Nefesh BNefesh

There are two main venues through which archeologists in Israel can find full time positions: the Israel Antiquities Authority (Reshut Ha’Atikot) and the university system. Most of the digs that are currently underway are being conducted by the Antiquities Authority for Chafirot Hatzalah, digs that are required to be conducted when new building/road development occurs in Israel to determine that the construction does not cover or destroy any undiscovered antiquities.

Generally, limited funding is available for archeological research, and there are not many paid positions. That said, there are always opportunities to volunteer as an archeologist. While professionally it is a challenging field to establish oneself in, as an area of interest there is plenty to do.

Most archeologists choose to supplement their archeological work with a second income. Many choose to teach or become tour guides, although any job that can be done in tandem with archeology can be a good match for the field. Additionally, there are a few short term digs that Israeli archeologists participate in outside of Israel, mainly studying the Prehistoric period.

Education

It is easier to get a job with a degree from abroad than with an Israeli degree because employers look for people who have a fresh perspective to add to the field. Anything new that you can add to a dig, can be used as leverage to help you attain a paid position. Additionally, a good way to get experience is to join a dig from a non-Israeli University that is currently conducting a dig in Israel.

There are opportunities for individuals with Bachelor's and Master's degrees; however, a PhD helps open doors to a greater number of positions.

The top universities in Israel for archeology are Hebrew University and Tel Aviv University.Many students choose to major in Eretz Israel Studies for their undergraduate degrees.There are no scholarships available for Bachelor’s and Master’s degree study within Israel; however, there are a few scholarships available for PhD study.

During their studies, most archeologists choose to specialize in a specific period. The period that is most likely to lead to employment opportunities today is the Prehistoric period. It may be important to mention that some of the digs related to this period, may take you to West Africa.

Salary

People go into the field of archeology in Israel because it is something they love. It is difficult to make a living solely working as an archeologist as there are not very many well-paid positions in the field. Until one establishes “Kevi’iut” (tenure) with an employer, paid positions are usually minimum wage. Establishing tenure, as a newcomer without previous experience, can be difficult and may take many years. One way to establish tenure if you cannot find work digging, is through lecturing in archeology programs.

Finding and Joining a Dig

The best way to join a dig is through connections. It is best to find an archeologist who is leading a dig, and offer to volunteer. Once you prove yourself, you can ask to join future digs with this archeologist and slowly build up your credibility within the field. Ironically, it is often easier to get involved with a dig in Israel that is being conducted by a visiting archeologist from an American university.

Biblical Archeological Review (BAR) online provides a list of digs with contact information. See: http://www.findadig.com/

Networking

As with most professions, it is important to conduct market research and speak to professionals in Israel, who can provide a more in-depth sense of the types of opportunities that exist in this field.

Hebrew Skills

•Albright Institute of Archaeological Research: http://aiar.org/

•Tel Aviv University: http://www.tau.ac.il/humanities/archaeology/

•Bar Ilan: http://biu.ac.il/js/archaeo/main1.htm

•Hebrew University: http://archaeology.huji.ac.il/

•The Israel Antiquities Authority: http://www.antiquities.org.il/home_eng.asp

•Yad Ben Tzvi has lectures that one can use to supplement professional studies: http://www.ybz.org.il/