PDA

View Full Version : Starting out on my first 'proper' dig



Leek
27th May 2006, 02:36 PM
Hey all, long time reader, first time poster here!

Ive done a search to see if my questions have been asked before but nothing showed up so here i go:

I finally finished at university in may and feel i can now finally get out of my mundane office job thats kept me busy whilst working on my dissertation. Now everything has been handed in I have been looking for my first commercial excavation position. Luck would have it that I have just been given a position, starting in 2 weeks (gulp!).

The contract is for 6 months, working on the other side of the country that i currently live, therefore i will be staying in accomodation provided by the company.

I have worked on university excavations before so will be quite happy fulfilling my role as a trench bunny but being as its new territory for me I do have a few questions that i'd like to ask so i dont arrive unprepared and without the correct kit.

Firstly, what sort of equipment should i take with me? I know ill need my boots, trowel and digging clothes (need to get them out of the loft) but is there anyother site specific kit i should bring? i.e line levels etc

I understand that each contractor uses different variations of accomodation but is it even wise to bring things such as towels etc? sorry if it sounds very novice but its something ive never experienced before.

Lastly do ou have any titbits of advice to make the transition to commercial archaeology easier or anything that will make my first week on site alittle easier to adjust to?

Many thanks for reading.

BAJR Host
27th May 2006, 02:43 PM
Welcome Leek...

good questions... ones I need to add to the FAQ section..

but to start you off

http://www.bajr.org/Documents/101Tips.pdf

101 tips in archaeology!

Another day another WSI…

Leek
27th May 2006, 04:18 PM
thanks for the pdf, just been reading through it and found alot of great tips, looks like ill need to go shopping.

Oh rule #93 "never, ever tell someone sitting next to you what you do for a living" is a great piece of advice and i wish i had spotted it a few months ago!

Curator Kid
1st June 2006, 02:27 PM
The Hitch Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy will tell you all you need to know about the importance of having your own towel. Otherwise, can you drive? I used to load up as much as I could in a couple of big holdalls and shove it in the boot of my car. Whatever the accomodation - and some of the ones I stayed in were actually pretty nice - there's no substitute for a few home comforts and friendly items, even if you have to travel light and all you can manage are a couple of good books. :)