National Occupational Standards in
Archaeological Practice

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AE2 Assess options for conserving the archaeological resource in situ

AE2.1 Explore and evaluate options for conserving the archaeological resource in situ

Performance Required

This will involve:

1. Confirming with interested parties the purpose and key objectives for conserving the archaeological resource in-situ
2. Reviewing the opportunities and constraints that will influence the selection of options
3. Assessing the extent to which action can be taken within existing policies, plans and resources
4. Devising options for action most likely to optimise the value of the archaeological resource in situ
5. Where appropriate, consulting those with expert knowledge on the viability of alternative courses of action
6. Preparing proposals and plans for alternative courses of action
7. Presenting options for action to interested parties and justifying a preferred course of action

Occupational Context

1. Purpose and key objectives
   • archaeological significance
   • environmental considerations
   • cultural significance
   • public access
   • economic potential
2. Archaeological resource
   • landscapes
   • sites
   • structures
3. Opportunities and constraints may include:
   • ownership of the resource
   • location
   • constraints on access
   • public opinion
   • cost factors (capital, revenue and maintenance costs, grants, potential income generation)
   • legal and regulatory factors
   • risk factors
4. Expert knowledge
   • Within archaeology (e.g. wetlands archaeologist, historic buildings advisor)
   • External to the discipline

Knowledge Requirements

You need to know about:

Legal, political, economic, social, cultural and historical impacts

The range and requirements different kinds of resources and their situations and locations:

• Ownership and status
• Environmental conditions
• Public/ research access
• Exposure

Required Skills

You should demonstrate:

• Analytical skills
• Writing proposals

Evidence Required

You should provide evidence that you can explore and evaluate options for conserving the archaeological resource in situ

The candidate should be questioned, based upon the documentation provided, to explore

• written proposals for alternative courses of action

Evidence Rules

The candidate should have been involved in at least 2 contrasting sites.

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Today's date: 31/7/2010
This page last updated: 6/8/2007 11:58