Lead Archaeology Project Officer in Milton Keynes

Cotswold Archaeology continues to grow as a sustainable and strong business, which currently employs over 350 full-time staff, working as one company across four offices. Our success relies on the talent and hard work of all our employees, and we are looking to recruit Project Supervisors along with Project Officers and Senior Project Officers who are ready to take the next step in their career able to lead large and complex archaeological projects.

All of our Project Supervisors and Project Officers are expected to take leading roles in the publication of our work; publication, dissemination and outreach being the fundamental drivers for everything we do.

For all roles, membership of the CIfA at PCIfA level is desirable (or able to demonstrate that you meet the requirements and a commitment to join if appointed). Our awarding winning training programmes provide support throughout all of the stages of your career which is demonstrated by the progression of many colleagues from site archaeologist to managers and technical specialists.

What we offer:

• A starting salary well above the CIfA minimum.
• A highly competitive benefits package including:
• Defined Pension scheme
• Life assurance scheme
• 31 days leave (including Bank Holidays) – increasing with length of service
• A lieu and overtime scheme operated for all driving time, and time spent in excess of 45 minutes each way as a passenger, outside of the normal 7.5 hour working day (accumulate up to 10 days additional lieu time annually)
• Good quality accommodation, and subsistence payments for all away projects
• Paid CIfA membership subscription
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Personal protective equipment will be issued for the duration of employment.

Possession of a current and valid CSCS Health and Safety Card or recent CSCS test pass is desirable. Currently new CSCS cards are not being issued to the archaeological sector, successful applicants without either a current and valid CSCS card or test pass, will be expected to pass either the CITB HS&E Operatives or Managers Test, which will be arranged and paid for by CA. A full driving licence and ability/willingness to drive company vehicles (4x4s, Transit Vans) is essential.

Cotswold Archaeology has projects located in the vicinity of our offices, but in these roles, there will be a requirement to be rostered on protracted away projects where we will provide accommodation and the opportunity to accrue lieu and overtime. Where away work is required good quality accommodation will be provided, along with subsistence payments (£24 per each night spent away).

Please note all salaries quoted are annual equivalents based on a 37.5-hour week. We are unable to offer contracts with the provision of 7 day a week accommodated away work.

How to apply:

To submit an application and cover letter please visit our recruitment page where you will also find full job descriptions for each role. Closing date: Applications need to be submitted by Friday 12th June 2026, however, we will be reviewing applications as they are submitted and making offers where possible.

If you are interested in the roles and would like to know more, we would recommend an informal discussion with one of our Principal Fieldwork Managers.

Cotswold Archaeology is an equal opportunities employer. All applications are assessed solely on the candidate’s relevant skills and experience relevant to the role. We will take into consideration any reasonable adjustments required to support you. Should you need adjustments during the recruitment process, or require additional support related to neurodiversity or for any other reason, please let us know by contacting careers@cotswoldarchaeology.co.uk.

Applicants must already have the legal right to live and work in the UK as defined by UK Visas and Immigration.

Job Description:

Role: Senior Project Officer
Pay Scale: 20-22
Department: Fieldwork
Location: Milton Keynes
Report to: Fieldwork Manager
Responsible for: Project Officers, Project Supervisors, Archaeologists and Trainees

Purpose of role:

To lead the archaeological direction and site management of Cotswold Archaeology‘s most prestigious fieldwork projects, with principal responsibility for ensuring performance targets are met (or exceeded), and for assuring the quality of archaeological recording and understanding.

Main duties and responsibilities:

• To be the lead officer on site responsible for managing the delivery of their projects to time, budget, quality and health and safety requirements.
• To manage and develop staff, ensuring their continuous improvement in performance through initiating training, coaching and improved practices.
• To assure the quality of archaeological understanding and site records, and oversee the compilation of archaeological archives to required standards.
• To author reports to publication standard.
• To monitor and provide regular reports to Project Managers on project progress (budgetary and archaeological), logistical, staff and health and safety issues, and to maintain appropriate liaison with clients, Local Government officers, and contractors.
• To ensure accurate completion and approval of appropriate administrative records, including timesheets, plant and allocation sheets.
• To ensure effective deployment and maintenance of vehicles, plant and equipment, and maintain/provide accurate records.
• To take lead responsibility for ensuring that projects are carried out in accordance with the CA Health and Safety policy, and to prepare risk assessments and other relevant documentation.
• To assist Project Managers in pre-project planning and preparation including undertaking the preparation of written schemes of investigation, trench plans, obtaining service information, notifying utility companies prior to excavation and making appropriate contact with landowners and agents and other relevant parties.
• To deputise for the Project Manager where appropriate.
• To actively promote, and develop a greater public awareness and appreciation of the work of CA through displays, publications, media liaison, lectures etc.
• To carry out any other duties as required and appropriate to the role.

Personal specification:

Essential:

• Knowledge and expertise in archaeological practice, including a general familiarity with the archaeology of Britain at all periods.
• Experience of the supervision of large fieldwork (including excavation) and desk-based projects.
• Knowledge, awareness and understanding of business needs, budgets and timescales, within commercial archaeology.
• The ability to write reports to publication standard.
• The ability to organise, motivate, train, appraise and direct staff.
• Good working knowledge of all relevant Health and Safety requirements, and other relevant legislation.
• The ability to communicate efficiently and courteously with sponsors and clients of CA, officers of other bodies and members of the public.
• Administrative ability in the keeping of records and accounts and the submission of reports.
• A full manual driving licence is essential, as is the ability and willingness to drive company vehicles (4x4s, vans and minibuses).
• Proficient in Microsoft applications including Word, Excel and database skills.
• Membership of the Chartered Institute of Archaeologists to a minimum of ACIFA or able and willing to become a member at this level.
• Competent in carrying out First Aid.

Desirable:

• In depth knowledge or expertise in a particular archaeological period, site type or subject (such as finds or environmental archaeology, survey or GIS).
• Demonstrable potential to write authoritative academic discussions for archaeological publications.
• Survey skills, including ability to operate Leica 1200 series GPS/TST, and basic knowledge and understanding of CAD.
• Possession of a current and valid CSCS Health and Safety Card or recent CSCS test pass.