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College welcomes new archeology certification

Written by Reid Wright - Argonaut

Monday, 31 March 2008

Leah Evans-Janke had no problem finding a job as a certified archeological technician, and now she is making that opportunity available for students at the University of Idaho. Students are already signing up for the program, which will offer a chance to get on — and in — the ground experience for an official archeological technician certification. “Once students write down that they have this certificate, it kind of announces to the rest of the cultural resource community that they are extra committed — that they have that extra drive,” Evans-Janke said. “That kind of thing is a market distinction.” The certificate program requires all the same classes as a bachelor of science in anthropology, plus a lab class and a professional internship. There is also a certification available for graduate students, she said. “The unfortunate thing in archeology is that you don’t get the job until you have the experience, but you don’t get the experience until you have a job,” she said. Sociology, anthropology and justice studies department chair Donald Tyler said undergrads were previously not getting enough archeological experience. “This will offer them a chance to get experience,” Tyler said. “And maybe earn some money, too.” Archeology is fun — depending on a person’s attitude — but it is also challenging, Evans-Janke said. “My truck got stuck in a flash flood, I’ve been bombed by F-16s,” she said. “I’ve had tedious things happen like you’re trying to survey with horses when they’re pulling all the stuff out of your backpack and playing games with you. You get chased off the road by cows … Some of the things that make it challenging also make it scary too, and fun.” Tyler said that since the new certification program uses existing classes, it would not cost the university any new money. “There is no new cost except the cost of the paper we’re going to print it on,” he said. The certification program is unique to the northwest and more rigorous than most, Evans-Janke said. “Where other certificate programs recommend that you have a ‘C’ average, we recommend that you have a ‘B’,” she said. Evans-Janke said that 80 percent of graduates go on to do cultural resource management for the government. This is the preservation of historical sites and materials. It is legally required whenever public — and often private — land is developed. She compared it to the conservation of natural resources. “The number of archeological sites in the world is limited. Just like the number of trees in the world is limited,” she said. “It’s a finite resource.” Tyler said that a site is defined as historic if it pre-dates written records. There are a “surprising amount” of sites in the northwest, Evans-Janke said. “Archeology is everywhere,” she said. “You should never be surprised when you find it. It’s kind of like the crazy aunt that won’t go away.” Archeology allows for experiences different from other jobs. “This is what I’m talking about,” she said, holding up a picture of Utah wilderness. “This is my office. How can you argue with that?” Applications for the new program are currently being accepted.  Add as favorites (35) | Views: 384 Be first to comment this article Write Comment Please keep the topic of messages relevant to the subject of the article. Personal verbal attacks will be deleted. Please don't use comments to plug your web site. Such material will be removed. Just ensure to *Refresh* your browser for a new security code to be displayed prior to clicking on the 'Send' button. Keep in mind that the above process only applies if you simply entered the wrong security code. Name: Title: Comment: