archaeologyfieldwork.com - Building a career from scratch?

Topic ID #8526 - posted 9/5/2010 1:49 AM

Building a career from scratch?

Lost

I've looked through a lot of the discussions on this site, and I have not quite found anything that may answer my questions.

I have been interested in Archaeology for quite a long time. I have looked into attending school, but at this point it is nearly impossible financially for me. This is a dream of mine that I would like to see through and build a career from. Since I can not attend school anytime soon, I do not know any other way to gain the experience and knowledge that I am determined to have.

Is it possible to start from scratch? Are there opportunities to be an entry level shovel bum without a BA to start my path towards a career? Honestly, I dont mind if I am digging for the rest of my life. I love traveling, camping, and getting my hands dirty from hard work. I have searched the job ads on this site, but almost all of them want either education or experience. How can I gain that experience? Are there any companies I can be pointed to who would not mind training a hard worker?

I know jobs are becoming scarce these days, but I guess until I am told that I have pipe dreams and it is impossible to find what I am looking for I will keep searching. Thank you for reading this and if anyone has any advice I thank you in advance.

entry-level

Post ID#18116 - replied 9/5/2010 8:29 AM

mcleodm

Moderator

The field seson is coming to a close now except for the SE States, Texas, Louisiana etc. Check out the Forest Service website passportintime.com. There are volunteer opportunities to work on excavations and surveys all over the country and the SE states have some project in the late fall and early spring before it gets too hot. However i must say education is usually essential for getting a job with the govt or most pvt consulting companies. Good Luck!

Post ID#18117 - replied 9/5/2010 12:21 PM

whatamIdoing

I don't know what state you are in, but in some states there are "field tech" associate degrees you can get at certain community colleges, you can definitely get jobs with those. I know in Cali, Wyoming, and Ohio there are these programs, and I know there are historic preservation associates in other states like Colorado and Arizona. A two year degree in something CRM specific can get you a seasonal gig as a GS-4 with the feds, and then there are those opportunities to advance after that. Getting volunteer experience is good, as is attending a field school or dig opportunities on the weekends. If you can get involved in a Passport in Time program with the Forest Service also inquire about if they or any other Forest they know is going to be running a para-archaeologist or HRT (Heritage Resource Technician) course. Basically a two week course that teaches you to identify cultural materials in the field and they hire you for short term work here and there.

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