​UNITE ARCHAEOLOGY IRELAND

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The UNITE Archaeology Branch’s Dos and Don’ts of getting a job in archaeology

 

Everyone working in archaeology is entitled to a fair wage that reflects their qualifications and experience. The Institute of Archaeology of Ireland has recommended rates for wages and UNITE strongly recommends that you should not work for below the Living Wage (11.45 per hour)

 

For those just entering the workforce it can be daunting trying to secure work and to make sure that that work will afford you a living and help you progress in your chosen career.

 

Archaeology is a small sector with employment opportunities largely circulated by word of mouth and/or by making direct contact with the various commercial companies currently operating.

 

Few, if any, jobs are advertised in traditional media and only sometimes via social media or via a company’s website. This contrasts with the UK where there is an active dedicated website for archaeological jobs.

 

Ask your academic supervisor to get you in touch with people they might know in the commercial sector for an honest opinion about employment and general archaeological discussions.

 

Google “archaeological consultancies in Ireland” and you will typically find the contact details for most companies out there. Most companies also use Facebook and doing a search for “archaeology in Ireland” will throw up a list of companies.

 

It is always better to make contact privately rather than using social media as a point of contact. Protect yourself and refrain from discussing publically the ins-and-outs of working for a given company.

 

In order to work on any archaeological site you must hold a valid Safe Pass Card. Try to have this before you seek work; perhaps even before you leave collage. It is unlikely that any employer will take you on without a valid card or cover the costs of getting your Safe Pass.

 

Archaeological sites are typically treated like construction sites when it comes to PPE, i.e. Personal Protection Equipment. This includes hard hats, hi-vis vests, steel-toed boots, water proofs and gloves. In some cases an employer may need to provide ear protectors and eye goggles depending on what machinery is being used nearby.

 

Every employer should provide all necessary PPE. In reality, hard hats and vis-vests are usually all that is supplied. But this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t ask! Most contracts are short and it’s rare that you’d need new PPE every time you start a new contract. Should you find you need your waterproofs or boots replaced then ask your employer. You are legally entitled to PPE.

 

Never do anything that might compromise your health or safety. If you’re not sure about carrying out a task, then speak to the excavation director or your supervisor.

 

When you hear or read about a job you’re interested in always ask questions. Some key questions include:

 

What is the rate of pay?

 

What is the minimum length of the contract? For example, it is not uncommon to be offered 8 weeks work only to find out that the job will finish earlier. Equally, some contracts can start off at 8 weeks and get extended. So, always ask what is the minimum duration of the contract?

 

Are travel and/or accommodation costs covered? Is accommodation provided? This is particularly important as many excavations are in rural situations with poor links to public transport and/or affordable short-term accommodation.

 

What are the hours of work? Brush up on your employment rights and information on working time. Most excavations typically take place in daylight hours between 0800 and 1700.

 

On what basis is employment being offered? i.e., PAYE vs Self-Employed?

 

Avoid taking on a job as self-employed. Unless you intend operating as a sole trader, and registering with Revenue as self-employed, setting your own rate of pay and working hours, then you’re not fulfilling the criteria Revenue set-down for the self-employed. It is rarely if ever to your advantage to take on a self-employed role. It also means that PRSI or stamps are not being paid which makes it more difficult to secure social welfare/make future pension contributions.

 

More than likely you will need to get a car. Most excavations tend to take place in rural locations and without a car or some form of transport, securing work will be difficult. Don’t use your own car to transport equipment or staff while on site on the request of your employer – you are not covered by Insurance to do so.

 

Students should also know that if they are doing a specialist area, it does not mean that they will avoid digging. If you do not like the idea of digging, you may consider a different career.

Always remember that every archaeologist is entitled to the same rights as every other worker in Ireland. This is a profession, not a vocation. Protect yourself and demand your rights.

Brush up on your rights, but for starters take heed of the following:

The rights every worker is entitled to include:

• Joining a union

• Minimum wage

• Pay-slip

• Not to have deductions made from salary without permission

• Maximum allowable working hours including rest breaks

• Annual leave and holidays

• Health & Safety protection

• Protection from harassment, discrimination and victimisation

• Maternity Leave and protection from dismissal whilst pregnant

• Notice periods when due

• Protection from unfair dismissal

• Terms & conditions of employment

• Having a union representative or work colleague with you at a disciplinary or grievance hearing