That's probably some kind of default setting from Indeed.com, not a real requirement of the job. In my search for any kind of employment, I see this all the time for jobs that clearly require some kind of post-secondary training.

Not to worry. (Although the job requirements seem to be pretty elementary, as in not having gone to field school yet.)

I don't have any issue with this kind of discussion, as long as specific information for the employer in question is left out.  I've edited the original message to reflect this.  Thanks for understanding.  As a rule, on archaeologyfieldwork.com we have tried to refrain from publicly blasting individual CRM firms for a variety of reasons.  In the past such discussions that specifically targeted a particular company have often gotten out of hand, and this is a road that I'd rather not go down again.

I've seen these type of postings before and wondered about the HS graduate reference.  The companies in question may be open to hiring those who haven't finished all of their undergrad coursework (as an example, I had my first paying job in CRM a year before I graduated).  Usually it seems to be made clearer in the job description, but this isn't always the case. As Archaeovagrant noted, I've also seen a number of employment adverts where it states that they are looking for a HS graduate, but the type of position being offered sometimes calls for someone with greater education and experience than your run of the mill HS grad. 

Jennifer

I'm going to play the devil's advocate here.  I read the description of this advert again and it seems like they are seeking an entry-level candidate.  Note the terms and phrases "can learn how to", "assist in", and "ability to learn".  Should a BA really be required for this type of position?  I'd like to hear your thoughts.

Jennifer

You restate the first line of the ad, comments on some of the other elements of the ad are:

Can learn how to study objects and structures recovered by excavation to identify, date, and authenticate them and to interpret their significance. Entry-level - sure
    * Consult site reports, existing artifacts, and topographic maps to identify archeological sites. OK but need mentoring
    * Ability to learn to record the exact locations and conditions of artifacts uncovered in diggings or surveys, using drawings and photographs as necessary. OK
    * Describe artifacts' physical properties or attributes, such as the materials from which artifacts are made and their size, shape, function, and decoration.In my opinion, this is no entry-level task nor a given for a BA, this takes experience to complete properly
    * Working in the field under the supervision of Field Supervisors in the performance of archaeological fieldwork;
    * Conducting archaeological monitoring, survey, testing and data recovery; In my opinion, monitoring is generally a very important sometimes stressful task which requires instant decision making, keen eye and wide-ranging knowledge - not entry level; testing but moreso data recovery requires much more knowledge, experience, stamina, skill and ability to record data.  Particularly that these projects may be on Naval installations the issue of NAGPRA plays a significant role and responsibility - absolutely not entry level HS diploma.  Here I would expect at least a field school would be required, at minimum plus 1-3 years of experience


* Contribution to team efforts during cultural resources field and lab work; OK
    * Taking initiative, resolving problems, and creating improved procedures to assure tasks are completed in the most effective manner; why does the word "circus" come to mind?
    * Assisting with mapping responsibilities in the field, including collection of GPS data using Trimble units

Sociology and Anthropology — Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures and their history and origins. Independent readings could have been conducted but this level of knowledge is first typically gained in an undergraduate program
    * Geography — Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.



As this ad reads, almost any 'Joe' off the street could qualifiy for this job.  Perhaps the wage reflects this. Once we start to think about how archaeologists perceive their profession and the value of proven skills, knowledge and ability archaeological investigation requires, perhaps this job announcement would result in something other than apathy

   

I would hope that anyone hired in an entry-level field position is constantly paired with a more experienced employee on the job, whatever the task may be.  I have been on a few projects where almost the entire crew was comprised of greenhorns and the results were often terrifying (such as receiving a transmission over the walkie-talkie of "Help - I don't know where I am in the woods! Please come and get me!"). 

The verbiage about sociology and anthropology does suggest that their advert may be targeted more towards an undergrad student rather than a HS grad with no experience or knowledge of anthropology or archaeology.  However, I have worked at several CRM firms where the powers that be have knowingly hired folks off the street (lovingly described as "warm bodies") that knew little or nothing of archaeology, let alone field techniques or methodologies (usually this was done trying to save a few dollars, but sometimes they had trouble finding experienced locals).  Unfortunately having a BA or sometimes even a field school under your belt isn't a guarantee of knowledge or competence.  Perhaps someday we may see standards for field crew in our discipline where a certain level of experience and education is required, and projects must be staffed accordingly. Well, one can always hope, anyway...

Maybe it was tailored for a specific person who has been working in the area for a long time but has not had the propper college education.

I know a few excellent archeologists who are such simply because it has been a hobby of theirs since they were little kids running around the area.  Due to circumstances at the time they were unable to go to college or just didn't.

But thats just athought.

DR does make a good point, though I suspect the firm is looking to hire on the cheap.  That being said, I too have worked with several archs over the years who lack a college degree but had tons and tons of good field experience and were extremely knowledgeable about archaeology.  Several of them were among the best people I have ever worked with.

However, I have worked at several CRM firms where the powers that be have knowingly hired folks off the street (lovingly described as "warm bodies") that knew little or nothing of archaeology, let alone field techniques or methodologies (usually this was done trying to save a few dollars, but sometimes they had trouble finding experienced locals).

I've seen that more times than I can count and it still really irks me.  It drives down everyone's wages, keeps trained archaeologists out of work and worst of all, it makes responding to RFPs incredibly difficult when you know so many clients simply go with the lowest bidder, regardless of quality.

I would love to see professional requirements or certification required for all aspects of archaeological projects, which could waiver in those with no degree but decade's of experience.  It'll never happen but would be great to see.  As it is, the vast majority of job descriptions for Field Technicians (at all levels), list it as an unskilled job.