Trainee and Archaeologists

Pre-Construct Archaeology is one of UK’s largest archaeological companies, with seven regional offices across the country. We have been delivering professional heritage services for more than 30 years, working on some of the largest and most complex sites in Britain. As 2024 draws to a close, we are undertaking some very exciting projects in the Durham region.

We are looking to recruit staff immediately at the following levels: Trainees and Archaeologists.

 
PCA offers a competitive salary and a range of attractive benefits, including a pay banding structure that allows for career progression. All successful candidates will undergo a probationary 3-month period (6-months for trainees) after which, given satisfactory performance, they will be offered a further contract, work permitting.

About the job:

General Requirements for all the following positions:

• Degree in Archaeology or related subject (e.g. History, Classics, Geology etc.)
• Ability and willingness to work on site in all kinds of weather
• Excellent oral and written English, basic maths skills are essential
• Willingness to learn new skills
• Good teamwork
• Excellent punctuality and timekeeping
• Attention to detail
• Commitment to PCA’s health and safety policies at all times
• Eligible to live and work in the UK

Archaeologists
Responsibilities:

• Excavation of archaeological features and deposits
• Collection and labelling of artefacts
• Writing context sheets for archaeological features and deposits, drawing plans and sections to scale, on site photography and basic survey using a GPS unit
• Collection and processing of environmental samples
• Post-excavation office work (occasionally required) including washing, marking and labelling finds, archiving site records

Minimum requirements:

• 3 months of commercial fieldwork experience from the UK

Preferred:

• Full clean UK driving license and willingness to drive company vehicles

Trainees
Responsibilities (you will receive training in the following) - 6 months :

• Excavation of archaeological features and deposits
• Collection and labelling of artefacts
• Writing context sheets for archaeological features and deposits, drawing plans and sections to scale, on site photography and basic survey using a GPS unit
• Collection and processing of environmental samples
• Post-ex office work (occasionally required) including washing, marking and labelling finds and archiving site records

Our employee benefits:

5. Friendly and supportive work environment
5. 28 days of annual leave (including bank holidays and an extra 3 days for Christmas, if employed over the Christmas period), rising on service length
5. £22.50 per night subsistence when working away from home and high-quality accommodation provided
5. High quality PPE and site welfare provision– the safety of our staff always comes first
6. Mental Health First Aiders
5. Cycle to work scheme
5. Flexible working
5. Christmas vouchers
5. H&S training relevant for your role will be provided and paid in full (SSSTS, First Aid, Asbestos Awareness, CAT and Genny etc.)
5. Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIFA) subscriptions paid in full
5. Paid mileage if using own vehicle (subject to eligibility)
5. Annual appraisal and pay progression opportunities
5. Company pension scheme

 
How to apply:
Please email your CV and covering letter to Caroline Edwards, HR Manager: CEdwards@pre-construct.com Please state on your application which role you are applying for and describe your suitability by referring to the requirements listed above. If successful you will be asked to attend an interview at our Durham offices.
 
PCA is committed to a comprehensive equal opportunities policy in which individuals are selected and treated on the basis of their relevant merits and abilities without regard to race, religion or belief, colour, sex, age, national origin, disability or sexual orientation. All applicants with the relevant qualifications and experience are welcome to apply for this opportunity. Please be advised that you must hold the right to work and live in the UK in order to apply for this job.
 
PCA follow all current guidelines regarding SOP and take the safety of our staff as paramount – advice is up to date with government guidance and site-specific RAMS are available.
 
Please be advised we are expecting a high volume of applications, and therefore cannot commit to responding to all emails. In accordance with our GDPR policy, we will not keep unsuccessful applicants’ details or CVs on our system, unless you expressly request that we do.