Trainee Archaeologist - MILTON KEYNES

Location: Milton Keynes

Salary: £27,278 (annual equivalent based on a 37.5‑hour week).

Contract: Fixed‑term six‑month contracts, 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 programme of fieldwork, we are looking for motivated, dedicated individuals to join our team. Projects are located in the vicinity of our offices, but these roles will require rostered away work. We provide accommodation and the opportunity to accrue lieu and overtime. Good quality accommodation and subsistence payments (£24 per night away) are provided for away work.

What we offer:

• 30 days annual leave (including statutory holidays) – 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 for all driving time and time over 45 minutes each way, up to 10 additional days per year.
• Overnight accommodation and subsistence when working on away projects.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and network of mental health first aiders.
• Personal protective equipment.

Requirements:

• Membership of the CIfA at PCIfA level is desirable.
• Possession of a current and valid CSCS Health and Safety Card or CSCS test pass is required. If you do not hold a CSCS card, you will be expected to pass the CITB HSE Operatives Test, which will be arranged and paid for by Cotswold Archaeology.
• A full manual driving licence is desirable.

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.
• 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.
• Deal courteously with fellow staff, clients of CA, officers of other bodies and members of the public.

Personal specification:

• 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 range of weather conditions, including manual excavation tasks using hand tools.
• Able and willing to undertake away work.
• Willingness, enthusiasm and drive to learn all aspects of professional archaeological practice and to develop new skills.
• Good attention to detail.
• Ability to work to deadlines.
• Administrative ability in keeping records.
• Ability to deal courteously with staff, clients, officers of other bodies and the public.

Desirable:

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

Application process:

Like many who join our award‑winning trainee archaeologist programme, you may be a recent graduate with a degree or masters in a relevant subject, a former graduate who has not pursued archaeology, or someone with no formal archaeology qualifications but with a passion for the subject. For a candidate without a formal degree, we would expect to see:

• Exposure to a range of archaeological periods (e.g. prehistoric, Roman, medieval).
• Experience on multiple site types and contexts (urban, rural, eval).
• Understanding of core excavation methods including stratigraphy, recording and post‑excavation.
• Evidence of working in varied outdoor conditions.

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

Please submit a CV and cover letter by visiting our careers page: https://cotswoldarchaeology.bamboohr.com/careers. Closing date: Applications need to be submitted by Friday 17th April 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.