Why did you become an archaeologist?
I have always had an interest in archaeology but it became my career via an attempt to become a countryside ranger! After completing my degree in physical geography, I took a year-long volunteer placement with the National Trust in West Penwith and while working on various archaeological related projects I decided that archaeology was the way forward for me.
How much training is involved, what qualifications do you need to become an archaeologist?
After my year with the National Trust I returned to university and completed an MA in landscape archaeology. After that I spent six years on the commercial ‘digging’ circuit, working on various sites across the country from central London to Bodmin Moor learning to excavate and survey. However for my current job, the practical experience with the National Trust, learning about land management, upland farming and practical conservation proved really useful.
How long have you been an archaeologist?
21 years now. Time flies!
Where do you work?
I work mainly within Dartmoor National Park. However for two days a week I work for Historic England and my role for them also covers West Devon, Mid Devon and Exeter. Lots of great archaeology!
Who else works with you?
At Dartmoor National Park I work with Lee Bray, a full-time archaeologist, and Alex Richards, the historic environment record officer. Together we cover all aspects of Dartmoor’s rich historic environment from scheduled Neolithic enclosures to second world war airfields - 20,000+ known sites. For Historic England I work as part of the regional ‘heritage at risk’ team. This is a group of archaeologists, historic building specialists, architects and a historic parks and gardens expert. We are tasked with trying to reduce the numerous threats faced by the region’s scheduled monuments, listed buildings and registered parklands.
What is involved in being an archaeologist? How does your day usually unfold?
You have to have a good eye for spotting features (and funding opportunities!) in the field, an open mind for resolving problems, be good at managing budgets, community projects and digs, as well as providing professional advice in regard to planning, management and policy issues. Luckily I manage to get out on site quite often. Yesterday I was out in thick fog with local farmers discussing management of scheduled monuments, today I’m office bound writing site management plans and catching up with the planning case load and tomorrow I will be attending a meeting to discuss post-Brexit agri-environmental schemes. It is extremely varied to say the least.
What would you say to someone thinking of this as a career?
It is very rewarding personally if not financially! Get involved as early as you can by volunteering on an excavation, a survey project or local museum and hopefully find a role that suits your interests. These days a degree in archaeology is an essential requirement although some of the most skilful ‘diggers’ I have worked with never went near a lecture hall!
What is the best thing about your job?
The variety of the work. Being involved with diverse and interesting projects such as community excavations or conservation programmes. Also being paid to take people out onto Dartmoor to show off the area’s fantastic archaeology is a great privilege.