FIELD ARCHAEOLOGISTS

FIELD ARCHAEOLOGISTS

Milton Keynes Full-Time 28800 - 42000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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CFA Archaeology Ltd

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join our team to explore and uncover Britain's rich archaeological heritage.
  • Company: CFA Archaeology, a leading archaeological practice with a passion for history.
  • Benefits: Competitive pay, professional development, and generous leave policies.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in archaeology while working in diverse outdoor environments.
  • Qualifications: Relevant degree or practical experience in UK archaeology is desirable.
  • Other info: Flexible travel opportunities and a supportive team culture await you.

The predicted salary is between 28800 - 42000 £ per year.

About The Role

Job Title: Field Archaeologists

Pay: Starting at £26,614

Location: Leeds and Milton Keynes offices

Contract: 6-months fixed-term (37.5 hours per week), extension possible

Closing Date: 31st March 2026

Enquiries Email: careers@cfa-arch.co.uk

CFA are looking to appoint fixed-term Field Archaeologists to our Leeds and Milton Keynes offices. This will initially be for up to 6-months but with the possibility of extension.

A knowledge of British archaeology is desirable, and you will be able to demonstrate a range of skills relevant to working in field archaeology. You should be motivated, positive and an effective team-worker, maintaining good professional relationships with colleagues and third parties alike. You will be required regularly to work away overnight and must be able to carry out manual work in outdoor environments in all weather.

This is a great opportunity to join a long-established and highly regarded company that prides itself on delivering quality services to clients, whilst providing continuous staff development and training opportunities. We are passionate about archaeology, and we need you to be too. If you have any specific relevant skills, let us know!

Successful Criteria Include

  • Relevant degree level education or practical experience in UK (or equivalent overseas) desirable.
  • Flexible approach to deployment and willingness to travel and work away.
  • Membership of CIfA desirable.
  • A good positive attitude and effective team-worker / communicator.
  • Willingness to learn a range of office-based and fieldwork tasks, with ambition to progress into more senior roles.
  • Reliable and motivated with good organisational skills.
  • An appreciation of inclusivity, diversity and dignity and respect in the workplace.
  • Full manual driving licence essential.
  • Microsoft Office skills.

Your Role

Maintaining a professional, happy, and motivated team is very important to us, so candidates will be able to demonstrate that they are conscientious, reliable, and work well in a variety of environments. You will welcome the opportunity to develop whilst maintaining high standards of safety and quality.

Supporting each other through teamwork is important to CFA, so we encourage openness and regular dialogue to solve professional challenges effectively. We also look to employ the right technology for the job and invest in technical solutions wherever possible. Staff are provided with access to a broad range of professional development and skills training, including external HR and Occupational Health Support, where necessary.

Join Our Team

CFA Archaeology grew out of an established unit within Edinburgh University’s Department of Archaeology, becoming a separate Ltd company in 2000. Over the intervening years, CFA has grown to become one of the leading archaeological practices in the UK, operating out of four thriving offices running up the spine of the country. Although CFA has developed and grown, we have not lost sight of where we came from. We still seek out interesting and exciting archaeology and there is still that small-team ethic of co-operation and a sociable working atmosphere. Many of our staff have grown with us, and we have learned to invest in our staff so that they have the training and confidence they need to progress and be rewarded with the opportunities they deserve. You will join a friendly but professionally focused and forward-looking team, who strives to work together, supporting and encouraging each other to rise to all challenges.

Our archaeologists work all over the country, from the highlands and islands of Scotland, through Cumbria, Northumberland, and Yorkshire, and down through the Midlands to the South Coast. Our projects range from castles, stately homes, world heritage sites, battlefields, prehistoric, Romano-British, and Anglo-Saxon settlements to industrial archaeology and the archaeology of war. We will learn your interests and preferences and always seek to match them with upcoming projects if we can. We are happy to accommodate home or office working for report writing and post-excavation, or a mixture of both.

Benefits Of Working At CFA Include

  • Subscription to CIfA paid in full where applicable.
  • Paid overnight subsistence and travel time (compliant with all current Govt and industry guidance).
  • Weekend accommodation provided where applicable.
  • Competitive paid mileage.
  • Annual profit distribution scheme.
  • Basic 28 days annual leave (including public holidays), rising with continuous service.
  • Paid for ‘Time off in Lieu’ above threshold.
  • Generous maternity, paternity, adoption, shared parental and company sick pay.
  • Paid medical, family, and compassionate leave.
  • Generous weekend working compensation when required.
  • Paid for / supplied full compliant PPE etc.
  • Competitive remuneration (above CIfA recommendation) with annual review.
  • Employer contribution to pension scheme up to 6% after qualifying period.
  • Continuing professional development, annual reviews, and personal access to HR portal.
  • 4×4 off-road training, asbestos awareness, confined spaces training, CAT and Genny training and specialist archaeological training.
  • Continuous training in all areas of profession, including H&S, Skills & Technical, GDPR, First Aid and Health.
  • Employees offered opportunity to develop in all aspects of profession and not be compartmentalised.
  • Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) and Occupational Health Support.
  • Relocation support where applicable.
  • Cycle to work scheme.

Please apply via email to careers@cfa-arch.co.uk quoting ‘EFA-0326’ and the position you are applying for. Immediate starts are available. Only completed applications containing a cover note and CV will be accepted. Please apply before 31st March 2026.

CFA follows all GDPR regulations when handling personal data. All enquiries and applications will be treated in the strictest of confidence. For further information, please email: privacy@cfa-arch.co.uk

CFA Archaeology follows a policy of equal opportunities for employment, training, and other conditions of service. All applicants must be eligible to work in the UK without restrictions. Proof of identity and right to work in the UK will be required prior to commencing employment. If you require any further information, please email: enquiries@cfa-arch.co.uk.

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FIELD ARCHAEOLOGISTS employer: CFA Archaeology Ltd

CFA Archaeology is an exceptional employer located in Milton Keynes, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises professional development and teamwork. With competitive benefits such as paid travel, generous leave, and continuous training opportunities, employees are encouraged to grow within their roles while contributing to meaningful archaeological projects across the UK. Join a passionate team dedicated to delivering quality services and fostering a motivated environment where your skills and ambitions can thrive.
CFA Archaeology Ltd

Contact Detail:

CFA Archaeology Ltd Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land FIELD ARCHAEOLOGISTS

✨Tip Number 1

Get to know the company! Research CFA and their projects. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in what they do.

✨Tip Number 2

Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. They can provide insider tips and might even refer you, which can give you a leg up in the hiring process.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare for the field! Brush up on your practical skills and be ready to discuss your hands-on experience in archaeology. Show them you’re not just book-smart but also ready to get your hands dirty!

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the CFA team.

We think you need these skills to ace FIELD ARCHAEOLOGISTS

Knowledge of British Archaeology
Teamwork
Effective Communication
Flexibility
Willingness to Travel
Organisational Skills
Manual Work Capability
Microsoft Office Skills
Conscientiousness
Reliability
Motivation
Inclusivity and Diversity Awareness
Driving Licence
Professional Development Commitment
Technical Aptitude in Archaeology

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Archaeology: We want to see your enthusiasm for archaeology shine through in your application. Share any relevant experiences or projects that highlight your love for the field and how it aligns with our values at CFA.

Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Field Archaeologist role. Highlight your skills, experiences, and qualifications that match the job description, especially your knowledge of British archaeology and teamwork abilities.

Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon to ensure we can easily understand your qualifications and motivations.

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application via our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly. Remember to include a cover note and CV as specified in the job listing.

How to prepare for a job interview at CFA Archaeology Ltd

✨Know Your Archaeology

Brush up on your knowledge of British archaeology before the interview. Familiarise yourself with key sites, historical periods, and recent developments in the field. This will not only show your passion but also demonstrate that you’re serious about the role.

✨Showcase Teamwork Skills

Since teamwork is crucial at CFA, prepare examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in past projects. Highlight your ability to communicate effectively and maintain good professional relationships, as this aligns with their values.

✨Be Ready for Outdoor Challenges

Given the nature of fieldwork, be prepared to discuss your experience working in various outdoor environments. Share stories that illustrate your adaptability and reliability, especially when faced with challenging weather conditions.

✨Express Your Willingness to Learn

CFA values continuous development, so convey your eagerness to learn new skills and take on office-based tasks. Mention any relevant training or certifications you’ve pursued, and express your ambition to progress into more senior roles within the company.

FIELD ARCHAEOLOGISTS
CFA Archaeology Ltd
Location: Milton Keynes
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