The popular view sees archaeologists as 'diggers' on excavations. Many still do work as excavators, usually for professional archaeological companies - 'contractors' who undertake development work.
A number of professional archaeologists work in local government, usually at county council level. In the professional jargon they are known as archaeological 'curators'. These officers give advice to the local planning authorities on the possible archaeological implications of planning applications. Nowadays most archaeological work in the county is small scale and relates to the planning process.
Information on excavations, surveys and other research carried out in the county is contained in the Historic Environment Record.