Archaeologists in Milton Keynes

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 enthusiastic and skilled individuals to join our existing team. Your core skills and experience should include manual excavation and recording of archaeological features, and the recovery of artefacts or samples. You should also be able to complete stratigraphic matrices, photograph archaeological features and sites, and compose accurate measured drawings. Familiarity with GPS surveying is desirable.

Cotswold Archaeology has projects located in the vicinity of our offices. There will also be a requirement to be rostered on 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 based solely on the provision of 7 days a week accommodated away work being available.

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.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Assist in the successful completion of fieldwork projects, including fieldwalking, evaluation, excavation, finds processing, data entry and archiving.
• Accurately record investigation data using data recording system (DRS), pro-forma recording sheets and registers, stratigraphic matrices, scale drawings and photographs, in accordance with CA procedures.
• Recover artefacts and environmental samples in accordance with CA procedures and recognised industry standards.
• Carry out manual excavation of features accurately and efficiently with a wide variety of tools.
• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of archaeological periods and practice.
• Deal courteously with sponsors and clients of CA, officers of other bodies and members of the public.
• Create and maintain accurate and well organised administrative records.
• Assist in the training and support of Trainee Archaeologists.
• 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.
• Carry out other duties as deemed appropriate.

Essential

• Knowledge and understanding of archaeological practice.
• The ability to deal efficiently and courteously with clients of CA, officers of other bodies, members of the public and colleagues.
• 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.
• 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 create and maintain accurate and well organised administrative records.
• Ability to work to deadlines.
• Ability and willingness to undertake away work, including extended away work when required.

Desirable

• Some demonstrable experience of machine supervision/watching brief undertaken in a commercial context.
• The ability to assist in the training and support of Trainee Archaeologists.
• Survey skills, including ability to operate Leica GPS/TST.
• Full Manual Driving Licence
• Experience of and confidence in driving 4x4 vehicles, vans, people carriers and crew cab transit van.
• Membership of CIfA
• CSCS/EUSR card or equivalent

What we offer

Along with a starting salary above the CIfA minimum, we offer a highly competitive benefits package including:

• 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 length 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 organization.
• Personal protective equipment

Closing date: Applications need to be submitted by 5pm on Friday 26th September 2025. It is the intention that interviews will be held via Teams w/c 29th; however should we be inundated with applications we may need to review applications and hold interviews sooner.

CA is an inclusive employer and will take into consideration any adjustments needed to support you. If you should require any additional support related to neurodiversity or any other reason, please do let us know by contacting careers@cotswoldarchaeology.co.uk