28th April 2009, 01:01 PM
Hello All,
This thread raises a couple of issues relating to large organisations which employ archaeologists but are not primarily archaeological in nature.
The first issue is about ?striking a balance? between different professional perspectives. The National Trust is massive and complex, but the Conservation Directorate works to a definition of ?conservation? as the careful management of change ? this involves revealing and sharing the significance of places and ensuring that they are protected, understood and enjoyed by all. Six principles underpin this definition: significance; integration; change; access and engagement; skills and partnership; and accountability. These principles allow us to coordinate our management of the historic environment with the management of nature conservation, forestry, access, our tenanted land (including farming etc), environmental practices, property management ? the list goes on and includes all the responsibilities faced by a major private landowner. It isn?t always easy, but it is very rewarding.
The second issue is about working for such organisations as the Trust and the RSPB. Oz is right ? it is a fantastic opportunity, not least because these posts reflect the fact that archaeology is important and something to be celebrated, shared and looked after. I don?t know anything about the RSPB vacancy but it?s vital to remember that they will probably have a highly structured application process involving their Human Resources section. The application form will be key to getting past the first vetting stage and it will deserve some time and effort. I don?t want to sound patronising but this is a very different recruitment process to that which goes on in field-units ? and it definitely doesn?t take place in pubs. Applicants must remember that the RSPB don?t know anything about them ? you?ll need to demonstrate the required skills and experience, but you?ll also need to be enthusiastic and show some knowledge of the organisation ? I?d be straight on the ?phone finding out what it?s all about. There?s definitely a skill to filling out application forms and there are tons of resources out there to help ? don?t overlook them!
Guy
The National Trust
This thread raises a couple of issues relating to large organisations which employ archaeologists but are not primarily archaeological in nature.
The first issue is about ?striking a balance? between different professional perspectives. The National Trust is massive and complex, but the Conservation Directorate works to a definition of ?conservation? as the careful management of change ? this involves revealing and sharing the significance of places and ensuring that they are protected, understood and enjoyed by all. Six principles underpin this definition: significance; integration; change; access and engagement; skills and partnership; and accountability. These principles allow us to coordinate our management of the historic environment with the management of nature conservation, forestry, access, our tenanted land (including farming etc), environmental practices, property management ? the list goes on and includes all the responsibilities faced by a major private landowner. It isn?t always easy, but it is very rewarding.
The second issue is about working for such organisations as the Trust and the RSPB. Oz is right ? it is a fantastic opportunity, not least because these posts reflect the fact that archaeology is important and something to be celebrated, shared and looked after. I don?t know anything about the RSPB vacancy but it?s vital to remember that they will probably have a highly structured application process involving their Human Resources section. The application form will be key to getting past the first vetting stage and it will deserve some time and effort. I don?t want to sound patronising but this is a very different recruitment process to that which goes on in field-units ? and it definitely doesn?t take place in pubs. Applicants must remember that the RSPB don?t know anything about them ? you?ll need to demonstrate the required skills and experience, but you?ll also need to be enthusiastic and show some knowledge of the organisation ? I?d be straight on the ?phone finding out what it?s all about. There?s definitely a skill to filling out application forms and there are tons of resources out there to help ? don?t overlook them!
Guy
The National Trust