Trainee Archaeologists

Overview

Cotswold Archaeology is one of the largest and most respected archaeological practices in the country, employing over 350 professional staff and carrying out some of the most interesting, complex and largest archaeological and heritage projects across England and Wales. We are seeking promising, talented and experienced archaeologists and trainees for our Andover and Milton Keynes offices for a range of exciting archaeological projects spanning many different time periods. There will be a requirement to be rostered on away projects, where we will provide accommodation and the opportunity to accrue lieu and overtime. When away work is required, good quality accommodation is provided, along with subsistence payments (£24 per night spent away).

Role details

Location: Andover and Milton Keynes

Contract type: Fixed-term (six-month contracts available) with immediate start dates

Salary: Pay scales £26,229 – £28,696 (dependent on experience). Salaries quoted are annual equivalents based on a 37.5-hour week.

Deadline: Friday, 26th September 2025

What we offer

• 30 days annual leave (including statutory holidays) – prorated for the duration of the contract
• Employer contribution to pension scheme
• Life assurance scheme
• Paid CIfA membership subscription (following qualifying period)
• Company sick pay – prorated for length of contract
• Lieu time for driving time and time spent as a passenger (up to 10 days annually)
• Overnight accommodation and subsistence when working on away projects
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and mental health first aiders
• Personal protective equipment

Note: We are unable to offer contracts based solely on away work. A full manual driving licence is desirable for all roles. Membership of CIfA at PCIfA level is desirable, as is possession of a current CSCS Health and Safety Card or CSCS test pass. If a current CSCS card or test pass is not held, applicants will be expected to pass the CITB HS&E Operatives Test, which will be arranged and paid for by CA.

The Details

• Trainee Archaeologists (£26,229)

  We welcome applicants such as recent graduates with a degree or masters in a relevant subject, those who graduated previously but are new to archaeology, or individuals with no formal archaeology qualifications but strong interest in the field. The trainee programme is flexible to accommodate different backgrounds. It covers core skills including excavation, drawing, photography and sampling.

• Archaeologists (£27,435 – £28,130) – Dependent on Experience

  Core skills include manual excavation and recording of features, recovery of artefacts or samples, stratigraphic matrices, site photography and measured drawings. Familiarity with GPS surveying is desirable.

• Experienced Archaeologists (£28,696)

  Assist Supervisors with training and mentoring of Trainee Archaeologists and with machine supervision. Candidates should have demonstrable commercial fieldwork experience and proficiency in core fieldwork skills, machine supervision, staff training/development and GPS survey. Experience with CAT and Genny equipment is desirable.

How to apply

Please submit a CV and cover letter. Closing date: 5pm on Friday 26 September 2025. Interviews are planned via Teams w/c 29th, subject to application volume.

CA is an inclusive employer and will consider adjustments to support you. If you require additional support related to neurodiversity or any other reason, please let us know.

Membership and qualifications: A full manual driving licence is desirable for all roles. Membership of CIfA at PCIfA level is desirable. While new CSCS cards are not currently issued to the archaeological sector, applicants without a current CSCS card or test pass will be expected to pass the CITB HS&E Operatives Test, arranged and paid for by CA.