by Rigden Glaab, MA RPA

Starting a career in Cultural Resource Management (CRM) can be both exciting and challenging. To help you navigate this journey, we've compiled a list of the top 10 things we wish we knew before diving into the field. From practical tips on preparing your own food and packing the right field gear, to strategies for maximizing business points and building professional relationships, these insights are designed to make your transition smoother and more successful. Whether you're a seasoned archaeologist or just starting out, these tips will help you thrive in your CRM career.

1. Become an expert at preparing your own food. Packing a lunch is not only healthier, but it will save you a lot of per diem. Avoid living off of gas station food during fieldwork. One can create a field cooking kit for travel if you drive frequently from your home to projects. Example kits include items such as a hot plate, small pan, dish soap-brush, salt-pepper, reusable utensils-plates-bowls, can opener, a knife, hot sauce, tongs, etc. RIP George Foreman—I have seen his namesake grill used by many archaeologists. A good cooler bag is essential, preferably one that is compact for travel. Invest in a quality coffee mug and water bottle. You can get creative based on your specific needs. One archaeologist I know travels with a mini-blender to make smoothies each day for breakfast. The sky is the limit! If you fly frequently for projects, carrying a cooking kit is not an option like it is on the road. In these instances, I typically bring a compact packable camping mess kit along with reusable utensils, a small amount of dish soap, a small dish sponge, condiments, etc. Airport food (meals, snacks, and drinks) is very expensive. A lot of money can be saved taking your own lunch to the airport and carrying a refillable water bottle.
2. Foods that survive well in the field. Although certainly not comprehensive, here is a list of foods I have found last for long durations during fieldwork: peanut butter-jelly sandwiches, carrots, crackers, cheese sticks/block cheese, granola, and various fruit (oranges, nectarines, bananas, and apples). Source your own favorites to build a powerhouse lunch.   
3. Maximize opportunities to get business points. If your employer allows it, I recommend signing up for points through every hotel, vehicle, and airline where you make reservations. These add up fast on projects allowing you to take future vacations. If you are reimbursed for project charges, and permitted by the business, I suggest signing up for a point-based credit card using that account specifically for project work (e.g., hotel and airline credit cards). 
4. Protection from the sun. Wear sunscreen (SPF 30–50+) on a consistent basis!
5. Field clothing. There are many tips about appropriate field clothing. A standard combination I have seen in archaeology are wool socks, sturdy hiking boots, cargo pants, breathable long sleeve/short sleeve shirt, and a broad brimmed hat. In winter, key items for the field often center around layering with a protective outer shell rain/windbreaker, including long johns. I like gloves that have fingertips with pads for tablet or phone use. A balaclava mask provides a lot of protection from the wind and is easy to carry.
6. Sewing kit. Pack a sewing kit to save money repairing that pair of pants ripped crossing a barbwire fence.
7. Hotel hacks: a) Clothes hangers with pant holder clips can be used for many things such as keeping stubborn curtains shut, hanging bananas, holding bags, shower towels, etc.; b) stuff newspaper and towels into wet boots to dry them out more efficiently; c) save money by getting your coffee at the hotel; d) you can supplement your lunch with items from the hotel breakfast (e.g., apple, bananas, bagel, etc.); e) put ice from the hotel ice machine into a two quart plastic bags to make a quick cooling pack for your lunch; and, f) lay out all of your field gear the night before to make your mornings more efficient.
8. Regularly document work history. It is important to be diligent about documenting your work history. Often, federal or state archaeological permits require details about the duration and location of specific projects. I would recommend keeping track of the project title, your role, county, state, and duration of the project (years-months).
9. Find opportunities to expand your core skill sets. This can include training focused on GIS, CPR, and project-specific tasks.
10. Relationship building. Strive to get along well with your coworkers and build connections that will help you in your career.  

Congratulations to the Winners of the SAA Ethics Bowl!

We are thrilled to announce that the team from Central Piedmont Community College has emerged victorious in the SAA Ethics Bowl, sponsored by the Register of Professional Archaeologists.

Team Members:

• Deninne Pritchett (Faculty Coach)
• Amanda Sanchez
• Jeffrey Taylor
• Tia-Tamera Lester
• Chantell Chavez
• Daniel Ramirez

Their exceptional performance and dedication have set a high standard for ethical discussions in archaeology. We commend their hard work and insightful contributions throughout the competition.

Please join us in celebrating their achievement and wishing them continued success in their academic and professional endeavors!

Navigating the hiring process in Cultural Resource Management (CRM) can be a challenge. Archaeologists beginning their careers generally receive little formal training or guidance about what potential private sector companies seek in a candidate. We have our education, understanding of how archaeology works, but sometimes miss tools to successfully engage an opportunity. Please find below thoughts about what employers can look for in an archaeologist to help build their business. 

Ideas on Résumé or Curriculum Vitae Building (Top 10)

CRM companies receive batches of quality applications when a new job is regionally posted. As challenging as it is to create résumé or curriculum vitae, it can be equally difficult to make measured decisions about hiring without having met an individual. Here are 10 important items on a curriculum vitae or résumé that can help you stand out when seeking a job in CRM.

1. Experience in Tribal Collaboration. Respectfully learning to work with Native American groups is essential in the modern practice of archaeology. If you have the opportunity on a field school, seek out ones where there may be an element of collaborating with tribal members. Many federal and state agencies have agreements with Native Americans requiring CRM consultants to hire tribal surveyors or monitors for projects. Demonstrated experience working with tribes shows employers your capacity for cultural sensitivity and potential to facilitate state/federal contracts.
2. Length of Time at Permanent Jobs. It is understood in CRM an archaeologist will move frequently starting out; please never see this as a red flag. It becomes concerning if an applicant has had several permanent jobs in archaeology over the course over two to five years. It is in an employer’s interest to retain long-term happy employees. A lot of time and resources are used to invest in a new employee. If a prospective employee has moved frequently between jobs, it can be concerning because it may signal a lack of commitment.
3. Geographic Information Systems (GIS). GIS is prevalent throughout the CRM industry ranging in use from standard report maps to complex predictive models. Archaeologists are often asked to manipulate GIS data and review files. If you can gain training in GIS, that stands out on an application in CRM. It directly adds capacity increasing the billability of a cultural resource group by removing the need to reach out to external or internal resources for GIS support.  
4. Range of Experience. One of the challenges in the private sector is finding archaeologists who have the capacity to be permitted in the state(s) where a CRM company operates. In listing previous projects, I have found it is universally beneficial for an applicant to include the following information: a) the county and state where work was performed; b) the duration of the project including dates; c) your role on the project (e.g., PI, staff archaeologists, field technicians, etc.); and, d) the specific state or federal agency associated with the project. This baseline information provides a snapshot about whether an applicant can be permitted quickly, or it highlights areas of potential growth. If known, one can list the states where they are permitted at the beginning of a résumé or curriculum vitae.
5. Identify a Good Writing Sample. CRM documentation is an essential skill. I would recommend saving old reports and site form narratives (with permission) to share as a writing example to potential employers. Specifically, try to send examples where you are the lead author or ideally single author.
6. Grammar. It is important to make sure that your résumé or curriculum vitae are free of any major grammatical errors. These should be polished and reviewed by the time they are sent to a prospective employer. Good grammar equals commitment to a quality product. I recommend having another person review your work details in advance.
7. Safety Skills. Various forms of safety training (e.g., CPR) are seen as a plus on applications. It shows you have the capacity to make sure a crew can prevent or navigate an emergency. Take advantage of safety training opportunities when they are presented throughout your career.
8. Email Etiquette. Politeness goes a long way in presenting a résumé or curriculum vitae to an employer.
9. New Client Potential. A selling point for some CRM firms is the potential an archaeologist has to bring in new clients or help manage existing ones. I would recommend demonstrating this in your experience.
10. Scoping and Budget Experience. A daily task in CRM is the development of accurate scopes and budgets for obtaining work. If you have experience, I feel it is also important to mention the potential size of contracts in relation to your role on the project.   

    

Rigden Glaab MA RPA 989226

RPA Registrant Services and Outreach Committee

We are delighted to welcome the American Rock Art Research Association (ARARA) as an affiliated society of the Register of Professional Archaeologists (RPA). Founded in 1974, ARARA's mission to support rock art research, conservation, and education aligns perfectly with our own values and goals.

ARARA's diverse membership, which spans various professions and backgrounds from the United States and beyond, is a testament to the universal importance of rock art. We commend ARARA's commitment to ethical standards, as evidenced by the requirement for all members to subscribe to the ARARA Code of Ethics. The establishment of committees dedicated to the conservation and preservation of rock art sites, as well as public education on the significance of protecting rock art, further highlights ARARA's dedication to this vital field.

We are particularly excited about ARARA's upcoming annual conference, scheduled for Memorial Day weekend, May 22-27, 2025, in Visalia, Tulare County, California. With a four-hour workshop led by Dr. Lawrence Loendorf and a rich program of field trips and professional papers, this event promises to be both informative and inspiring. We encourage all members to attend and participate in this memorable conference. Additional details can be found on ARARA's conference page.

Once again, welcome to the Register community. We look forward to a fruitful and collaborative partnership.

We’re thrilled to announce the success of the inaugural TAG UK Ethics Bowl, sponsored by the Register of Professional Archaeologists (RPA)!

This RPA-led initiative brought together archaeology students from leading UK universities to engage in a rigorous ethics competition. Through case-based discussions, participants tackled complex ethical dilemmas, enhancing their professional development and ethical reasoning skills.

Congratulations to Team Guilder from the University of Liverpool for taking home the top prize! Special thanks to RPA Ethics Committee members Katherine Chiou (Chair), Kenneth Aitchison, and Daniel Perez for organizing the event. We also applaud all participants, including Team Florin (University of Cambridge, Bournemouth University, & University of Edinburgh), for their thoughtful contributions.

RPA is proud to support ethics education in archaeology, and we look forward to continuing our mission of promoting responsible professional conduct worldwide.

As Dr. Jesse R. Goliath's three-year term as the American Anthropology Association (AAA) liaison comes to an end on January 1, 2025, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for his dedicated service. The Register of Professional Archaeologists thanks Dr. Goliath for his invaluable contributions and unwavering commitment to advancing the field.

Dr. Goliath, an Assistant Professor of Biological Anthropology at the Department of Anthropology and Middle Eastern Cultures, has made significant strides in skeletal biology, focusing on forensic anthropology, microscopy, functional morphology, bioarchaeology, skeletal development, and bone biomechanics. His research, grounded in bone functional adaptation theory, explores the relationship between bone architecture and mechanical loads experienced during life. With extensive field recovery experience in North America, Europe, and Southeast Asia, Dr. Goliath has served as a consulting Forensic Anthropologist for various agencies. He has developed histological age estimation techniques and regression models for forensic casework and has presented his findings at numerous prestigious conferences. His published works in leading journals and contributions to edited volumes underscore his impact on the field. Currently, he is pioneering new methods for detecting variances in bone morphology using advanced imaging techniques.

Dr. Goliath’s expertise and dedication have made a lasting impact on the Register and the broader archaeological community. We extend our heartfelt gratitude and best wishes for Dr. Goliath’s future endeavors.

We are pleased to announce that Dr. Jordi Rivera-Prince will be stepping into the role of AAA representative on the RPA board.

Dr. Jordi A. Rivera Prince is a Presidential Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of Anthropology at Brown University, with affiliations across several institutes, including the Joukowsky Institute for Archaeology and the Ancient World. Specializing in bioarchaeology and mortuary archaeology, her research spans coastal communities in the Andes and Colonial New England, focusing on social inequality, the materiality of the body, and equity in archaeological practice. Her work, supported by prestigious organizations like the National Science Foundation and the Ford Foundation, includes significant projects such as the North Burial Ground Documentation Project in Providence. Dr. Rivera Prince holds degrees from the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Florida.

We look forward to our continued cooperation and collaboration with AAA and the valuable insight Dr. Rivera-Prince will be sharing during her appointment. 

We are pleased to announce that Travis Armstrong has been elected as the Secretary/Treasurer. Additionally, Zach Hamilton-Cruze has been elected as the Grievance Coordinator.

Thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s election!

Archaeologist Dr. Alex Kirkish died December 17, 2023 in San Diego, CA. Born in San Francisco, California in 1946, he became an avid long-board surfer during high school in the Monterey area.

With a young family at his side, he caught the archaeology bug while attending University of California, Santa Barbara, working on Burton Mound among other sites, under the direction of Dr. Claude Warren, and receiving his BA in anthropology.

He worked in archaeology labs at Arizona State University, went on numerous geology field trips (just as plate tectonics were coming to the fore), and later attended University of California, Riverside, where he obtained his MA degree in anthropology (specialization archaeology). During these years he actively worked with local Native Americans in protection of cultural sites.

Before obtaining professional work as County Archaeologist for Ventura, California, he helped support his family as a plumber, saying later “It’s all earth science.” There, he continued developing deep relationships with the regional Native American communities, which became a lifelong commitment. Eventually he began working with the Bureau of Land Management in Colorado, returning to his beloved home state in the late 1970s, and began working on major projects in Cultural Resource Management over much of Southern California.

During most of the 1980s, when paying jobs in archaeology became scarce, Alex obtained his California State Contractors license and got his own plumbing business up and running.

By the late 80s he resumed his wide and varied career in Cultural Resource Management, working for the Department of the Interior, and later for the United States Air Force. He held both a Standard Teaching Credential and a California Community College Credential. He loved teaching classes in the schoolroom as well as in the field, and greatly enjoyed demonstrating and teaching flintknapping.

Eventually Alex worked as archaeologist for the California Department of Transportation in Southern California.

His long fascination with the various beads found at coastal and inland Native American sites led him to pursue his doctorate in the field from the University of Leicester.

His thesis “Bead Exchange Among the Historic Kumeyaay Indians” examined the dramatic change in bead types found at Kumeyaay sites during the historic period, linking it to demographic disruption and examining connections with the revitalist Chinigichinish cult that may have been a reaction to this disruption. He was admitted to the degree of Doctor of Philosophy by the University of Leicester on July 10th, 2013.

In his "retirement," Alex was a frequently sought consultant owing to his deep expertise with beads.

A dedicated father and husband, occasionally impatient, but just as impatient to shrug it off with an easy laugh, he was always active around the house and next to his beloved cats, he loved the garden the most. We miss the annuals that he planted and the beautiful wildflowers. He loved nature, but he was most at home in the desert, enjoying its quiet beauty.

He is survived by his wife Christina (Kit) and his son Jandro. We are bereft in so many ways: his colleagues and collaborators have lost a vast and hard-won store of expert knowledge. His friends and family miss much more of course – the pleasure of his company, his friendship, and the wildflowers.

The Register of Professional Archaeologists is committed to supporting excellence in professional archaeology as a discipline. Equally important to us is that we support Registrants by offering resources that may no longer be within financial reach for many of our Registrants. We’ve heard many of you express concerns about pay gaps, lack of employer-provided benefits, and other inequities and we are trying to do our part to help. By opening up our pockets or negotiating with service providers, we’ve recently added a number of other benefits and discounts for our Registrants. Current benefits include:

Pathways to Professionalism: Discounted rates on professional development workshops and on-demand courses (with new opportunities coming soon) through our partnerships with ACRA, SAA, and other professional organizations

Job Seeking Tools: A professional profile that can help reach prospective employers, a job posting board that helps you find employers that are looking for Registrants, and a database of regional or agency specific standards and guidelines to help brush up on local requirements

Academic Databases: Free access to JSTOR and eHRAF Archaeology for scholarly articles and literature

Swag: “Print-on-Demand” RPA clothing, hats, and other branded merch from Land’s End

Discounts: Get 8% off field supply orders from Forestry Suppliers, and for your furry field techs, a discount on SPOT Pet Insurance (yes, that’s real!)

We are continually searching for ways that we can help provide services and benefits to our Registrants. If you have ideas on how the Register can leverage our resources to help offset rising costs of living or to bridge the gaps we face, we’re all ears. Send your suggestions or questions to Executive Director Michael O’Toole (ExecutiveDirector@rpanet.org) or President Lisa Westwood, RPA (President@rpanet.org).

Keep on digging!