Jim Gibb wrote:
>
> Re: field tech=unskilled labor?
>    Poor composition and grammar aside, the Department of Labor's job descripti
on
>  29023,
> Archeological Technician I, clearly describes the tasks performed by my volunt
ee
> rs. It
> does not describe the duties and responsibilities of my field crew. Field tech
ni
> cians
> typically do not assist in filling out forms and drawing plans and profiles: a
s
> an
> employer, I expect every crew person to be able to perform these simple tasks
> unassisted, and to train volunteers and students in the basic skills of fieldw
or
> k,
> laboratory protocols, and archival research. Virtually every crew person whom
I
> have
> hired and worked with over the past twenty years has held at least a B.A. in
> anthropology, history, or American studies. Most completed a fieldschool as we
ll
> . These
> skilled individuals provide the backbone of any field project. How well they p
er
> form
> determines the quality and overall cost effectiveness of every project.
>
> If contractors and government agencies hire persons with lesser skills, it is
be
> cause of
> a seasonal shortage--nationwide and often at the regional level--of qualified
> technicians and middle level supervisors. Non-profit organizations and governm
en
> t
> agencies often justify remarkable salaries and benefits to upper level manager
s
> by
> insisting that such packages are necessary to attract talented people from the
 p
> rivate
> sector. Such an argument is no less valid when applied to cultural resources m
an
> agement.
> Indeed, we trivialize our discipline by maintaining a pool of relatively low-p
ai
> d,
> under-employed individuals who remain in the field until 'something better com
es
>  along,'
> or until 'it is time to grow up and get a real job.'
Unfortunately, Today's grown ups can't find real jobs.  In fact, the
career outlook for anyone born after 1962 is pretty grim.  The
Baby-boomers have sucked gen-x dry.  You have been in a career position
for twenty years.  No one from our generation will have that luxuary.
 
Enjoy,
Randy Amici