They may also need to carry camping equipment for longer stays at research sites. Living conditions at remote sites may be primitive. While working, archaeologists may be exposed to extremes in weather such as intense heat and sun. The ability to distinquish small differences in pattern and color is also important. Work Setting Archaeologists work in a variety of settings including field sites, classrooms, and foreign communities.
Travel is essential for fieldwork.
Most work for universities, colleges, foundations, museums, private cultural resources, management firms, and government agencies. Many archaeologists are employed in a college or university setting. There were 46,830 people employed as social scientists nationally in 1996 of which archaeologists were a part. The total number of archaeologists is projected to grow slowly over the next few years. Opportunities are best for those entering the field of cultural resource management.