Networking and Careers

Rhiannon Rhys: Inspector of Historic Buildings and Areas at Historic England

I have always loved history and studied it at GCSE and A‑Level. Although I originally planned to study History at university, I decided I wanted a more practical career and chose to study Archaeology instead. During my degree, I realised that while I enjoyed archaeology, my real interest was in historic buildings above ground rather than excavation work. 

After completing my BSc, I worked as a Building Archaeologist in London, recording the Great Western Goods Yard at King’s Cross. Being involved in such a significant conservation and regeneration project sparked my interest in how decisions are made about adapting and reusing historic buildings. This led me to studying for a Master’s in Historic Conservation, where I learned about building history, materials, design, and planning policy. The course confirmed I was heading in the right direction. 

While studying, I gained as much experience as possible by working part‑time in a museum and interning with a heritage consultancy and a local authority. After graduating, I worked in several short‑term roles as a Conservation Officer at local authorities across the country, putting theory into practice. 

I joined Historic England as an Assistant Inspector of Historic Buildings and Areas and later progressed to Inspector. I didn’t always know exactly where my career would lead, but I always hoped to work in the heritage sector, and my path has allowed me to do that. 

Bio 

Hello, my name is Rhiannon, and I am an Inspector of Historic Buildings and Areas at Historic England, the government’s adviser on the historic environment. My role focuses on managing change within the historic environment by providing expert advice through the planning process. I work closely with a wide range of stakeholders to help ensure historic buildings, places, and landscapes are understood, valued, and adapted in positive and sustainable ways. 

Tilly Evans: Youth Governance Officer at the Council for British Archaeology

You don’t need to have a science background to get into scientific archaeology, but it can definitely be helpful depending on the role you’re interested in. Subjects like biology, chemistry, physics, or geology can give you a strong foundation, especially if you want to specialise in areas like osteology (the study of bones), environmental archaeology, or materials analysis. 

That said, archaeology is a very interdisciplinary field, and people enter it from a wide range of academic backgrounds, including history, anthropology, and even art or geography. Many of the scientific skills used in archaeology can be learned during an archaeology degree or through on-the-job training and specialist courses. 

What really matters is your curiosity about the past, your ability to think critically, and your willingness to learn new methods. Scientific archaeology often involves teamwork, so having a mix of skills and perspectives within a group is actually a strength rather than a limitation. 

Bio

I graduated with a degree in Forensic Archaeology and Anthropology, where I developed a particular interest in underwater archaeology. My studies combined scientific approaches with practical fieldwork, shaping my understanding of how we investigate and interpret the past in different environments. I now work as the Youth Governance Officer at the Council for British Archaeology (CBA), where I focus on embedding youth voice within the organisation and supporting young people to engage with archaeology and heritage. 

Tilly Evans: Youth Governance Officer at the Council for British Archaeology

Field archaeologists and laboratory specialists work closely together and rely on each other to build a fuller understanding of the past. Field archaeologists are responsible for excavating sites, carefully uncovering artefacts, features, and samples while recording exactly where and how they were found. This detailed recording is crucial, as it provides the context needed for any further analysis. 

Once materials are recovered, they are often sent to labs where specialists analyse them in more detail. This might include examining human remains to understand age, health, and lifestyle, analysing soil samples to reconstruct past environments, or studying artefacts to determine how they were made and used. 

The relationship is collaborative and ongoing. Lab results can influence how archaeologists interpret a site, and sometimes even guide further excavation. Without careful fieldwork, lab analysis would lack context, and without lab work, many of the deeper insights into past lives would be missed.

Bio

I graduated with a degree in Forensic Archaeology and Anthropology, where I developed a particular interest in underwater archaeology. My studies combined scientific approaches with practical fieldwork, shaping my understanding of how we investigate and interpret the past in different environments. I now work as the Youth Governance Officer at the Council for British Archaeology (CBA), where I focus on embedding youth voice within the organisation and supporting young people to engage with archaeology and heritage. 

Rachel Bishop: Youth Engagement Officer at the Council for British Archaeology

There are lots of roles in archaeology and heritage aside from fieldwork, such as community engagement, learning, communications, events, collections management plus more museum-specific roles such as interpretation, curation and visitor operations. My introduction to archaeology was through working and volunteering in museums and exhibitions. I soon found my niche in education and engagement, especially working with young people, but through work experience and volunteering I was able to have a go at working with archives and collections care too. These experiences helped me land paid work in the heritage sector, where I gained more new skills through learning from colleagues in different roles and undertaking secondments. Any experience in the heritage sector can be valuable experience and demonstrate your familiarity and enthusiasm for heritage and archaeology; whether it be working in a museum giftshop, stewarding exhibitions, giving guided tours, helping to catalogue collections, washing and sorting finds, adding to online databases, or helping at public events.  

Bio 

My academic background is in history rather than archaeology – chosen because I have always been fascinated by the past but at the age of 18 I had no clue what I wanted to do as a career so decided to pick a broad subject. I moved to York to complete an MA in Early Modern History but soon realised that academic research wasn’t for me, so decided to pursue working in heritage instead. I volunteered and worked at several museums and heritage sites in York, discovering that I especially enjoyed engaging with young people and finding creative ways to share history and archaeology with them. After a few years working in museum education and interpretation (and some brief dabbling in collections and archives), I now work as Youth Engagement Officer for the CBA, coordinating our network of over 80 Young Archaeologists’ Clubs (YACs), supporting their volunteers and supporting the CBA to find new ways to make archaeology fun and accessible for young people.   

Jess Ellerman: Community Engagement and Social Value Project Manager with Oxford Archaeology

My background as an artist is so woven into how I think and work that I honestly can’t separate it from what I do now. In many ways it’s easier to answer how my work is feeding my creative practice! I am currently sculpting postholes in my studio… 

Being an artist gave me the confidence to experiment, whether that’s finding new ways to tell archaeological stories or creating opportunities for people to get hands-on with the process. It also made me comfortable with self-reflection, which is an often under-valued skill. I think my background and experiences in the art sector complement my engagement work. For example, I recently worked with my team on some creative commissions as part of an archaeology project, and my experience of that process as an artist and commissioner in the past came in very handy. 

Bio

Hello! I’m Jess, and I’m a Community Engagement and Social Value Project Manager with Oxford Archaeology. It’s a brilliant role that lets me work with inspiring colleagues and community partners to share archaeology with as many people as possible. 

Sometimes that means bringing out the artefacts and stories we’ve uncovered - through pop-ups, open-site events, or school visits - so people can connect with their shared past. Other times, it’s about tapping into archaeology’s superpowers: like its ability to bring people together, boost confidence, and help them build new skills for the future. 

It genuinely matters to me that I share this thing I love, archaeology, in a way that resonates with others. It’s not about “my way,” but about meeting people where they are and adapting to what matters to them. 

All that being said, I didn’t actually start out in archaeology at all! My background is in Fine Art and Creative Writing, and I spent five years working as a socially-engaged artist using creativity to bring communities together around their heritage. When Covid made community work tricky, I found my way to Oxford Archaeology and joined a prehistoric excavation in the North West.

Dr Gary Duckers: Historic Environment ICT & GIS Consultant at Idox Geospatial Limited

I use a range of GIS and spatial data tools in my work, each supporting a single overarching goal: to visualise Historic Environment data clearly, accurately, and in a way that empowers decision‑makers. Much of my work centres on integrating and presenting complex datasets within HBSMR, ensuring that spatial information about heritage assets, designations, and archaeological interventions is both reliable and accessible. I routinely use desktop GIS packages to analyse spatial relationships, validate geometries, and prepare authoritative mapping layers. These tools allow me to communicate risk, significance, and change in a format that planners, conservation officers, and other stakeholders can interpret quickly. Ultimately, the software is there to make the Historic Environment legible, so that those responsible for its protection can make informed, evidence‑based decisions. 

Bio

I am a Historic Environment ICT & GIS Consultant at Idox Geospatial Limited, working on HBSMR— a database, GIS, and digital asset management platform for Historic Environment Records. My role combines data analysis, data architecture, and workflow design to help local authorities and heritage organisations manage, visualise, and safeguard their Historic Environment data.

Gail Boyle: Chair of Trustees for the Council for British Archaeology

For hundreds of years, museums have been gathering archaeological evidence that helps us to tell the story of human activity, about how people have interacted with each other and the world, and how it has changed over time. Today, museum professionals are tasked with caring for millions of these important items and all the records that go with them. But being a museum archaeologist is about much more than just putting things in glass cases or keeping them in storage. The people that manage the collections act like a bridge, connecting the objects and the many stories they carry with all those who want to explore them, whether they are academic researchers, school pupils, or general members of the public on a day out. 

Museum collections are always growing and changing. It takes a special set of skills to make sure these objects stay safe and that their stories make sense to everyone. A typical day is full of different tasks, like carefully recording where an object came from, keeping it from falling apart, and finding creative ways to share its history with the public. Curators work with all sorts of people, from individual finders to teams working on large excavations, conservators, designers, researchers, teachers and many others to unlock the stories hidden within the collections they manage and care for. By doing this, they make sure the past can become a shared discovery that belongs to everyone while keeping it safe for the future. 

Bio

My journey began at Nottingham University, where I studied Archaeology and History. To get my career started, I spent time volunteering in museums, working on excavations, and processing excavation archives. I achieved a Postgraduate Certificate in Museum Studies at Leicester University and then my first museum job as a curatorial assistant at Bristol Museum & Art Gallery. I eventually worked my way up to become the Senior Curator of Archaeology & World Cultures, leading a team of other curators. My career has been full of exciting collections and exhibition projects, including helping to design and open a brand-new museum called M Shed. Today, I hold several leadership roles, such as being the Chair of the Council for British Archaeology. I also sit on multiple heritage bodies such as the DCMS Treasure Valuation Committee and the Portable Antiquities Advisory Group. My career has always been focussed on helping all kinds of people to engage with archaeology and also ensuring that our "found" history is safeguarded for the future whilst sharing it for public benefit.

Ellie Shenton: Assistant Curator at the Museum of Liverpool

I’d really hope to see museums engage more with the public, especially their local communities. Displays and exhibitions always work so much better when the people that want to visit the museum have had a say in what their output is. The visitor gets more out of it and so do the curators – it’s a win-win! I’m lucky enough to work with collections that are instantly recognisable and engaging to visitors (archaeology and social history) and to work in a museum that actively works with communities. I’d love to see more creative ways of engaging people with the sector, such as creative workshops, behind-the-scenes tours, and the chance for communities to curate their own exhibitions.

Bio

My name’s Ellie, I’m Assistant Curator at the Museum of Liverpool, and I work with Archaeology and Social History collections.  

I grew up in France and studied Social and Economic Sciences at secondary school, then moved to Sheffield where I studied Philosophy. When I finished my degree, I didn’t really know what I wanted to do and got a weekend job working at World Museum, Liverpool, as a Visitor Assistant. I volunteered in different departments, like Decorative Arts and Global Cultures, and realised I wanted to work long-term in the museum sector. Thanks to volunteering, I learnt the practical side of what curators do, then I did a Masters in Art Gallery and Museum Studies at the University of Manchester, where I learnt more about the theoretical side of museum work. 

In my role as Assistant Curator, I care for museum collections behind the scenes, making sure they’re well-documented, stored, and accessible. I also monitor objects’ environmental conditions while they’re on display in the museum using different conservation tools (humidifiers, pest traps, light monitors). As well as looking after objects, I help to make them accessible to visitors by creating displays, assisting with exhibition research, and facilitating community outreach programmes.  

Ellie Shenton: Assistant Curator at the Museum of Liverpool

Getting into museum curation wasn’t the easiest as it’s a very competitive sector. The best thing I did to help was working in a front-of-house role in a museum beforehand. Through this I learnt how visitors interact with the museum, and what they actually enjoy and want to see. I also gained communication and presenting skills, which help me in my current role for delivering talks and tours. Alongside working, I volunteered with curators on object-based projects as much as I could to find out what I was passionate about. I realised curatorial work was what interested me the most and, in order to learn more about the theory behind this, I studied Art Gallery and Museum Studies. I have plenty of colleagues who didn’t take the academic route into the sector, and I believe that experience and being passionate about museums is what’s most important in having a successful career. 

Bio

My name’s Ellie, I’m Assistant Curator at the Museum of Liverpool, and I work with Archaeology and Social History collections.  

I grew up in France and studied Social and Economic Sciences at secondary school, then moved to Sheffield where I studied Philosophy. When I finished my degree, I didn’t really know what I wanted to do and got a weekend job working at World Museum, Liverpool, as a Visitor Assistant. I volunteered in different departments, like Decorative Arts and Global Cultures, and realised I wanted to work long-term in the museum sector. Thanks to volunteering, I learnt the practical side of what curators do, then I did a Masters in Art Gallery and Museum Studies at the University of Manchester, where I learnt more about the theoretical side of museum work. 

In my role as Assistant Curator, I care for museum collections behind the scenes, making sure they’re well-documented, stored, and accessible. I also monitor objects’ environmental conditions while they’re on display in the museum using different conservation tools (humidifiers, pest traps, light monitors). As well as looking after objects, I help to make them accessible to visitors by creating displays, assisting with exhibition research, and facilitating community outreach programmes.  

Dr Alison Edwards: Caseworker for the south of England and South Wales and coordinator of the Joint Committee of National Amenity Societies’ listed building casework database with the Council for British Archaeology

Volunteering is still one of the most common ways to gain experience in the heritage sector, often through internships, student placements, or regular volunteering with heritage organisations. However, this can sometimes make the sector less accessible for people who don’t have the time or financial flexibility to volunteer extensively. 

Rather than focusing on how much volunteering you do, it is often more useful to focus on the quality of the experience you gain. Choosing projects that help you develop practical skills and knowledge can be far more valuable than simply accumulating hours. Showing initiative, taking responsibility, and producing good work can help you stand out, even if the volunteering opportunity is relatively short-term. 

It’s also important not to limit yourself to opportunities within the heritage sector. Experience in other areas can help you build valuable transferable skills, such as business awareness, digital and technological competence, and strong communication or people skills. These broader experiences can strengthen your CV and make you a more competitive candidate when applying for heritage roles in the future. 

Bio

I am the Council for British Archaeology’s Listed Building Caseworker for the south of England and South Wales and coordinator of the Joint Committee of National Amenity Societies’ listed building casework database. After completing a history degree, I worked at heritage tourist sites before undertaking a Master’s and a PhD at the University of York. During my PhD, I volunteered with the CBA, which led to me becoming the organisation’s Database Coordinator in 2020.

Jess Ellerman: Community Engagement and Social Value Project Manager with Oxford Archaeology

This one is tricky for me to answer, as I am not typically involved in the hiring process for our Early Career archaeologists. What I will say is that some of the qualities that stand out most to me are a willingness to learn, the confidence to ask questions and someone excited to work as part of a team. 

I’m mindful that not everyone has access to the same opportunities, so rather than specific experience, I’d look for an applicant who can show genuine enthusiasm and commitment to this career path within the opportunities accessible to them.

Bio

Hello! I’m Jess, and I’m a Community Engagement and Social Value Project Manager with Oxford Archaeology. It’s a brilliant role that lets me work with inspiring colleagues and community partners to share archaeology with as many people as possible. 

Sometimes that means bringing out the artefacts and stories we’ve uncovered - through pop-ups, open-site events, or school visits - so people can connect with their shared past. Other times, it’s about tapping into archaeology’s superpowers: like its ability to bring people together, boost confidence, and help them build new skills for the future. 

It genuinely matters to me that I share this thing I love, archaeology, in a way that resonates with others. It’s not about “my way,” but about meeting people where they are and adapting to what matters to them. 

All that being said, I didn’t actually start out in archaeology at all! My background is in Fine Art and Creative Writing, and I spent five years working as a socially-engaged artist using creativity to bring communities together around their heritage. When Covid made community work tricky, I found my way to Oxford Archaeology and joined a prehistoric excavation in the North West.

Sophie Edwards: National Lead for Archives at Heneb – The Trust for Welsh Archaeology 

I would definitely say yes – field work forms the bones of the archaeological archive (no pun intended). It’s where we gather key data to ensure an archaeological site is well recorded and it’s that data that will form part of the final archive. Fieldwork also enhances your own knowledge of certain artefacts and sites from lots of different periods, and regions which can support you later on in archiving roles. Thinking ahead about the archive while you are working in the field is vital in making sure that our records stand up to future scrutiny and can support future research. 

Likewise, working in archaeological archives gives you a unique perspective of what data we really need to gather in the field and how it needs to be presented to ensure it is accessible to future researchers. Archivist can also guide field teams in how to best care for items they may discover and will have a broad knowledge of what has been found where.     

Bio

I am the National Lead for archives at Heneb – The Trust for Welsh Archaeology and I have been working in the archaeology sector for 25 years both in and out of the field. I am really passionate about archiving and making sure that we share all of the wonderful discoveries we make as archaeologists as widely as possible.   

Giselle Király: Fieldwork Project Officer and human remains specialist working in commercial archaeology

A typical workday starts with an early wake up, coffee, and a one-hour drive to site; then ready with boots on and hi-vis for 8 am. Digging, photography, drawing, and filling out archaeological context sheets happen all day, with two half-hour breaks at 10am and 1pm. Typically, you work alone in your slot, in all weathers, but everyone is always happy to lend a hand. There’s team bonding as you shelter from the rain in a construction worker cabin, or drive together to site, or eat lunch together sat in slightly muddy wheelbarrows. Every once in a while, you may get a skeleton, a wall, or a building to excavate, which allow commercial archaeologists to be more delicate and careful. You use your muscles and your brain all day long – it’s hard work! But you’re also the first person to see 2,000 year old pottery on the regular, and that’s a feeling that’s incredibly hard to beat. And after working so hard? You go home and sleep so, so well. 

Bio

I am a fieldwork Project Officer and human remains specialist working in commercial archaeology. I have worked on a wide range of sites across the UK, from Mesolithic peat bogs in North Yorkshire to Anglo-Saxon burials in the chalk landscapes of Wiltshire, as well as Iron Age and Romano-British settlements in Northamptonshire. Alongside mu commercial work, I am actively involved in community archaeology through projects with Operation Nightingale and Time Team.

Giselle Király: Fieldwork Project Officer and human remains specialist working in commercial archaeology

There are three main things that come to mind. First, that you find something every day! There are plenty of sites where you find no archaeology, and that's okay, our job is to check whether there is archaeology or not, then record it if there is. Second, that you only ever work close to home. Many sites are far from your head office so you may be booked into a hotel with your team for months on end - all part of the adventure! The third misconception is that once you have a job as a commercial archaeologist, you can easily move through the ranks, and you'll be a Project Officer running your own sites in no-time. It takes years to gain the knowledge of site variation, how to effectively manage a site, and how to manage the people on a site, and even though it’s the career route suggested, it's not for everybody. There are a lot of different directions people can take their careers, from fieldwork to post-excavation to museum work to academia to public outreach, and crucially, there's no rush! 

Bio

I am a fieldwork Project Officer and human remains specialist working in commercial archaeology. I have worked on a wide range of sites across the UK, from Mesolithic peat bogs in North Yorkshire to Anglo-Saxon burials in the chalk landscapes of Wiltshire, as well as Iron Age and Romano-British settlements in Northamptonshire. Alongside mu commercial work, I am actively involved in community archaeology through projects with Operation Nightingale and Time Team