Working for a
commercial archaeology company is hard work, just like any other kind of job.
This one is just slightly more physically demanding than some others. But just
like every other job it has its ups and downs.
Unlike a
research dig where it’s only a few weeks on a site and sometimes have multiple
seasons on that site (normally when the weather is nicer during that the summer
months). Whereas a commercial dig, you dig when you are needed, meaning all
year round. Digging in the rain, sunshine, thunder and lightning and snow.
Waterproofs and thermals are definitely a good investment (especially with a
British weather system it’s important to prepare for every eventuality). Admittedly working in the rain isn’t too bad
but working in the rain and wind can actually be really painful. The rain feels
like a thousand knives hitting your face.
Another
difference between a research dig and a commercial dig is you have to work
within a schedule as they need to get going with their building work or
whatever construction they are doing. Which means working quickly and
efficiently but remaining to do a good job.
With a
commercial archaeology company there is no point in doing an open excavation
when there may not be any archaeology. So the area that is going to have
construction will have numerous evaluation trenches which will show if an area
has archaeology in it. If it has a lot of important archaeology in it then it
may go into open excavation which would cost a lot more and, obviously take
more time to dig.
Most
archaeology companies will do more than just excavation they can also do things
for example, GIS Mapping, Heritage statements, desk base services, watching
briefs. All these things will can be utilised by construction companies to be
able to achieve what they need to be able to go forward with their construction
work.
