Trainee Archaeologist: Fieldwork & Away Projects in Needham Market

Salary: £27,278

Fixed-term (six-month) contracts available, with immediate start dates.

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 experienced archaeologists and trainees across all four of our offices to work on a range of exciting archaeological projects, spanning different time periods. With a strong ongoing program of fieldwork, we are looking for motivated, dedicated individuals to join our team.

Cotswold Archaeology has projects located in the vicinity of our offices, but for 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).

What we offer:

• 30 days annual leave (including statutory holidays) - please note that the annual leave allowance will be prorated for the duration of contract.
• Employer contribution to pension scheme
• Life assurance scheme
• Paid CIfA membership subscription (following qualifying period)
• Company sick pay - prorated for the duration of contract.
• A generous lieu 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)
• Overnight accommodation and subsistence when working on away projects.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and a network of mental health first aiders across the organisation.
• Personal protective equipment

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.

Membership of the CIfA at PCIfA level is desirable, as is possession of a current and valid CSCS Health and Safety Card or CSCS test pass. Although new CSCS cards are not currently being issued to the archaeological sector, successful applicants without a current and valid CSCS card or test pass will be expected to pass the CITB HS&E Operatives Test, which will be arranged and paid for by CA. A full manual driving licence is desirable.

The Details:

Trainee Archaeologists: £27,278

Like many of those that join our award-winning trainee archaeologist program, you might be a recent graduate with a degree or masters in a relevant subject; you may have graduated some time ago but never realised your ambitions to enter the profession; or you may have no formal archaeology related qualifications but your passion and interest in the subject is attracting you to developing a career in the sector.

For a candidate without a formal degree, we would expect to see:

• Exposure to a range of archaeological periods (e.g. prehistoric, Roman, medieval etc.)
• Experience on multiple site types and contexts (urban, rural, eval etc.)
• An understanding of core excavation methods including excavation methods, stratigraphy, recording and post-excavation
• Evidence of working in varied outdoor conditions, which is part of the day-to-day realities of archaeological fieldwork.

Our trainee programme has been developed with the flexibility to accommodate a broad spectrum of educational ability and work experience. The training includes all the core skills required to be effective as an Archaeologist including excavation, drawing, photography and sampling.

How to apply:

Please submit a CV and cover letter by visiting our careers page: Cotswold Archaeology Careers. Closing date: Applications need to be submitted by Friday 12th June 2026.

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.

Purpose of role:

To assist in the successful and safe conduct of fieldwork projects, including archaeological surveys, surface collection programmes, evaluations and excavations, in accordance with CA procedures and recognised industry standards.

Main duties and responsibilities:

• Assist in the successful and safe conduct of fieldwork projects in accordance with CA procedures and industry standards.
• Contribute to the compilation of archaeological site records using pro-forma recording sheets and registers in accordance with CA procedures.
• Assist with artefact and environmental sample processing as required.
• Carry out manual excavation of features with a wide variety of tools.
• Demonstrate a broad knowledge of archaeological periods and practice.
• Work towards own development using trainee log.
• The ability to deal courteously with fellow staff, clients of CA, officers of other bodies and members of the public.

Personal specification:

Essential:

• Broad knowledge of archaeological periods, monuments and practice gained from a degree standard, or equivalent, qualification.
• Capable of carrying out physically demanding outdoor work in a wide variety of weather conditions, including undertaking manual excavation tasks using hand tools.
• Able and willing to undertake away work.
• The willingness, enthusiasm and drive to learn about all aspects of professional archaeological practice, and to develop new skills.
• Good attention to detail.
• Ability to work to deadlines.
• Administrative ability in the keeping of records.
• The ability to deal courteously with fellow staff, clients of CA, officers of other bodies and members of the public.

Desirable:

• Full manual driving licence and willingness to drive company vehicles (4x4’s, Transit vans).