Archaeological Project Manager

Archaeological Project Managers are the leaders of archaeological digs and research teams. They are responsible for planning, organizing, and overseeing all aspects of an archaeological project, from start to finish. They work closely with archaeologists, historians, and other experts to develop research questions, design excavation strategies, and interpret findings. Archaeological Project Managers must have a strong understanding of archaeological methods and theory, as well as excellent project management skills.

Responsibilities of an Archaeological Project Manager

The responsibilities of an Archaeological Project Manager include:

• Planning and organizing archaeological projects
• Developing research questions and excavation strategies
• Hiring and managing staff
• Overseeing all aspects of the excavation, including fieldwork, data collection, and analysis
• Interpreting findings and writing reports
• Working with archaeologists, historians, and other experts to develop research questions and interpret findings
• Presenting findings at conferences and in publications

Qualifications for an Archaeological Project Manager

To become an Archaeological Project Manager, you will typically need a master's degree in archaeology or a related field. You will also need several years of experience working on archaeological projects. In addition, you will need strong project management skills and excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Career Path

The typical career path for an Archaeological Project Manager is to start as an archaeologist and then move up to a project management role. With experience, you can eventually become a senior project manager or even a director of archaeology.

Skills and Knowledge

To be successful in this career, you will need the following skills and knowledge:

• Strong understanding of archaeological methods and theory
• Excellent project management skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Ability to think critically and solve problems
• Ability to write clearly and concisely

Tools and Equipment

Archaeological Project Managers use a variety of tools and equipment, including:

• Shovels
• Brushes
• Measuring tapes
• Cameras
• Computers

Licensing and Certifications

There is no specific licensing or certification required to become an Archaeological Project Manager. However, some employers may prefer candidates with a certification from the Society for American Archaeology.

Career Growth

With experience, Archaeological Project Managers can move up to senior project management roles or even become directors of archaeology. Additionally, some Archaeological Project Managers may choose to teach at universities or work as consultants.

Transferable Skills

The skills and knowledge that you gain as an Archaeological Project Manager can be transferred to a variety of other careers, including:

• Project management
• Research
• Teaching
• Consulting

Day-to-Day of an Archaeological Project Manager

The day-to-day of an Archaeological Project Manager can vary depending on the project. However, some typical tasks include:

• Planning and organizing the project
• Hiring and managing staff
• Overseeing the excavation
• Collecting and analyzing data
• Interpreting findings
• Writing reports
• Presenting findings at conferences and in publications

Challenges of an Archaeological Project Manager

Some of the challenges that Archaeological Project Managers face include:

• The need to work in remote and often harsh conditions
• The need to work long hours
• The need to manage a variety of personalities and egos
• The need to deal with unexpected problems and setbacks
• The need to stay up-to-date on the latest archaeological methods and theories

Projects of an Archaeological Project Manager

Some of the projects that Archaeological Project Managers may take on include:

• Excavating a new archaeological site
• Surveying an area for archaeological remains
• Analyzing data from an excavation
• Writing a report on an archaeological project
• Presenting findings at a conference or in a publication

Personal Growth Opportunities

Archaeological Project Management can provide a number of opportunities for personal growth, including:

• The opportunity to develop leadership skills
• The opportunity to learn about different cultures and time periods
• The opportunity to make a difference in the world

Personality Traits and Personal Interests of an Archaeological Project Manager

Some of the personality traits and personal interests that successful Archaeological Project Managers often have include:

• A passion for history and archaeology
• A strong work ethic
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• The ability to work independently and as part of a team
• The ability to think critically and solve problems

Self-Guided Projects

There are a number of self-guided projects that students can complete to better prepare themselves for a career as an Archaeological Project Manager, including:

• Volunteering on an archaeological dig
• Taking courses in archaeology and project management
• Reading books and articles about archaeology and project management
• Attending conferences and workshops on archaeology and project management

Online Courses

Online courses can be a great way to learn about archaeology and project management. Online courses can provide students with the flexibility to learn at their own pace and on their own time. Additionally, online courses can provide students with access to a wider range of courses and instructors than they might be able to find at their local university.

There are many different online courses available that can help students prepare for a career as an Archaeological Project Manager. These courses cover a variety of topics, including archaeological methods and theory, project management, and communication skills. Online courses can also provide students with the opportunity to work on projects and assignments that will help them develop the skills they need to be successful in this career.

While online courses can be a helpful learning tool, they are not enough to prepare you for a career as an Archaeological Project Manager. You will also need to gain experience working on archaeological projects and develop strong project management skills.

Conclusion

Archaeological Project Management is a challenging but rewarding career that can provide a number of opportunities for personal growth. If you are passionate about history and archaeology and have strong project management skills, then this may be the perfect career for you.