archaeologist/references/tasks.md

Tasks & work activities — archaeologist

Source: O*NET 30.3, occupation 19-3093.00 (Historians).

Task statements

• [Core] Conserve and preserve manuscripts, records, and other artifacts.
• [Core] Organize data, and analyze and interpret its authenticity and relative significance.
• [Core] Gather historical data from sources such as archives, court records, diaries, news files, and photographs, as well as from books, pamphlets, and periodicals.
• [Core] Trace historical development in a particular field, such as social, cultural, political, or diplomatic history.
• [Core] Conduct historical research as a basis for the identification, conservation, and reconstruction of historic places and materials.
• [Core] Conduct historical research, and publish or present findings and theories.
• [Core] Speak to various groups, organizations, and clubs to promote the aims and activities of historical societies.
• [Core] Prepare publications and exhibits, or review those prepared by others, to ensure their historical accuracy.
• [Core] Research the history of a particular country or region, or of a specific time period.
• [Core] Present historical accounts in terms of individuals or social, ethnic, political, economic, or geographic groupings.
• [Core] Determine which topics to research, or pursue research topics specified by clients or employers.
• [Core] Organize information for publication and for other means of dissemination, such as via storage media or the Internet.
• [Core] Research and prepare manuscripts in support of public programming and the development of exhibits at historic sites, museums, libraries, and archives.
• [Core] Advise or consult with individuals and institutions regarding issues such as the historical authenticity of materials or the customs of a specific historical period.
• [Core] Interview people to gather information about historical events and to record oral histories.
• [Core] Recommend actions related to historical art, such as which items to add to a collection or which items to display in an exhibit.
• [Supplemental] Teach and conduct research in colleges, universities, museums, and other research agencies and schools.
• [Supplemental] Translate or request translation of reference materials.
• [Supplemental] Collect detailed information on individuals for use in biographies.
• [Supplemental] Coordinate activities of workers engaged in cataloging and filing materials.
• [Supplemental] Edit historical society publications.

Detailed work activities

• Collect archival data.
• Collect data about customer needs.
• Collect information from people through observation, interviews, or surveys.
• Communicate with clients about products, procedures, and policies.
• Conduct historical research.
• Coordinate project activities with other personnel or departments.
• Design layout of art or product exhibits, displays, or promotional materials.
• Edit documents.
• Edit written materials.
• Evaluate characteristics of archival or historical objects.
• Instruct college students in social sciences or humanities disciplines.
• Manage clerical or administrative activities.
• Plan social sciences research.
• Prepare materials for preservation, storage, or display.
• Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations.
• Recommend changes or corrective procedures.
• Translate information for others.