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Isobel’s day-to-day role includes managing the deployment, maintenance and set up of survey equipment, working with technologies such as photogrammetry, and managing utility risk.
Isobel has been working in commercial archaeology for around four years. Her background is in the field of archaeology and heritage consultancy and is experienced in writing archaeological reports, carrying out historic building surveys, and undertaking archaeological research.
Archaeology is the study of the past by looking for the remains and artifacts (historical things) left by the people who lived long ago.
Archaeologists dig in a scientific way with neat, organized, square holes on a grid system. By doing this they can record everything they find and where the items were found.
There are various routes into working in commercial archaeology. Most people now have an archaeology degree although many more experienced, and often older individuals, have many years of experience of working on archaeological excavations. Most people normally start off working as a field archaeologist,although this is not always the case.
You can do degree courses in archaeology, as well as those specialising in different aspects of the work, like:
Most archaeology degrees run student fieldschools which are often a great way of getting some practical training in archaeological excavation.
You may be able to do an archaeological specialist degree apprenticeship.
An understanding of survey data, both in terms of how archaeological surveys are carried out in the field, and also how to process and interpret this data
Technical skills in being able to use survey equipment such as GPS and Total Stations
Being able to use AutoCAD and GIS based software
Be a good communicator
Have an understanding of 3D data
Understanding of the significance and importance of archaeological data
Knowledge of archaeological periods, theory and practice
Attention to detail
Ecologist
Landscape surveyor
Historical researcher
Conservator
“I really enjoy working in archaeology. It's a big passion of mine.I love being able to work in something that I have a genuine interest in.”