Justo F. Sol Plaza is a historian and archaeologist from the University of Granada, serving as the Conservator of Historical Archaeological Heritage in the Department of Heritage Protection at the Cultural Assets Service of the Territorial Delegation of the Regional Government's Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Sport in Jaén.
- The body you belong to is the Heritage Conservator Corps, something that may sound familiar to our readers, especially if they are trained in Archaeology, but not all of them. Could you describe exactly what your job entails?
The figure of a heritage conservator is a generalist profile responsible for the various tasks encompassing the guardianship of Historical Heritage.
Guardianship of historical heritage can be understood as the set of actions that, in this case, the Andalusian Regional Government must carry out within its competencies to ensure the protection of Historical Heritage and maintain its public service vocation. This guardianship can be exercised through several lines of action, including protection, conservation, research, or dissemination.
From the Ministry of Culture of the Andalusian Regional Government, these tasks are carried out by their staff with different professional profiles who address each aspect related to Andalusian Historical Heritage.
Depending on your qualification and position within the Administration, each professional dedicates themselves to one or another function. In my case, as an archaeologist and technical officer of the Provincial Delegation in Jaén, my work is quite varied but mainly focuses on administrative management since competencies have been transferred to provincial delegations over time, placing many administrative tasks under our jurisdiction: from managing archaeological finds to initiating protection procedures for heritage assets in the province, including processing a large number of archaeological activity permits.
This involves not only pure administrative work but also the need to be constantly in touch with the provincial archaeological heritage through inspections, site visits, and other field trips.
- In addition to being part of the Heritage Conservator Corps in Public Administration, you previously worked on-site, also known as "Professional or Urban Archaeology." What would you highlight about those times? How do archaeologists work under construction conditions?
Indeed, before joining the administration, I worked as an archaeologist in a freelance capacity for several years. This experience has been invaluable for collaborating with excellent professionals across various fields and understanding firsthand what it's like to be on the other side of the table regarding interactions with the Administration.
In my experience, working conditions have nothing to do with the archaeology you encounter when you're a student or engaged in purely scientific research. The rhythms, times, means, and objectives are radically different from what you face on construction sites. I've been fortunate enough to work mostly with great teams, but this isn't always the case, and you end up working alongside people who have no interest whatsoever in your discipline. In these cases, beyond your job, you also find yourself continuously educating and raising awareness.
- Following the new modifications that Andalusia's Historical Heritage Law and its Regulations have undergone with Decree-Law 3/2024 of February 6, which adopts measures to simplify and rationalize administrative procedures for improving citizens' relations with the Andalusian Regional Government and promoting economic activity in Andalusia, how do you approach these changes? Have these measures simplified administrative procedures? Has it improved the development of archaeological interventions?
This is a complex issue, as different levels of analysis come into play depending on who's involved. Generally speaking, we could say that yes, simplification has been achieved for certain administrative procedures (land movement controls and surveys under Articles 29 to 32 and 59 of the LPHA). However, simplifying administrative processes doesn't always directly translate to better protection of historical heritage (which is ultimately our goal as archaeologists).
The Decree-Law 3/2024 of February 6 has brought significant changes for many administrative areas in Andalusia. In the area that affects us, Historical Heritage, there have been several profound modifications that, from my perspective, were somewhat hasty. I would highlight two: subjecting certain archaeological surveys to a declaration responsibility regime alongside land movement controls (which were already under this procedure according to Decree-Law 26/2021 of December 14); and introducing the figure of dual direction for archaeological activities.
In the first case, subjecting surveys associated with Articles 29 to 32 and 59 of the LPHA has led to some streamlining but also produced other effects. First, it differentiates surveys based on their objectives (those under the articles mentioned from others). Additionally, the lack of an explicit resolution that authorizes activity with specific conditions can lead to legal uncertainty for all parties involved if any unforeseen issues arise.
The second case, dual direction for archaeological activities, has been a relief for archaeology professionals but was implemented in a way that leaves some questions unanswered. Hopefully, these will be clarified with the instructions published on this matter. In my opinion, an opportunity to address work stoppages related to archaeological activities was missed, which is currently not covered by regulations and affects professionals daily.
In addition to these, other issues have been introduced in the Decree that clarify and facilitate matters for interested parties, such as modifying Article 32 of the LPHA regarding environmental prevention and control procedures. Specific modifications have improved the processing of this type of expedient.
Overall, reducing deadlines, one of the main objectives of simplification decrees, can be achieved more effectively with full guarantees for heritage protection if vacant positions are filled. In the case of the Jaén Delegation (and it's identical for other delegations and central cultural services), there is an average of a thousand annual expedients (including construction permits, conservation projects, archaeological activities, initiating protection procedures, environmental prevention process reports, various consultations, etc.), with a minimal staff mostly composed of temporary personnel (mainly internees).
- Today, at least in Spain, universities play a very prominent role in the study and research of archaeology. Do you believe there is generally good communication between the academic world, administration, and professional archaeology? What shortcomings or strengths do you see in these relationships?
In general terms, yes, there exists fluid communication among parties, particularly regarding communications from and to the Administration. However, considering that this reality is made up of individual professionals, the flow of communication tends to vary depending on the person. Some professionals are more adept at navigating administrative environments while others aren't as skilled, but overall, communication is positive in most cases.
Regarding differences between academic and professional archaeologists, we enter into generalizations again. The relationship with commercial archaeology professionals tends to be quite fluid since they frequently interact with the Administration through the processing of interventions they carry out as a means of livelihood. In academia, by rule, it's similar but without such continuous contact.
- With technological advancements, how do you think conservation techniques and methods in archaeology have changed over recent years? Could you mention any particular technology or tool that has been especially revolutionary in your work?
Well, this isn't my field so I can only offer personal opinions. In my professional experience, a tool that has accelerated some of the processes in archaeology is photogrammetry, although it's not exactly a "new technology" (it has several years of development and refinement). Properly used and implemented, it saves a lot of time when documenting on-site, though I personally see it more as a complement to traditional documentation methods rather than a replacement.
- Citizen participation and awareness are crucial for the conservation of archaeological heritage. What strategies or programs are being implemented to involve local communities in the protection and appreciation of archaeological heritage from the Administration, specifically from your Territorial Delegation? Do you have an example of a successful initiative in this area?
Communication is a fundamental task for the guardianship of historical heritage as it brings this closer to citizens, ensuring its public service vocation.
From the Ministry of Culture, various actions are carried out within communication strategies. Annually, European Archaeology Days are celebrated with numerous activities related to the archaeological heritage of the province that have been well received by the public. In October, European Heritage Days will take place for which my colleagues have planned a large number of activities.
Additionally, beyond annual events, on an everyday basis, staff from the Ministry in Jaén organize activities to bring heritage closer to citizens, such as the recently held photography contest "Behind Your Gaze," organized by my colleague Marina Gómez Esteban for its first edition, or various temporary exhibitions, colloquiums, talks, and visits at the Provincial Museum of Jaén, Ibero Museum, and other cultural institutions in the province.
- Lastly, what advice would you give to someone starting their career in Archaeology?
The job market for archaeologists isn't always favorable, but there are opportunities and movement. Within the Administration, over recent years, public employment offers have been approved with positions related to archaeology (Conservators of Historical Heritage, Museum Conservators, Museum Assistants, Archivists...). In Andalusia, it's worth noting that the entry into force of the new Public Service Law has led to the creation of a specific body for archaeology, the Superior Specialist Corps in Archaeology, for which 10 positions have been approved pending announcement. We don't know if this offer of positions will be maintained over time, but we must consider that in the coming years there will be a generational turnover in the civil service that will lead to job openings across all areas of administration, including heritage.
Outside the public sector, we are witnessing an increase in requests for archaeological activities related to renewable energy production and infrastructure projects which could represent employment opportunities for new archaeology professionals.
In general, my advice to those starting their career in this profession, whether in administration, academia, or commercial archaeology, is not to let your passion be an excuse to undermine your labor rights.
Mª Dolores Rodas Romero
Communication Area
Francisco Javier Luengo Gutiérrez
Arqueotimes Direction
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