Archäologe/Archäologin

Information resources from the Bundesagentur für Arbeit (Federal Employment Agency) include the film 'Archaeology' and other offerings. These comprise publications and services such as 'AiD Archäologie in Deutschland', 'Antike Welt. Zeitschrift für Archäologie und Kulturgeschichte', 'Archäologie online', 'Archäologische Informationen', 'Beruf Archäologie', 'DARIAH-DE', 'Forum Archaeologiae', 'GNOMON. Kritische Zeitschrift für die gesamte klassische Altertumswissenschaft', 'Handreichung für Erstsemester', 'Historia', 'Journal of Archaeological Science', 'Leitfaden Professionell arbeiten im Museum', 'Praehistorische Zeitschrift', and 'Propylaeum - Fachinformationsdienst Altertumswissenschaften'.

Big Data is increasingly used in science. Researchers can analyze large datasets to identify risk factors for diseases in medical research or uncover complex interactions between proteins in medications. This enables them to work more efficiently in researching new technologies, develop better products, and remain competitive. Archaeologists can also use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to identify new excavation sites. AI analyzes satellite images and links them with other data sources. It can also be used for evaluating archaeological finds such as ceramic shards.

The following interests are important and helpful for success in this academic profession: theoretical-abstract, administrative-organizational, and practical-concrete activities. Theoretical-abstract interests include examining visible remains of earlier cultures and societies, investigating the authenticity of collection objects, and analyzing motifs and forms of representation of finds. Administrative-organizational interests involve keeping excavation diaries, organizing, and leading excavations. Practical-concrete interests include salvaging finds.

Archaeologists primarily work in office and meeting rooms, outdoors (during excavations, excursions, on-site inspections in monument preservation), in library and archive rooms, in museum exhibition spaces, and in seminar rooms and lecture halls. Additionally, they may also work in a home office or remotely.

Core competencies acquired or deepened during Studium (university studies) include archaeology, excavations, creating specialist publications, research, georadar, cataloging (archive, library, museum), conserving (historical objects), cultural geography, cultural history, evaluating source material (history), research, information retrieval, and restoration work. Further competencies that may be significant for this profession include 3-D laser scanning, archaeometry, monument preservation, ethnology, expert appraisal, industrial archaeology, comparative studies, cultural studies, art history, teaching (university), medieval history, museum education, project management, lecturing, prehistory and early history, scientific documentation, scientific photography, and scientific travel support.

The advancing digitalization of the working world can change task areas and requirement profiles. Archaeologists may have the opportunity to engage with the following technologies, procedures, or systems: 3-D laser scanning (e.g., digitizing finds using 3-D laser scans), 3-D simulation (e.g., reconstructing Bronze Age settlements in three dimensions), apps for planning and surveying (e.g., creating and digitally storing the survey of an excavation area with a mobile device), Blended Learning (e.g., preparing teaching material for the combination of virtual learning settings and in-person events), digital cultural mediation (e.g., creating and maintaining content for digital mediation methods of cultural institutions), digital whiteboard (e.g., using an interactive, digital whiteboard during university lectures), Digital Topographic Maps - DTK (e.g., using digital topographic maps to locate excavation projects), and digital collection management.

Archaeologists require methodical and analytical skills, as well as high textual and linguistic competence, for source study, reading primary and secondary literature, and preparing topics. Their foreign language skills, especially in classical languages, facilitate source study. They conduct thorough research using specialist literature (partially in foreign languages) from libraries, the internet, or insights gained at specialist conferences. They plan, organize, and lead excavations, research the condition of archaeological sites, arrange for conservation measures, maintain collections or sites, and make them accessible to the public. In doing so, they may collaborate with experts in (art) history, ancient studies, Egyptology, medieval studies, excavation technology, or monument preservation in interdisciplinary teams. Leadership qualities and social competence are required when managing staff.

Archaeologists can work freelance in the following areas: expert opinions, consulting, establishing an excavation company, excavation management, journalism, editing, and adult education.

Due to the broad professional spectrum, no representative income information can be provided. Please check BERUFENET for current information.

Public administration (culture and sports), e.g., state offices for archaeology and monument preservation; art, culture, museums (historical sites and monuments, museums and collections); publishing houses (publishing journals, especially specialist journals, publishing books, e.g., specialist books on archaeology); journalism and news agencies; adult education (cultural education, general and political adult education); archives, libraries, documentation centers; research and development in legal, economic, social, linguistic, cultural, and art sciences; universities, universities of applied sciences, vocational academies.

Those wishing to work in this profession typically require a completed undergraduate degree (grundständig Studium) in archaeology. Leadership positions or specialized tasks usually require a master's degree (Masterstudium). Activities in science and research frequently presuppose a doctorate (Promotion) or habilitation (Habilitation).

Archaeology (undergraduate), Archaeology (postgraduate)

Archaeologists can find employment in the private sector with archaeological specialist firms (e.g., excavation companies), in state (Bundesland) offices for monument preservation and archaeology, in lower monument protection authorities of municipalities, in museums, at universities and research institutions, with publishers, in libraries and archives, or in documentation departments of press agencies, and in adult education institutions.

Job Title: Archäologe/Archäologin. Deviating job title from former East Germany: Diplomorientarchäologe/Diplomorientarchäologin (University). Job title in English: Archaeologist (m/f). Job title in French: Archéologue (m/f).

Some characteristics of work and social behavior are equally relevant for all professions and are therefore not mentioned separately. These include: reliability, punctuality, honesty, ability to criticize, and appropriate manners. Additionally, the following profession-specific characteristics are required to practice this academic profession: willingness to perform and commit (e.g., willingness to diligently and flexibly in terms of time prepare and edit specialist texts on archaeological topics to meet planned publication dates), conscientiousness (e.g., careful recovery, evaluation, documentation, and cataloging of archaeological finds), independent working style (e.g., independently planning and organizing archaeological excavations), intercultural competence (e.g., collaboration with local helpers, scientific specialists, and authorities during excavations abroad).

Archaeologists are involved in finding remains of earlier cultures and societies during archaeological excavations. They work, for example, in restoration and conservation, exhibition management, editorial offices, or in research.

Job and Applicant Exchanges: academics.de, dArV, Deutscher Museumsbund, H-Soz-u-Kult, Verband der Landesarchäologen.

Associations and Organizations: CIfA-Deutschland des Chartered Institute for Archaeologists e.V., Deutsche Gesellschaft für Archäologie des Mittelalters und der Neuzeit e.V. (DGaMN), Deutscher Archäologen-Verband e.V. (dArV), DGUF Deutsche Gesellschaft für Ur- und Frühgeschichte e.V., DVA Deutscher Verband für Archäologie e.V., Hugo Obermaier-Gesellschaft.

Archaeologists take on personal responsibilities such as teaching and supervising students. They typically work in teams during excavation campaigns. During excavations, they may be in strenuous positions such as kneeling, squatting, and bending. They are frequently away from their place of residence, for example, leading study trips or working on excavations outside Germany. They perform computer work, organizing scientific collections and preparing reports. They conduct lectures in lecture halls or seminar rooms. In an office environment, they document teaching objectives and review achievements within the scope of quality assurance. They may work outdoors, in cold, hot, wet, humid, and drafty conditions depending on the climate and weather influences at the respective excavation site.

Professional deployment opportunities for archaeologists are categorized by fields of activity: They can work as excavation leaders in archaeological excavations. They can serve as curators in exhibition management and planning. They can work as teachers or lecturers in adult education. In art and cultural management, they may lead museums. They can teach at universities as lecturers or professors. Furthermore, they can work as study program coordinators. In media and cultural pedagogy, they can be museum educators. In editing, journalism, and proofreading, they can be editors-in-chief, journalists, proofreaders in publishing houses, online editors, or editors. In restoration and conservation, they can work as conservators. In scientific research, they can be research associates, heads of research groups, or scientific staff members.

Archaeologists examine objects such as remains of buildings, graves and grave goods, artifacts like pottery shards, tools, coins, jewelry, artworks, and written documents. Research and working materials include research publications, textbooks, specialist journals, statistics, lecture materials, specialized collections, maps, plans, excavation permits, official requirements, excavation diaries and inventory books, expert opinions, photos, and films. Devices, tools, and accessories used include cameras, digitization tablets, total stations, geographic information systems, ground radar, shovels, brushes, trowels, magnifiers, and drawing utensils. Office equipment and software include PCs, telephones, internet access, projectors, CAD programs, and, if necessary, information management software.

Archaeologists work in various fields. In field research, they organize excavations, recover finds, and evaluate them. In restoration and conservation, they reconstruct finds, inventory them, and recommend protective and restorative measures. In exhibition management, they present their research results to the public, while in art and cultural management, they might guide school classes through exhibitions. They lead events in adult education, and in publishing, they review manuscripts and support authors. At universities, they publish their research findings and conduct lectures and seminars.

Continuing education for adaptation helps to keep professional knowledge current and adapt it to new developments (e.g., in history, restoration, cultural management, adult education). Furthermore, the trend towards using artificial intelligence in archaeology can become an important continuing education topic for archaeologists.

Bachelor graduates can expand their career opportunities through further studies, for example, in archaeology or ancient studies. A doctorate is generally required for a scientific career at a university; for appointment as a university professor, a habilitation (postdoctoral qualification) is usually needed. A doctorate may also facilitate access to higher professional positions in the private sector, in research, and in public administration.

They impart knowledge about the cultural development of humanity in religion, politics, economics, crafts, technology, art, and residential and burial cultures. They analyze historical sources, monuments, and objects (e.g., remains of buildings and graves), reconstructing them if necessary. They evaluate scientific literature, write scientific articles, monographs, and specialized books, and prepare research results for publication. They organize and lead excavations. In the field of archaeological excavations, they conduct fieldwork and organize excavations: they uncover material evidence of prehistoric, early historical, ancient, and medieval cultures; recover, evaluate, document, and catalog finds. In the field of restoration and conservation, they research the condition of archaeological finds and monuments; analyze techniques, materials, motifs, and forms of representation; classify, document, and reconstruct objects.

The following additional employment alternatives are available for archaeologists: working as a historian or cultural scientist in the field of scientific research. Commonalities include researching cultural spaces, societies, and their development. They develop and evaluate sources, create publications, and design exhibitions. The mentioned job alternatives may require a longer familiarization period or additional training, depending on the specific case.

Archaeologists deal with the visible remains of earlier cultures and societies. They are involved in or lead archaeological excavations, working, for example, in restoration and conservation, exhibition management, editorial roles, or in science and teaching. From excavations to adult education, they cover a wide range of tasks. In the field of archaeological excavations, they conduct fieldwork and lead or organize excavations for authorities or private excavation companies. They uncover material evidence of prehistoric, early historical, ancient, and medieval art and cultures, recover, evaluate, document, and catalog finds. In restoration and conservation, archaeologists research the condition of monuments and archaeological finds, reconstruct objects, and restore them to their original state or initiate restoration measures.

The following abilities, knowledge, and skills are required for performing possible activities in this academic profession. Verbal (linguistic) thinking (e.g., analyzing, describing, and interpreting historical sources; evaluating scientific literature), figural-spatial thinking (e.g., planning excavations using maps and sketches), observational accuracy (e.g., assessing and evaluating finds and collection objects), concentration (e.g., uncovering fragile excavation objects), finger dexterity (e.g., sorting and assembling archaeological finds), manual dexterity (e.g., preparing excavation sites and recovering finds), eye-hand coordination (e.g., assembling finds), craftsmanship (e.g., uncovering excavation objects using tools such as trowels or brushes), drawing ability (e.g., drawing ground findings), planning and organizational skills (e.g., planning and organizing excavations) are important for this profession.

The exercise of this profession may involve the following physical requirements. This information may not necessarily apply to every activity profile or every professional application. Resilience of the spine, legs, arms, and hands (e.g., performing archaeological excavations in constrained postures), robust health (e.g., working on archaeological excavation sites under adverse climatic and weather conditions), functionality of the arms and hands (e.g., recovering finds at excavation sites; sorting archaeological finds), fine motor skills of the hands and fingers (e.g., making drawings of ground findings; restoration of archaeological finds), undisturbed speech ability (e.g., leading excavation teams; holding lectures on archaeological topics), distant vision - even corrected (e.g., performing surveys in open terrain; recognizing traces of earlier settlements), near vision - even corrected (e.g., examining finds in the archive; for archaeological articles).

The following professions or activities show similarities to the original profession. These professions represent a possible alternative for applicants who cannot find a vacant position in their learned profession. Furthermore, employers can consider specialists in these professions as alternatives for filling a position in the original profession. Some alternative professions only include partial activities of the original profession, while others require a familiarization period, which can vary in length depending on the individual case. The following immediate employment and staffing alternatives are available for the profession of archaeologist: for professional specializations (usually short familiarization), industrial archaeologist; for partial activities and professional deployment possibilities (with/without familiarization), excavation leader; in related professions, antiquarian with a lower qualification level.

The profession of archaeologist is not regulated in Germany. Therefore, professional recognition is not necessary to work in this profession with a qualification acquired abroad. However, it is possible to apply for an individual certificate evaluation for foreign university degrees through the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB). This can be helpful for applications in the German labor market. Further information on living and working in Germany: Hotline Working and Living in Germany - central information hotline of the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) and the Federal Employment Agency (BA), For people from abroad - an information service of the Federal Employment Agency, Central International and Specialist Placement Service of the Federal Employment Agency, Make it in Germany - The welcome portal of the skilled labor initiative for international skilled workers.

The following health limitations could lead to problems when performing the profession. The information does not necessarily apply to every activity profile or every professional application. Increasingly, there are also ways to compensate for limitations, for example, through technical aids. Restricted resilience of the spine, legs, arms, and hands (e.g., performing archaeological excavations in forced postures), susceptibility to infection, chronic infectious diseases (e.g., working on archaeological excavation sites under adverse climatic and weather conditions), restricted functionality of the arms and hands (e.g., recovering finds at excavation sites; sorting archaeological finds), restricted fine motor skills of the hands and fingers (e.g., making drawings of ground findings; restoration of archaeological finds), speech impediment, speech defects (e.g., leading excavation teams; holding lectures on archaeological topics).

The following alternative occupations are available for the profession of archaeologist from an employer's perspective: Field of Scientific Research, Historian, Cultural Scientist. Commonalities: researching regional cultural areas, societies, and their development, accessing and evaluating cultural-historical sources, creating publications; designing exhibitions. Note: The mentioned alternative occupations may require an induction period, which can vary in length in individual cases.