GET A JOB: CHAPTER CHALLENGE #12

Sydney Gross

ARCHEOLOGIST

Archaeology is the study of past human societies, primarily through the recovery and analysis of the material culture and environmental data which they have left behind, which includes artifacts, architecture and cultural landscapes. These professionals are involved in the study of historical artifacts that give us information on different races, cultures, rituals, ad practices that may now be extinct.

REQUIRED EDUCATION

The basic educational requirement for an archaeologist is a master’s degree in archaeology. A Ph.D degree may be preferred for higher-level positions. Doctorate degrees may also be necessary if one wants to apply for grants to pursue research programs. Those with a bachelor’s degree are generally recruited for entry-level jobs such as trainee archaeologist, research assistant, and writer. Archaeological studies may require knowledge of ancient and classical languages. Those who want a career in archaeology must also be able to write researched conclusions that need to be presented in written form.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The work of an archaeologist has a mix of both outdoor activities and indoor desk job. Travel is an important part of this occupation, and archaeologists are often required to work in different climates. During site explorations, there are no fixed schedules and archaeologists may have to work through a major part of the day. Post-excavation work mainly involves research and preparation of articles and reports, and archaeologists can enjoy regular 40-hour weeks during this period. Those employed as teachers and researchers enjoy flexible working hours.

SALARY

Stats published in 2009 showed the median annual salary of archaeologists in the United States is $71,551. The average entry level salaries are around $33,000, while those with experience can earn between $39,000 and $71,000 every year. However, the salaries often depend on the kind of organization one is working for. For instance, those with the federal government report median annual salaries of $68,000, while those working as professors or museum curators may earn in the range $80,000 to $100,000 annually. Archaeologists working in the government enjoy paid and sick leaves, vacations, and pension plans. Private firms offer similar benefits, and sometimes even life insurance and health insurance coverage schemes.

ARCHEOLOGIST IN ACTION

PALEONTOLOGIST

Paleontology is the study of the history of life on Earth. Fossils are the remains or traces of organisms that lived in the geological past and are preserved in the crust of the Earth. Paleontologists also frequently are involved in studies of evolutionary biology.

REQUIRED EDUCATION

Strong background in the sciences is absolutely essential, with strong concentration in both biology and geology. The ideal arrangement is a double-major, with full undergraduate training in both biology and geology. A doctoral degree or PhD is almost always necessary for any serious professional career in paleontology. Bachelor’s degrees in geology or earth sciences may allow them to get an entry-level job, but advancement in this scientific field will be impossible without postgraduate qualifications. A good reading knowledge of a modern language should be obtained as an undergraduate. Ability in statistical analysis and solid computer skills are absolutely required in modern paleontology.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Paleontologists who engage in fieldwork may have to endure extreme weather conditions. They may be required to travel frequently to remote locations and carry lots of research equipment in backpacks, which is likely to make the task physically strenuous. Paleontologists who are employed as faculty members at universities or research institutes have regular 40-hour weeks in a comfortable environment.

SALARY

The average annual salary for paleontologists in the United States is $67,470. Entry-level salaries for these scientists are around $36,580 per year, while experienced paleontologists can earn as much as $133,310 annually. Paleontologists employed in government-funded institutions, universities, and private research firms can expect good perks, including paid leaves, medical and life insurance, and other allowances.

PALEONTOLOGIST IN ACTION

BIBLIOGRAPHY

http://careers.stateuniversity.com/pages/7752/Archaeologist.html

http://www.priweb.org/ed/lol/careers.html http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Archaeology http://www.schoolsintheusa.com/careerprofiles

_details.cfm?carid=400

http://careers.stateuniversity.com/pages/7860/Paleontologist.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Joda_paleontologist.jpg