Oxford Archaeology is one of the largest independent archaeological practices in Europe. Our size and reputation ensure that we work on the most exciting and varied range of projects and can offer real opportunities for long term employment and career development.
We are seeking enthusiastic field archaeologists who are at Archaeologist and Assistant Supervisor grades to join our Lancaster and Cambridge offices. We would be eager for new team members to start from January 2026.
Our Cambridge office has a very busy and exciting programme of fieldwork across East Anglia and the East Midlands through 2026. Projects include large excavations targeting a Roman settlement in Bedfordshire, Iron Age and Roman farmsteads near Cambourne, and an Iron Age settlement in Northamptonshire. We also have some large scale evaluations due to commence in Cambridgeshire, Suffolk and Hertfordshire.
Our Lancaster office is currently undertaking large-scale excavations along the route of the A66 between Penrith and Brough, just outside Cumbria’s Lake District National Park. The A66 follows the line of a Roman road across the Pennines which is punctuated by Roman forts. The Roman road traversed a natural pass thought to have been used by prehistoric communities, particularly in the exchange of Neolithic stone axes produced in the central Lake District fells. The A66 project will amount to numerous open area excavations of multi-period sites.
For any away based work, weekly accommodation will be provided in addition to OA’s usual range of employee benefits (see below).
Criteria for the Roles
Archaeologist:
Successful candidates for Archaeologist positions will join our Field Archaeologist Training Pathway which provides a clear path for career development and encourages you to record your progress through site and reading logs, as you learn new skills. The programme includes off-site training sessions lead by OA specialists and senior managers, with content including the understanding of formation processes, matrix generation, burials archaeology, environmental archaeology, Health and Safety, the exciting range of OA apps – including our digital recording system - and much more. When the required levels of competency are achieved, you will advance to Assistant Supervisor level.
Position Requirements:
- Candidates will have six months experience of professional archaeological fieldwork within the UK or Irish commercial environment. Documented evidence of competence, in the form of a completed training log from our Graduate Trainee programme or the Archaeology Skills Passport scheme will be advantageous.
- A degree in archaeology or related discipline will be highly advantageous, as will membership of the CIfA at PCIfA level.
- A full clean driving licence is desirable, as is a current CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) card.
Assistant Supervisor:
Successful candidates for Assistant Supervisor positions will join our Field Assistant Supervisor Training Pathway which includes office-based training sessions lead by OA specialists and senior managers covering areas such as Health and Safety, site survey, post-excavation, finds recognition and training and mentoring of others. You will also be given on-site training in task delegation and supervision, watching briefs, machine watching and record checking. As you progress through the programme you will also be given the opportunity to undertake external training courses including plant supervision (NPORS), CAT and Genny, First Aid at Work and Site Supervisors Safety Training (SSSTS). When the required levels of competency are achieved you will be in a position to apply for promotion to Supervisor grade, as vacancies arise.
Position Requirements:
- Candidates must demonstrate proven experience, technical proficiency and good working knowledge of professional archaeological fieldwork within the UK or Irish commercial environment.
- A degree in archaeology or related discipline will be highly advantageous, as will membership of the CIfA at PCIfA level.
- A full clean driving licence is desirable as is a current CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) card.
For further information on these roles including employee benefits and how to apply:
Archaeologists and Assistant Supervisors - Cambridge and Lancaster | Oxford Archaeology
Closing date: 18th January 2025
Please enclose a CV and covering letter with your application.
Oxford Archaeology is an Equal Opportunities employer. All applications are judged on the relevant skills and experience of the candidate, and not by gender, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, belief, age, nationality (other than where work permits may be required), or ethnicity. You must meet the requirements to live and work in the UK by UK Visas and Immigration.
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