Senior Field Archaeologist – Fieldwork, Travel & Training

Experienced Archaeologists needed in Needham Market. Salary: £29,844. 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 essential.

The Details:

Experienced Archaeologists: £29,844. We are also looking for more experienced field archaeologists to assist our Supervisors with the training and mentoring of Trainee Archaeologists and with machine supervision. These roles will need demonstrable and considerable commercial archaeological fieldwork experience, with documented evidence of proficiency both in core fieldwork skills and machine supervision/watching brief, staff training/development and an aptitude for GPS survey. In date training in the use of CAT and Genny equipment is desirable.

How to apply:

Please submit a CV and cover letter by visiting our careers page. 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 us.

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

Job Description:

Role: Experienced Archaeologist. Pay Scale: Scp 11. Department: Fieldwork. Location: Needham Market. Reports to: Project Supervisor.

Purpose of role: To undertake archaeological field investigations, including manual excavation and the collection and recording of data, under the direction of a designated Project Leader.

Main duties and responsibilities:

• Contribute to the successful completion of fieldwork projects, including fieldwalking, evaluation, excavation, finds processing, data entry and archiving.
• Accurately record investigation data using pro-forma recording sheets and registers, scale drawings and photographs, in accordance with CA procedures.
• Recover artefacts and environmental samples in accordance with CA procedures.
• Undertake machine supervision/watching brief and survey duties as delegated by the Project Leader.
• Assist the Project Leader with the mentoring and training of less experienced staff.
• Undertake rapid manual excavation of archaeological features, and accurate recording and interpretation of investigation data.
• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of archaeological periods and practice.
• The ability to deal efficiently and courteously with sponsors and clients of CA, officers of other bodies and members of the public.
• Ability to complete stratigraphic matrices of moderate complexity.
• Ability to confidently use the Leica GPS equipment.
• Contribute to departmental processes and working practices via Learning Reports, feedback to Committee Representatives and/or project leaders, and discussion at performance reviews.
• Undertake all training provided by Cotswold Archaeology applicable to the role.
• Perform all duties in line with CA’s Health and Safety Policy and Systems or those for whom CA is working.

Personal specification:

Essential:

• Knowledge and understanding of archaeological practice.
• The ability to deal efficiently and courteously with sponsors and clients of CA, officers of other bodies and members of the public.
• Demonstrable competence and varied commercial experience in field archaeology gained from employment in professional British archaeological practice.
• Proven ability to undertake rapid manual excavation of archaeological features, and accurate recording and interpretation of investigation data.
• Ability to complete stratigraphic matrices of moderate complexity.
• Survey trained with demonstrable ability in the use of Leica GPS equipment.
• Demonstrable experience of, and capability in, supervision of machine excavation.
• Full Manual Driving Licence.
• Experience and confidence in the driving of 4x4 vehicles, vans and minibuses.
• Ability and willingness to undertake away work including some extended away work when required.
• Ability to undertake delegated administrative tasks in an organised and efficient manner.
• Demonstrate appropriate use of initiative, and ability and willingness to learn new skills and take on additional responsibility.

Desirable:

• In depth knowledge or expertise in a particular aspect of finds or environmental archaeology, survey or GIS.
• Some demonstrable experience of area or site supervision.
• Ability to contribute to and/or compile typescript reports.
• Membership of the CIfA.
• Experience of driving 4x4 vehicles, vans and minibuses.
• CSCS/EUSR card or equivalent.