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 looking for Finds and Environmental Processors (Cambridge and Oxford offices) at Trainee and Archaeologist grades. The work will be office based, but there will also be opportunities to work from one of our away based projects. For the Trainee role no previous experience is required, although it would be advantageous, and full training will be provided in both finds and environmental processing techniques. For the Archaeologist role, appointments will be made into either the Finds or Environmental teams, and will be based on demonstrable qualifications and experience. There may be opportunities for advancement within the Finds or Environmental Departments for the right people, and there may also be the opportunity to undertake some fieldwork.
The processing programme includes the finds and samples from prehistoric sites, including a highly significant flint site, and prehistoric and Roman settlements and also material from several Oxford Colleges.
Criteria for the Roles
- A degree in archaeology or a closely related discipline will be highly advantageous.
- A full clean driving licence is desirable, as is a current Operatives level CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) card or pass certificate, although time and resources will be made available for you to complete this if required.
Employee benefits:
- Competitive, constantly benchmarked salaries depending on grade and experience.
- A company pension scheme with 6% employer contributions. Employees with ten years of employment or in project management roles gaining access to Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), which is one of the few remaining defined benefit schemes in the UK.
- Opportunities for career progression including placements and specialist training in all areas of the business, including fieldwork, archives, post-excavation, burials, community engagement, heritage management, historic buildings, geomatics, geoarchaeology and contracts.
- 21 days holiday (depending on length of service) with three additional concessionary days at Christmas plus Bank Holidays.
- Subsistence payment of £23.50 per night (tax free) and free, no sharing in single rooms (usually B&B or self-catering) for away-based projects.
- 37.5 hour (basic) week with optional paid overtime at time and a half for hours in-excess of 37.5 hours Monday-Friday and on Saturdays, and double time on Sundays and bank holidays.
- Paid travel time for journeys to site that take longer than one hour from the office and free transport from regional offices to sites.
- Free high quality personal protective equipment (inc. full breathable waterproofs, fleece etc).
- Comprehensive care for employee welfare through a number of policies, including: the AXA Health Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) Premier, generous paid sick leave and a network of mental health first aiders.
- Paid driving time supplement of £2.50 per hour for operational drivers travelling between the daily departure point and fieldwork sites (Only applicable for Archaeologist role).
- We pay 100% of CIfA subscription fees.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Free DSE eye test with a voucher towards VDU-only glasses (via Specsavers) where required.
If you would like to be part of a friendly, respected and established organisation, please apply by completing an application form, available from:
Finds and Environmental Processors - Oxford and Cambridge | Oxford Archaeology
Please enclose a CV and covering letter with your application.
Closing date: Friday 30 May 2026
Please note that applications will be reviewed upon receipt, and positions may be filled prior to the closing date.
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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