Anthropologist

In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.

The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:

• 2006 NOC: Anthropologists (4169.1);  Archaeologists (4169.2) 
• 2006 NOC-S: Other Professional Occupations in Social Science (E038) 
• 2011 NOC: Other professional occupations in social science, n.e.c. (4169) 

Anthropologists study all aspects of human and non-human primate society and culture, past and present, including cultural remains, traditions, beliefs, customs, languages, patterns of subsistence and settlement. For example, their research may focus on cultural beliefs and symbols, kinship and social organization, ethnicity, or the religious, economic, political and legal aspects of a society. Other types of research may involve the use of scientific techniques such as radiometric dating, Geographical Information System (GIS) or Global Positioning System (GPS), residue analysis, stratigraphic mapping (mapping rock layers), and statistical data analysis and interpretation.

Anthropologists may specialize in particular geographic areas of the world, in particular time periods or in populations of a specific region. They also may specialize in any one or more of the following subfields of anthropology:

• Physical or biological anthropologists may study human evolution (palaeoanthropology), the behaviour and biology of non-human primates, human skeletal remains, or human variations or adaptations as influenced by heredity and environment. For example, forensic anthropologists assist police in the identification and analysis of human remains.
• Archaeologists reconstruct, describe and interpret the origin, characteristics and development of modern and ancient human societies and cultures, mainly through field study and context of archaeological sites and their material contents. They may also work in cultural resource management to mitigate the impact of natural resource development.
• Cultural or social anthropologists describe and explain unique differences and fundamental similarities in the global human community to achieve a clearer understanding of ourselves. For example, medical anthropologists examine human health and health systems, which can include attention to nutrition, environment and development, bio-medical and alternative health care.
• Linguistic anthropologists study the development and everyday use of human languages and, in particular, modern language patterns and their influence on thought and action. They may also be involved in language revitalization projects with local communities.

Some anthropologists work primarily indoors in offices, classrooms and laboratories. Others work outdoors in field environments. When conducting fieldwork, anthropologists may live in tents or in local housing sometimes in remote locations, often working long hours (sometimes alone) for extended periods of time. Fieldwork is usually seasonal and some of the work can be physically demanding.

Anthropologists work closely with researchers in other disciplines such as human anatomy, medicine, biology, geology, geography, chemistry, museum studies, history and sociology. They also may supervise field and laboratory staff and volunteers.

Anthropologists need the following characteristics:

• flexibility to adapt to unfamiliar and changing circumstances
• understanding, respect and tolerance for other cultures, peoples and regions
• a natural curiosity about other cultures
• patience
• the ability to do required physical labour
• comfortability with travel, especially overseas
• a willingness to work in potentially challenging field conditions
• good organizational skills
• the ability to pay close attention to details
• the ability to analyze problems and think logically
• excellent observational and recording skills
• strong oral and written communication skills. 

As researchers, anthropologists should enjoy:

• collecting and analyzing data
• finding innovative approaches to intellectual puzzles
• consulting with and directing the work of others
• taking a precise methodological approach to interpreting and understanding human behaviour.

Anthropologists may work for:

• museums as museum technicians, curators or exhibit directors 
• provincial and federal government departments involved in conservation or research programs, parks and historic site development, or cultural resources and public education
• First Nation communities conducting research, recording cultural history, managing cultural resources, as well as working on land and treaty claims nagotiations and conflict mediation
• private and public sector organizations that carry out market research, social and historical research and impact assessments or ethnographic (study of people and culture) research
• colleges and universities teaching and conducting research.

Individuals who have a bachelor's degree may be employed on a seasonal contract basis. Those who have master's degrees may find employment as teachers in community colleges, or work in government, museums or consulting firms. To pursue independent research in anthropology or teach at the university level, a PhD degree is essential.

To carry out archaeological research in Alberta an Archeological Research Permit from the Government of Alberta is required. To qualify, applicants must have at least a master's degree in anthropology or archaeology, 24 weeks of supervised training in archaeological suveying and excavation techniques and 6 weeks of training in curation or laboratory analysis.

Due to very low employment turnover and a limited number of positions, employment and advancement opportunities are limited. Currently, at the bachelor's and master's degree level, there is a trend toward short-term, contract work rather than long-term employment with a single employer.

Anthropologists employed by universities are involved in teaching as well as field and laboratory research (for more information, see the University Professor occupational profile).

Anthropologists are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 4169: Other Professional Occupations in Social Science. In Alberta, 79% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:

• Professional, Scientific and Technical Services (PDF)
• Health Care and Social Assistance (PDF)
• Public Administration (PDF)

The employment outlook in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

• trends and events affecting overall employment (especially in the industries listed above)
• location in Alberta
• employment turnover (work opportunities generated by people leaving existing positions)
• occupational growth (work opportunities resulting from the creation of new positions that never existed before)
• size of the occupation.

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

Canadian Anthropology Society (CASCA) website: www.cas-sca.ca

Canadian Archaeological Association website: www.canadianarchaeology.com

The Canadian Association for Physical Anthropology (CAPA) website: www.capa-acap.net

For more information on career planning, education and jobs call the Alberta Supports Contact Centre toll-free at 1-877-644-9992 or 780-644-9992 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Supports Centre near you.