Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead archaeological excavations and surveys across East Anglia, ensuring high standards and meeting deadlines.
- Company: Join the Cambridge Archaeological Unit, a part of the prestigious Department of Archaeology.
- Benefits: Enjoy a full-time role with opportunities for training and skill development in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Be part of exciting projects uncovering history while working with a passionate team in a supportive culture.
- Qualifications: Must have a degree in Archaeology or significant practical excavation experience; strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Positions are fixed-term for 12 months, with a start date by September 2025; apply early as roles fill quickly.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Senior Field Archaeologist – Grade II (Fixed Term)
Join to apply for the Senior Field Archaeologist – Grade II (Fixed Term) role at Cambridge Service Alliance
Senior Field Archaeologist – Grade II (Fixed Term)
2 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants
Join to apply for the Senior Field Archaeologist – Grade II (Fixed Term) role at Cambridge Service Alliance
Get AI-powered advice on this job and more exclusive features.
The Cambridge Archaeological Unit which is part of the Department of Archaeology is recruiting Senior Field Archaeologists (Grade II) for a range of archaeological excavations, evaluations and surveys throughout East Anglia. Confirmed sites include prehistoric landscapes, Iron Age and Roman settlements and various urban sites.
The CAU has several sites scheduled for Summer 2025 – Spring 2026 which include evaluations, and large-scale open area excavations and we are looking to recruit archaeologists on 12-month fixed term contracts.
Field Staff will assist in delivering fieldwork services to a professional standard and to strict deadlines. The CAU has 5 Senior Field Archaeologist (Grade II) posts available.
Requirements
- It is essential that applicants have a degree in Archaeology. A related subject degree will only be considered if the candidate has significant and demonstrable practical on-site excavation experience. This will be determined by the University.
- Applicants must demonstrate significant experience of working in British Developer Funded archaeology and / research experience which includes extensive fieldwork experience.
- It is essential that the role holder is able communicate and liaise professionally with CAU colleagues, external contacts and the public.
- Applicants will exhibit a high degree of precision and accuracy and the ability to problem solve independently. Applicants will be able to stratigraphically site excavation slots to obtain the maximum amount of information.
- Applicants must be capable of assisting colleagues & the site director to follow specifications laid out in archaeological briefs, follow CIfA best practice, H&S legislation, and respond to client deadlines.
- Applicants must have a proven and demonstrable record of assuming a high level of responsibility on site, including deputising for the site director.
- Applicants must have a proven and demonstrable record of assisting the site director with pre-site and on-site logistics, including supervising less experienced members of the field team, trainees, students, volunteers.
Please view the Further Particulars document to access the duties of the role, and essential and preferred role requirements.
Successful applicants will preferably have one or more of the following: a clean UK/EU Driving Licence, Membership of CIfA, a First Aid at Work qualification.
Holding relevant H&S qualifications will be an advantage (eg: documented Manual Handling training, Banksman training, Pipe & Cable detection training, Lantra Off-Road Vehicle Operating 4×4 training, SSSTS).
Please include information regarding projects you have worked on and particularly fieldwork skills such as field walking surveys, machine watching and urban excavation experience.
Applicants with interests/skills in period specialisms, artefacts, environmental archaeology, illustration and survey should highlight these skills. Opportunities may exist to develop these skills with appropriate training provided.
The roles are full-time and the role holders will ideally be in post at the latest by 30th September 2025.
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 12 months from the agreed start date.
Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a health assessment.
Applications will be reviewed regularly on receipt. Candidates will be contacted and interviewed frequently till the available roles are filled, therefore it would be to a candidate\’s advantage to apply as soon as possible. The University reserves the right to close this job advert early / before the closing date when the available posts have been filled. The closing date will be 23.59 on 31st October 2025.
Click the \’Apply\’ button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
Informal enquiries should be directed to the Administration team (cauhr@arch.cam.ac.uk)
If all the roles are filled – candidates who miss early recruitment rounds and meet all the eligibility criteria can contact the Administration team to declare their interest in having their applications held in a pool for future recruitment opportunities. The Administration team can be contacted via (cauhr@arch.cam.ac.uk)
Should candidates at any point wish to withdraw their application, please email the Administration team with your request.
Candidates who do not meet all the eligibility criteria are welcome to resubmit their application once missing criteria have been achieved.
Please be aware this is a rolling recruitment campaign, and the selection panel will be considering applications periodically during the advertising period. Should we experience a high level of interest in this post, the vacancy may be closed prior to the stated closing date.
Please quote reference JD46973 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society. We particularly welcome applications from women and /or candidates from a BAME background for this vacancy as they are currently under-represented at this level in our department.
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
Apply online
Seniority level
-
Seniority level
Mid-Senior level
Employment type
-
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
-
Job function
Research, Analyst, and Information Technology
-
Industries
Education Management
Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Cambridge Service Alliance by 2x
Get notified about new Senior Archaeologist jobs in Cambridge, England, United Kingdom.
Senior Field Archaeologist (Grade I) (Fixed Term)
Cambridge, England, United Kingdom 3 days ago
Cambridge, England, United Kingdom 3 days ago
We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Senior Field Archaeologist - Grade II (Fixed Term) employer: Cambridge Service Alliance
Contact Detail:
Cambridge Service Alliance Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Field Archaeologist - Grade II (Fixed Term)
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the archaeology field, especially those who have experience with British Developer Funded projects. Attend local archaeological events or workshops to meet potential colleagues and learn about upcoming opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your practical on-site excavation experience during any informal discussions or networking events. Be prepared to discuss specific projects you've worked on and the skills you've developed, as this will demonstrate your suitability for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Familiarise yourself with the Cambridge Archaeological Unit's recent projects and methodologies. This knowledge can help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in their work.
✨Tip Number 4
Consider obtaining additional health and safety qualifications relevant to the role, such as First Aid at Work or Manual Handling training. These certifications can set you apart from other candidates and demonstrate your commitment to safety on site.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Field Archaeologist - Grade II (Fixed Term)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your degree in Archaeology and any relevant practical on-site excavation experience. Emphasise your fieldwork skills, particularly in British Developer Funded archaeology.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, clearly outline your experience with archaeological excavations, evaluations, and surveys. Mention specific projects you've worked on and how they relate to the role at Cambridge Service Alliance.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Be sure to include any additional qualifications such as a clean UK/EU Driving Licence, CIfA membership, or First Aid at Work qualification. Also, mention any specialisms or skills in environmental archaeology, artefacts, or survey techniques.
Follow Application Instructions: When applying, ensure you quote reference JD46973 in your application. Double-check that all required documents are included and that your application is submitted before the closing date of 31st October 2025.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cambridge Service Alliance
✨Showcase Your Field Experience
Make sure to highlight your practical on-site excavation experience during the interview. Discuss specific projects you've worked on, focusing on your role and the skills you developed, especially in British Developer Funded archaeology.
✨Demonstrate Communication Skills
Since the role requires liaising with colleagues and the public, prepare examples that showcase your ability to communicate effectively. Think of situations where you successfully collaborated with a team or explained complex information to non-experts.
✨Emphasise Problem-Solving Abilities
Be ready to discuss how you've approached challenges in past excavations. Provide examples of how you identified problems and implemented solutions, particularly in high-pressure situations or when working to strict deadlines.
✨Highlight Relevant Qualifications
If you have any additional qualifications like a clean driving licence, First Aid certification, or H&S training, make sure to mention these. They can set you apart from other candidates and show your commitment to safety and professionalism in the field.