There are a number of career options for archaeologists in British Columbia. Archaeologists are employed by museums, government (including federal, provincial, and First Nation), as well as the private sector. Most archaeologists are employed by the private sector to evaluate developments to ensure compliance with the Heritage Conservation Act.
Nature of the Work
Archaeological work includes fieldwork (both survey and excavation), artifact processing and analysis, and report preparation. The majority of entry-level jobs involve survey often in remote areas (primarily for forestry and oil/gas clients). Field conditions can be difficult and the work is often physically demanding. Pay scales vary widely from company to company.
Required Qualifications
Qualifications vary from company to company and from job to job. Many companies require a bachelor’s degree in archaeology or anthropology and previous fieldwork experience (such as a field school). Outdoor experience, survey/orienteering skills, computer skills (Microsoft Office, ArcView, AutoCAD), writing skills, and strong interpersonal skills are also important.
Employment Opportunities
Current job postings are listed below. If you are looking for employment you could also contact BCAPA member companies. You may also want to check provincial and federal postings. If you have questions about a career in archaeology you can contact the BCAPA through the administrator at admin@bcapa.ca .
Current Job Postings
A nominal fee will be charged for posting jobs to the BCAPA site as of January 1, 2016. Please contact the administrator for more information admin@bcapa.ca.