnobotany is important for archaeologists because it provides insights into past human diets, agriculture, and interactions with the environment, helping to reconstruct ancient societies' subsistence patterns, economic activities, and cultural practices related to plant use.

How to Improve Paleoethnobotany Skills

Improving paleoethnobotany, the study of relationships between people and plants in the past, requires a multifaceted approach. For archaeologists, this involves enhancing field recovery techniques, broadening analytical methods, and integrating interdisciplinary perspectives.

1. Enhance Recovery Techniques: Improve the recovery of plant remains from archaeological sites through flotation Flotation Guide and soil sampling methods. These techniques increase the quantity and quality of botanical evidence.

2. Broaden Analytical Methods: Incorporate a range of analytical techniques such as microfossil analysis (phytoliths, starch grains), which can reveal dietary habits and plant domestication processes Microfossil Analysis.

3. Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Collaborate with botanists, paleoclimatologists, and geneticists to gain insights into ancient plant species, their domestication, and how climate change affected past human-plant interactions. Interdisciplinary approaches provide a broader understanding of the ecological and cultural context of plant usage Interdisciplinary Research in Archaeology.

4. Experimental Archaeology and Ethnographic Comparison: Engage in experimental archaeology to understand ancient plant processing and usage techniques. Ethnographic comparison with modern traditional societies can also offer insights into past plant use practices Experimental Archaeology.

5. Digital and Computational Tools: Utilize digital databases for comparative analysis and employ computational models to predict plant distribution and availability in past landscapes Digital Archaeology.

6. Education and Training: Encourage the development of specialized courses and training in paleoethnobotanical methods and theory for archaeology students. Educating the next generation of archaeologists in these techniques is crucial for the advancement of the field Education in Paleoethnobotany.

By adopting these strategies, archaeologists can significantly enhance the scope and depth of paleoethnobotanical research, contributing to a more nuanced understanding of past human-plant relationships.

How to Display Paleoethnobotany Skills on Your Resume

8. Zooarchaeology

Zooarchaeology is the study of animal remains (bones, teeth, shells, etc.) from archaeological sites to understand past human-animal relationships, diet, economy, and environment.

Why It's Important

Zooarchaeology is crucial for archaeologists as it provides insights into past human-animal relationships, including diet, economy, social structure, and environmental changes, enriching our understanding of historical and prehistorical human lifeways.

How to Improve Zooarchaeology Skills

Improving zooarchaeology, a field focused on studying ancient animal bones to understand past human-animal relationships and environmental contexts, involves a multifaceted approach. As an archaeologist, here are concise strategies for enhancement:

1. Continuous Learning: Stay updated with the latest methodologies and technologies in zooarchaeology through academic journals and associations. Journal of Archaeological Science and The International Council for Archaeozoology (ICAZ) offer valuable resources and research findings.

2. Specialization and Training: Consider specializing in specific animal groups or techniques (e.g., DNA analysis, isotopic analysis) through workshops and courses offered by educational institutions and professional bodies. The Association for Environmental Archaeology provides information on relevant training opportunities.

3. Field Experience: Gain practical experience by participating in excavations that focus on zooarchaeological finds. This hands-on experience is invaluable for understanding the nuances of animal remains in situ.

4. Collaboration: Engage in interdisciplinary collaboration with biologists, ecologists, and other archaeologists to enrich your analyses and interpretations. Platforms like ResearchGate facilitate finding and connecting with potential collaborators.

5. Technology Adoption: Utilize advanced technologies such as 3D scanning and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for more precise data collection and analysis. Resources like the Digital Archaeological Record (tDAR) can support data management and sharing.

6. Publication and Dissemination: Share your findings through publications and presentations at conferences. This not only contributes to the field's knowledge base but also fosters peer review and feedback.

By integrating these strategies, archaeologists can significantly enhance their contributions to the field of zooarchaeology, leading to deeper insights into past life ways and environments.

How to Display Zooarchaeology Skills on Your Resume

9. Remote Sensing

Remote sensing is the acquisition of information about an object or area from a distance, typically using satellite or aerial imagery, to identify, monitor, and analyze archaeological sites and landscapes without direct physical contact.

Why It's Important

Remote sensing is crucial for archaeologists as it allows for the non-invasive surveying of vast areas, identifying potential archaeological sites and landscape features without disturbing the ground. This technology helps in the efficient planning of excavations, monitoring of site conditions, and understanding historical changes in landscapes, significantly enhancing archaeological research and preservation efforts.

How to Improve Remote Sensing Skills

To improve remote sensing for archaeological applications, focus on integrating advanced technologies and methodologies that enhance detection, analysis, and interpretation of archaeological features:

1. Utilize High-Resolution Satellite Imagery: High-resolution images from satellites like WorldView-3 allow for the detailed observation of archaeological sites from space. DigitalGlobe is a leading provider.

2. Apply LiDAR Technology: LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) can penetrate forest canopies to reveal hidden structures beneath. This technology is crucial for discovering sites in vegetated areas. The National Center for Airborne Laser Mapping offers insights and services.

3. Incorporate Ground-Penetrating Radar (GPR): GPR is essential for subsurface mapping without excavation. It's particularly useful for defining archaeological features buried shallowly underground. Learn more through Sensors & Software Inc..

4. Leverage Multispectral and Hyperspectral Imaging: These imaging techniques can identify materials based on their spectral signatures, useful for mapping site extents and characterizing materials. The European Space Agency provides resources on satellite-based spectral imaging.

5. Engage in Drone Surveys: UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) equipped with cameras and sensors offer a flexible and detailed view of archaeological sites, enabling high-resolution mapping and monitoring. The DJI Enterprise page has more information on drones for such purposes.

6. Adopt Advanced Data Analysis Algorithms: Machine learning and AI can significantly enhance the processing and interpretation of remote sensing data, identifying patterns and features that might be missed manually. Google Earth Engine is a platform that combines a multi-petabyte catalog of satellite imagery and geospatial datasets with planetary-scale analysis capabilities.

By integrating these technologies and approaches, archaeologists can significantly enhance the discovery, mapping, and analysis of archaeological sites, leading to new insights and a deeper understanding of past human activities.

How to Display Remote Sensing Skills on Your Resume

10. D Modeling

3D modeling in archaeology involves creating digital three-dimensional representations of artifacts, structures, or landscapes, allowing for detailed analysis, interpretation, and preservation of archaeological findings.

Why It's Important

3D modeling is important for archaeologists because it enables precise documentation, analysis, and preservation of artifacts and sites, facilitates virtual reconstruction of past environments, and enhances public engagement and education by making historical and cultural heritage more accessible and interactive.

How to Improve D Modeling Skills

Improving 3D modeling skills, especially for an archaeologist, involves practice, learning from various resources, and using the right tools. Here are concise tips:

1. Practice Regularly: The more you model, the better you get. Set small projects that challenge different skills.
2. Learn from Tutorials: Websites like Sketchfab and CGTrader offer tutorials that can help in mastering specific techniques.
3. Use Archaeology-Specific Software: Explore tools like Agisoft Metashape for photogrammetry and MeshLab for mesh processing, which are widely used in archaeological 3D modeling.
4. Join Online Communities: Platforms like Reddit's r/3Dmodeling or Archaeology's Digital Tools offer valuable advice and feedback.
5. Attend Workshops and Conferences: Keep an eye on events by organizations like The Society for American Archaeology that occasionally offer workshops on 3D modeling in archaeology.
6. Critique and Be Critiqued: Learning to give and receive constructive criticism on platforms like ArtStation can significantly improve your 3D modeling skills.

By focusing on these areas, you can enhance your 3D modeling capabilities in an archaeological context.

How to Display D Modeling Skills on Your Resume

11. Ceramics Petrography

Ceramics petrography is a scientific method used by archaeologists to analyze the mineral composition and texture of ceramic materials. By examining thin sections of ceramics under a microscope, it helps in identifying the raw materials and manufacturing techniques used, as well as inferring the provenance or origin of archaeological pottery. This analysis aids in understanding ancient production and distribution networks, technological advancements, and cultural interactions.

Why It's Important

Ceramics petrography is important for archaeologists because it enables the identification of the mineralogical composition and manufacturing techniques of ceramic artifacts, helping to trace their geographic origins, trade networks, and technological advancements across different cultures and time periods.

How to Improve Ceramics Petrography Skills

To improve ceramics petrography, an archaeologist should focus on enhancing their understanding and application of analytical techniques, as well as the interpretation of petrographic data. Here's a concise guide:

1. Educate Yourself: Start with foundational knowledge in geology and petrology to understand the properties of ceramic materials. Online courses and textbooks can be invaluable. For an introduction, consider resources such as Coursera or edX for relevant courses.

2. Hands-On Training: Practical experience is crucial. Attend workshops or training sessions on ceramics petrography. Universities or research institutions often host such events. Keep an eye on announcements from The Society for Archaeological Sciences for related opportunities.

3. Use Technology: Incorporate advanced imaging techniques and software for petrographic analysis. Understanding the use of polarizing microscopes, SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy), and image analysis software can greatly enhance your petrographic studies. Resources such as the Microscopy Society of America offer guidance on microscopy techniques.

4. Collaborate and Network: Collaborate with geologists and materials scientists. Networking can provide access to expertise and equipment that might be otherwise unavailable. Join professional forums and attend conferences related to archaeological science to connect with peers, such as those organized by The European Association of Archaeologists.

5. Publish and Share Findings: Contribute your findings to scientific journals or present at conferences. This not only aids the archaeological community but also provides you with feedback to refine your techniques. Look for journals like the Journal of Archaeological Science.

6. Continuous Learning: Stay updated with the latest research and advancements in ceramics petrography through academic journals and publications. Platforms like ResearchGate allow you to follow leading researchers and topics of interest.

Improving in ceramics petrography is a continuous process of learning, practicing, and collaborating. The integration of new techniques and the accumulation of hands-on experience will substantially enhance your capabilities as an archaeologist in this field.

How to Display Ceramics Petrography Skills on Your Resume

12. Ground-penetrating Radar (GPR)

Ground-penetrating Radar (GPR) is a non-invasive geophysical method used by archaeologists to detect and map subsurface artifacts, structures, and features without excavation, utilizing high-frequency radio waves to create images of the subsurface.

Why It's Important

Ground-penetrating Radar (GPR) is crucial for archaeologists as it allows non-invasive exploration beneath the surface, helping to identify potential archaeological sites and artifacts without disturbing the ground, thus preserving the integrity of historical contexts.

How to Improve Ground-penetrating Radar (GPR) Skills

Improving Ground-penetrating Radar (GPR) for archaeological applications involves several strategies focused on enhancing data resolution, depth of penetration, and interpretability. Here’s a concise guide:

1. Enhance Resolution with Higher Frequency Antennas: Employ high-frequency antennas (1 GHz or higher) for finer resolution in shallow investigations. This is crucial for detecting small or delicate archaeological features. Understanding GPR.

2. Multi-Frequency Systems: Use multi-frequency systems that combine the benefits of deep penetration (low frequency) and high resolution (high frequency), providing a more comprehensive view of subsurface features. Guidelines for GPR.

3. Data Processing Techniques: Apply advanced data processing techniques like 3D visualization and migration analysis to improve data clarity and depth interpretation, making it easier to identify and analyze archaeological finds. GPR Data Analysis.

4. Integration with Other Geophysical Methods: Combine GPR data with other geophysical survey data (e.g., magnetic, resistivity) to cross-validate findings and gain a multidimensional understanding of the subsurface. Integrating Geophysical Methods.

5. Training and Experience: Enhance operator expertise through training and experience in both GPR technology and archaeological context to improve survey design, data interpretation, and artifact identification. GPR Training.

By focusing on these aspects, archaeologists can significantly improve the effectiveness and accuracy of GPR surveys in their quest to uncover and study ancient sites and artifacts.

How to Display Ground-penetrating Radar (GPR) Skills on Your Resume