Field Technician - A First Job in Archaeology

Field Technician - A First Job in Archaeology A Field Technician, or Archaeological Field Technician, is an entry-level paying position in archaeology. A Field Technician performs archaeological survey and excavation, under the supervision of a Principal Investigator, Field Supervisor, or Crew Chief. These jobs are known by a wide variety of names, including Field Hand, Field Archaeologist, Natural Resource Technician I, Archaeologist/Technician, Field Technician, US Government 29023 Archeological Technician I, and Assistant Archaeologist. Duties An archaeological field technician performs duties associated with pedestrian surveys as well as hand excavation (shovel testing, bucket auger testing, 1x1 meter units, test trenches) of archaeological sites. Field technicians may be asked to take detailed field notes, draw sketch maps, excavate archaeological features, bag artifacts, record provenience of the finds, use a Munsell soil chart, take photographs, use computer software programs (Microsoft ® Word, Excel and Access are typical), and at all times maintain client confidentiality. Some amount of physical labor is generally required, such as manually removing brush or vegetation, and carrying and maintaining tools and equipment. Field technicians may need to navigate with a compass and topographic map, help run a total station to create topographic maps, or learn digital mapping with using GPS/GIS. Job Type and Availability Kansas Archeology Training Program Field School. Mark Reinstein / Corbis via Getty Image Entry level jobs are usually short-term temporary positions; they dont usually come with insurance or benefits, although there are exceptions. Typically, a field technician is hired by a  firm that conducts archaeological work related to cultural resource management (or heritage management) in many different states or countries. Those firms maintain a list of field technicians and send out notices when projects are coming up: projects which can last for a few days or years. The long-term positions are rare; field techs rarely work full time and most are seasonal employees. Archaeological projects are conducted over the world, mostly led by cultural resource firms (or cultural resource arms of engineering companies), universities, museums, or governmental agencies. The jobs are fairly numerous, but require the technician to travel far from home and stay in the field for extended periods of time. Education / Experience Level Required This pile of excavation equipment is waiting for the next field trip. Kris Hirst (c) 2006 At a minimum, field technicians need a Bachelors degree in Anthropology, Archaeology or a closely related field, plus six months or a years experience. Most firms expect employees to have taken at least one professional field school or have had some prior field survey experience. Occasionally firms will take people who are still working on their bachelors degrees. Experience with ArcMap, ArcPad or other GIS hardware such as a Trimble unit is helpful; a valid drivers license and good driving record is a fairly standard requirement. Another highly valued asset is familiarity with cultural resource laws, such as Section 106, NEPA, NHPA, FERC as well as relevant state regulations in the United States. There are also specialist positions, such as coastal or marine/maritime projects that may require SCUBA diving experience. Field schools can be taken at a local university for tuition and living costs; archaeological and historical societies occasionally run projects to train prospective field technicians. Advantageous Assets Field technicians need a good work ethic and a cheerful disposition: archaeology is physically demanding and often tedious, and a successful technician should be willing to learn, work hard, and act independently. Verbal and written communication skills are among the most sought-after characteristics for beginning field technicians, particularly the ability to write technical reports. Membership in professional societies, such as the Institute for Archaeologists in the UK or the Register of Professional Archaeologists (RPA) in the US, may be a requirement for employment, and background or knowledge in the cultures being studied (especially for long projects) is a valuable asset. Having many of these characteristics may lead to promotions or full-time positions. Although the Americans with Disabilities Act is in force for archaeological jobs in the US and there are similar laws in other countries, field technician jobs require employees to be in good physical condition, to be able to work outdoors in variable weather conditions and on varied terrain. Some jobs will require longer work weeks when circumstances arise; and survey projects, in particular, require walking long distances (8–16 kilometers or 5–10 miles a day) under adverse conditions, including inclement weather and wildlife encounters, carrying up to 23 kilograms (50 pounds). Drug screening, background checks, and even physical fitness exams conducted by the firm are becoming common. Common Pay Rates Based on job listings viewed in January 2019, rates for a Field Technician vary between $US 14–22 per hour and, in the United Kingdom,  £10–15 per hour- however, few job listings in 2019 provided explicit wage data. Per diem covering hotels and meals is often provided, depending on the project. In a statistical survey conducted in 2012, Doug Rocks-Macqueen (2014) reported that rates for US-based field technicians ranged between US$10–25, with an average of $14.09. Rocks-Macqueen, Doug 2014. Jobs in American Archaeology: Pay for CRM Archaeologists. Archaeologies 10(3):281–296 download the article for free from Dougs Archaeology blog. Pluses and Minuses of the Traveling Life The life of a field technician is not without rewards, but there are some difficulties involved. If specific projects last six months or more, it may not be practical for many field technicians to maintain a permanent address (apart from a family member or friend as a mail drop). Stowing furniture and other possessions in an empty apartment for six months or a year is expensive and risky. Field technicians travel quite a bit, which may be the single best reason to spend a couple years as an archaeological assistant. Wages and availability of jobs and housing will vary from company to company, from dig to dig, whether nationally or internationally. In many countries, field technician positions are filled by local experts, and getting hired on those excavations requires enough experience to play a supervisory role. Where to Find Field Tech Jobs US R. Joe Brandons Shovel BumsJennifer Palmers Archaeology Fieldwork.comINDEED: Archaeological Field TechniciansGlassdoor.com: Archaeological Field Technician Jobs Canada Jennifer Palmers Archaeological Fieldwork: Canada UK British Archaeological Jobs Resources (BAJR): EmploymentINDEED UK: Archaeological Field Jobs Australia INDEED AU: Archaeology Jobs

Fish Characteristics and Differences From Other Animals

Fish Characteristics and Differences From Other Animals Fish - that word may conjure up a variety of images, from colorful animals swimming peacefully around a reef to brightly-colored fish in an aquarium to something white and flaky on your dinner plate. What is a fish? Here you can learn more about the characteristics of fish, and what sets them apart from other animals. Fish come in a wide variety of colors, shapes, and sizes - theres the largest fish, the 60 foot long whale shark, popular seafood fish such as cod and tuna, and completely different-looking animals such as seahorses, sea dragons, and pipefish. In all, about 20,000 species of marine fish have been identified. Anatomy Fish swim by flexing their bodies, forming waves of contractions along their muscles. These waves push water backward and move the fish forward. One of the most notable features of fish are their fins - many fish have a dorsal fin and anal fin (near the tail, on the underside of the fish) that provide stability. They may have one, two or even three dorsal fins. They may also have pectoral and pelvic (ventral) fins to help with propulsion and steering. They also have a caudal fin or tail. Most fish have scales covered with a slimy mucus that helps protect them. They have three main types of scales: Cycloid (roundish, thin and flat), ctenoid (scales that have tiny teeth on their edges),  and ganoid (thick scales that are rhomboid in shape).   Fish have gills for breathing - the fish inhales water through its mouth, which passes over the gills, where hemoglobin in the fishs blood absorbs oxygen. Fish may also have a lateral line system, which detects movement in the water, and a swim bladder, which the fish uses for buoyancy.   Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: Chordata The fishes are divided into two superclasses: Gnathostomata, or vertebrates with jaws, and the Agnatha, or jawless fishes. Jawed fishes: Class Elasmobranchii, the elasmobranchs: Sharks and rays, who have a skeleton made of cartilageClass Actinopterygii, the ray-finned fishes: fish with skeletons made of bone, and spines in their fins (e.g., cod, bass, clownfish/anemonefish, seahorses)Class Holocephali, the chimerasClass Sarcopterygii, the lobe-finned fish, the coelacanth and lungfishes. Jawless fishes: Class Cephalaspidomorphi, the lampreysClass Myxini, the hagfishes Reproduction With thousands of species, reproduction in fish can be remarkably different. Theres the seahorse - the only species in which the male gives birth. And then there are species like cod, in which females release 3-9 million eggs into the water column. And then there are sharks. Some shark species are oviparous, meaning they lay eggs. Others are viviparous and give birth to live young. Within these live-bearing species, some have placenta-like human babies and others do not. Habitat and Distribution Fish are distributed in a wide variety of habitats, both marine, and freshwater, throughout the world. Fish have even been found as deep as 4.8 miles beneath the ocean surface.

Truth-in-Sentencing Laws in the US Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Truth-in-Sentencing Laws in the US - Term Paper Example Truth in sentencing laws was enacted in the U.S. to reduce the chances of early release from incarceration. Schmallenger (2011) points out that the law requires criminals to serve a substantial portion of the prison sentence imposed by the court before they can be allowed to leave the prison peripheries. The question that many ask relate to whether this kind of law is capable of deterring crime or not? Proponents of the law argue that truth in sentencing can help deter crime in a big way. Firstly, it is argued that locking offenders in prisons for a substantial period of time enhances public safety by deterring crime (Owens, 2010). This is because it prevents the offenders from engaging in criminal acts through incapacitation as they are locked. The locking incapacitates them as they are denied the freedom to move out and engage in criminal activities. This helps in deterring crime a great deal. Incarceration of offenders also prevents inmates from coordinating criminal activities wi th others who have not put in prison. Research shows that one means that criminals use to organize their criminal activities is through communication. This implies that denying a criminal the freedom to communicate and organize criminal acts is one way of addressing the issue of crime. This element has been made possible since the enactment of the truth in sentencing by ensuring that criminals are kept in prison for quite some time until they reform, thereby deterring crime. Truth in sentencing is not only meant to keep inmates in prison but also acts as a rehabilitation measure where inmates are being educated and counseled so as to become good people once they complete their sentences. This helps a great deal in deterring crime. Similarly, truth in sentencing deters would-be-offenders from engaging in criminal activities. This is because, they are aware that engaging in criminal activities may land them in jail where they would spend a substantial portion of their lives in prison, which no one would want. This helps in deterring crime (Owens, 2010). Truth in sentencing also deters crime due to the fact that it creates certainty of the punishment that one receives as a result of being incarcerated.  

Geography in the middle east Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Geography in the middle east - Essay Example upport that Christian Zionists and Jews received from such powers as the United States shows the general aim of their empowerment and motivation towards the liberation. The United States, for example, recognized rights of Soviet Jews to their traditional beliefs and elevated Zionists and Jews to political posts (Class Notes, n.d., Slide 97). Statements that key leaders made, in relation to the events also identifies the need for liberation as reason for the unity and violence as the approach to the liberty. While Soviet restrained Jews movements, Sharansky acknowledged that the Jews Movement was significant to the fall of the Soviet (Class Notes, Slide 100). The key indicator of the role of violence in the liberation is the role of the United States in empowering Al Qaeda for violent attacks on the Soviet and Brzezinski and Clinton admits to America’s role in creation of Al Qaeda (Class Notes, Slide 98, 99). Shultz, however, established the plight of the Soviet Jews to America ’s government to facilitate the nation’s influence on the fight (Class Notes, Slide

Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Essay -- Essays Papers

Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs When one thinks of what families do for each other, they will most likely think of care. More specifically they think of the care that a parent has for their child. Parents have to meet certain â€Å"needs† for the child in order for the its healthy survival. Children must be fed and clothed. Parents must also watch over the safety of and be the friends of the children. Cheering on in good times and making their child the best it can be are also responsibilities of parents. The family metaphor is used when describing the Human Relations method of management. In this the management of a company is seen as the parents and the employees are seen as the children. Employees, as seen as the children also have certain needs as well. These needs are very similar. Abraham Maslow did studies of the basic needs of human beings. He put these needs into a hierarchical order. This means that until the need before it has been satisfied, the following need can not be met (Encyclopedia, 2000). For example, if someone is hungry they are not thinking too much about socializing. In the order from lowest to highest the needs are psychological, safety, social, esteem, and self-actualization. The first three are classified as lower order needs and the last two are higher order (Hierarchy, 2000). Without meeting these needs workers are not going to be as productive as they could otherwise. The first three are considered to be essential to all humans at all times. The last two have been argued but are mostly considered to be very important as well. A person’s behavior at one specific point in time usually controls their attitude at that time. Managers must be able to understand these basic needs of their workers. If these needs are not dealt with in a certain correct way than workers will not reach their maximum potential. If the lower order of needs is not met than people are not happy. The same can be said of the higher order. Food, water, sleep, and sensory gratification are all at the top of the hierarchy. These and other needs are considered to be part of the psychological needs. These rest at the top of the hierarchy because they are the essence to basic human survival. The list of these needs can be much larger or shorter depending of personal opinion. Maslow himself said that said â€Å"it would be po... ..., safety, social, esteem, and self-actualization needs. He put these needs in a pyramid shape; meaning that without the prior need met the next need can not be met. Managers must know that people must have these certain needs met before they can be productive. If someone is hungry of worried about their safety than they will not be as great of an asset as someone who has these needs met. Not only do managers need to recognize these needs but they also need to find a way to satisfy the needs of their workers. References Encyclopedia Britannica Online. (2000). Maslow, Abraham. Encyclopedia Britannica [online]. Available: (www.britannica.com/bcom/eb/article/410,5716,52534+1,00.html). Goble, F.G. (1970). The Third Force. New York: Grossman Publishers. Heirarchy of Needs, Abraham Maslow (2000). [online]. Available: (www.itconsultancy.com/backround/maslow/index.html). Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs (2000). [online]. Available: (www.connect.net/georgen/maslow.html). Miller, K. (1999). Organizational Communication. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Publishing Company. Wilson, C. (1972). New Pathways in Psychology. New York: Taplinger Publishing Company.

Human Resources: Training and Development Essay

First, training programs that serve employees are beneficial because they have a proven value and added significance to companies. Employee orientation is one type of training. It is absolutely necessary for new employees in any organization. Without the orientation/training process many things can and do take place that are a risk and have negative impact to a company and to the new hire employee as well. In orientation type training, employees learn of benefit entitlements and the expectations that the company and departments set for their position. It gives the new hire employee a sense of pride in their work and in the organization as a whole. Informing an employee of the expectations in performance allows the employee to be successful in their position. There are various state and federal regulations that all companies must adhere to and remain in compliance with in order to remain lawsuit free. Sexual harassment is one negative behavior that is currently costing companies a lot of money in lost lawsuits. Training programs annually keep a constant reminder of the ways that this type of harassment can be avoided. Hiring discrimination is another form of training that can reduce lawsuits from a State and Federal level. Government contracted companies must maintain a documented Affirmative Action Program that ensures their hiring practices are equal and fair to all applicants. All managers within a company should receive this training in order to prevent and avoid the wrongdoing and negligence that could cause good companies to lose creditability and be sued. Skill based training or Developmental training is another form of training that a company provides to their employees. Training increases employee productivity. They learn different ways to complete tasks take on more responsibility and eventually grow as leaders within the company. Employees who do not receive guidance or have difficulty learning the ropes are much more likely to leave the company. Investing time and money in employees’ skills makes them feel valued and appreciated, and it also challenges them to learn more and get involved in their job. How does this benefit the company? Training reduces the need for employees’ supervision. Not only does skill-based training teach employees to do their jobs better, but it also helps them work more independently and develop a can-do attitude. A famous saying is, â€Å"People quit people and not companies. † – Author Unknown. To me this quote means that if your supervisor has been trained to show appreciation, develop his work force, motivate employees and are fair and just in their treatment of all employees, most employees will find job satisfaction on that team. Successful employee training delivers improvements in employee performance which, in turn, creates a better performing business and improves the bottom line product. Good training programs improved quality and productivity, accuracy and efficiency, good work and safety practices. The result of these benefits is in reducing costs by decreasing wasted time and materials. Maintenance costs of machinery and equipment and by reducing workplace injuries help to manage overhead expenses for the organization. In closing, it is clear to see that training people in the culture of the company through a sound orientation process can earn huge results through employee motivation and satisfaction. Furthermore, using a skill-based training program can reduce costs to the company in compliance issues, quality and cost of scrap and repairs, as well as increasing productivity through having a skilled work force.

John Bergers Extended Definition of Home

A highly regarded art critic, novelist, poet, essayist, and screenwriter, John Berger began his career as a painter in London. Among his best-known works are Ways of Seeing (1972), a series of essays about the power of visual images, and G. (also 1972), an experimental novel which was awarded both the Booker Prize and the James Tait Black Memorial Prize for fiction. In this passage from And Our Faces, My Heart, Brief as Photos (1984), Berger draws on the writings of Mircea Eliade, a Romanian-born historian of religion, to offer an extended definition of home. The Meaning of Home by John Berger The term home (Old Norse Heimer, High German heim, Greek komi, meaning village) has, since a long time, been taken over by two kinds of moralists, both dear to those who wield power. The notion of home became the keystone for a code of domestic morality, safeguarding the property (which included the women) of the family. Simultaneously the notion of homeland supplied the first article of faith for patriotism, persuading men to die in wars which often served no other interest except that of a minority of their ruling class. Both usages have hidden the original meaning. Originally home meant the center of the world—not in a geographical, but in an ontological sense. Mircea Eliade has demonstrated how the home was the place from which the world could be founded. A home was established, as he says, at the heart of the real. In traditional societies, everything that made sense of the world was real; the surrounding chaos existed and was threatening, but it was threatening because it was unreal. Without a home at the center of the real, one was not only shelterless but also lost in nonbeing, in unreality. Without a home everything was fragmentation.​ Home was the center of the world because it was the place where a vertical line crossed with a horizontal one. The vertical line was a path leading upwards to the sky and downwards to the underworld. The horizontal line represented the traffic of the world, all the possible roads leading across the earth to other places. Thus, at home, one was nearest to the gods in the sky and to the dead of the underworld. This nearness promised access to both. And at the same time, one was at the starting point and, hopefully, the returning point of all terrestrial journeys.*  Originally published in  And Our Faces, My Heart, Brief as Photos, by John Berger (Pantheon Books, 1984). Selected Works by John Berger A Painter of Our Time, novel (1958)Permanent Red: Essays in Seeing, essays (1962)The Look of Things, essays (1972)Ways of Seeing, essays (1972)G., novel (1972)Jonah Who Will Be 25 in the Year 2000, screenplay (1976)Pig Earth, novel (1979)The Sense of Sight, essays (1985)Once in Europe, novel (1987)Keeping a Rendezvous, essays (1991)To the Wedding, novel (1995)Photocopies, essays (1996)Hold Everything Dear: Dispatches on Survival and Resistance, essays (2007)From A to X, novel (2008)