Professional Qualifications

MDAH-SHPO requires individuals or groups conducting federally-funded archaeological research, or research as a result of federal or state permits and licenses in the State of Mississippi, to meet the minimum professional qualifications outlined in the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and Guidelines, Archaeology and Historic Preservation’s “Professional Qualifications Standards” (Federal Register vol. 48, no. 190, 9-29-83, Part IV, pg. 44738-44739).  

Throughout the duration of the archaeological investigation, either the Principal Investigator or Field Director should be present in the field directing and monitoring the activities of the Field Crew.  To meet the minimum professional qualifications in archaeology:

The Principal Investigator must:

1. Have a graduate degree in anthropology, archaeology, or closely related field, plus:
2. At least one year of full-time professional experience or equivalent specialized training in archaeological research, administration or management;
3. At least four months of supervised field and analytic experience in general North American archaeology;
4. Have demonstrated ability to carry research to completion.

In addition, a Principal Investigator in prehistoric archaeology shall have at least one year of full-time professional experience at a supervisory level in the study of archaeological resources of the prehistoric period. 

A Principal Investigator in historical archaeology shall have at least one year of full-time professional experience at a supervisory level in the study of archaeological resources of the historic period.

The Field Director/s must:

1. Have a graduate degree in anthropology, archaeology, or closely related field;
2. Have considerable experience and demonstrated ability to successfully function in a supervisory capacity;
3. Possess formal training and considerable experience in archaeological theory, methodology, analysis, interpretation, and report preparation, and have demonstrated the ability to recognize and evaluate both historic and prehistoric cultural features.

Field Crew Member/s should:

1. Have an undergraduate degree in anthropology, archaeology, or closely related field;
2. Or possess considerable experience and have demonstrated the ability to recognize and evaluate both historic and prehistoric cultural features and artifacts.

Any archaeologist conducting archaeological research (Phase I, II, and III) should have access to:

• Adequate field and laboratory equipment to conduct the survey, excavation, or other research;
• Adequate facilities to properly treat, analyze, and temporarily curate cultural material obtained as a result of the investigation.