Shovel Bum. Dig Bum. Hobo Field Crew. That was me, once upon a time. Some of my happiest days in archaeology were when I was poor and just getting started, making the rounds as hobo field crew. It's how many of us get started, and certainly how many of us become educated in the ways of archaeology, and it can be a rewarding and hideous experience at the same time.
The first job anybody who wants to become an archaeologist gets is as a field technician---a hired digger on an archaeological expedition. College student and aspiring archaeologist Michael L wrote me recently, with a few excellent questions about the way the job works.
Have Trowel, Will Travel is a perfect description of what its like to be a field archaeologist. Here's an introduction to the concept.
The second part of the series called Have Trowel, Will Travel, discusses the kinds of education and experience you'll need to be a paid field technician on an archaeoological crew.
Part 3 of our series, Have Trowel Will Travel includes several very useful suggestions from a gentlemen who prefers to call himself a former "Lord of the Trowel".
Is being a dig bum really the very last job you should want to have? No! but it does require some rather dirty work. Here's how to maintain a level of dignity.
How do you get a job as a field assistant on an archaeological dig? Here's a few tips.
A field technician from the United Kingdom reports on his bad experience working in the archaeological field.
Being a field technician does have its downside; but you can protect yourself from the worst of the situations.
The head of a professional cultural resources firm makes some interesting suggestions for aspiring archaeological field technicians.
