Project Officers -NEEDHAM MARKET

Salary: £37,021 – £39,718 per annum (dependent on experience). Permanent contract subject to successful completion of a 6‑month probationary period.

Due to increased operational need we are reopening our recruitment; if you previously applied and have not heard back you are still being considered and do not need to re‑apply.

Cotswold Archaeology is a growing company with over 350 full‑time staff across four offices. We rely on talented employees and are seeking Project Supervisors, Project Officers and Senior Project Officers ready to lead larger and more complex archaeological projects. All Project Supervisors and Project Officers are expected to take leading roles in the publication and dissemination of our work.

Responsibilities

• Site responsibility for delivering fieldwork on time, within budget, and meeting quality, health and safety requirements.
• Line‑manage and develop staff, ensuring continuous improvement through performance reviews, constructive feedback, training and coaching.
• Assure the quality of archaeological understanding and site records and oversee the compilation of archaeological archives to required standards.
• Author fieldwork reports, stratigraphic accounts and fieldwork summaries efficiently and accurately.
• Monitor and report progress (budgetary and archaeological), logistical, staff and health and safety issues to Project Managers.
• Maintain accurate administrative records, including timesheets and allocation sheets.
• Manage vehicles, plant and equipment, reporting any accidents, damage or malfunctions promptly.
• Promote public awareness of our work through displays, publications, website contributions, media liaison and lectures.
• Assist Project Managers in pre‑project planning, including schemes of investigation, trench plans, service information, utility notifications and liaising with landowners.
• Deputise for the Senior Project Officer or Project Manager where appropriate.
• Contribute to departmental processes via Learning Reports, committee feedback and performance reviews.
• Undertake additional duties as required.

Personal Specification – Essential

• Knowledge and expertise in archaeological practice and a general familiarity with British archaeology across all periods.
• Experience supervising large fieldwork projects, including excavations and large‑scale evaluations.
• Ability to write clear, accurate fieldwork reports, stratigraphic accounts and summaries.
• Strong communication skills; ability to organise, motivate, train, appraise and direct staff.
• Understanding of business needs, budgets and timescales in commercial archaeology.
• Working knowledge of health and safety requirements and other relevant legislation.
• Professional liaison skills with sponsors, clients, officers of other bodies and the public.
• Administrative competence in record keeping, accounting and report submission.
• Full manual driving licence and ability to drive company vehicles (4×4, vans, minibuses).
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, database skills).
• Competent in first aid.

Personal Specification – Desirable

• Membership of the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists or willingness to join on appointment.
• Demonstrable potential to author or contribute to reports/articles for publication.
• Specialised knowledge in a particular archaeological period, site type or subject (e.g., finds, environmental archaeology, survey, GIS).
• Survey skills, including operating Leica GPS/TST and basic CAD knowledge.
• Current and valid CSCS Health and Safety Card or recent CSCS test pass.

Benefits

• Defined pension scheme.
• Life assurance scheme.
• 31 days annual leave (incl. bank holidays) with increase based on length of service.
• Lieu and overtime scheme for driving and travel beyond the normal 7.5‑hour day, accumulating up to 10 days additional lieu time annually.
• Good quality accommodation and subsistence payments for all away projects (£24 per night).
• Paid CIfA membership subscription.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Personal protective equipment supplied during employment.

Other Requirements

• Possession of a current and valid CSCS Health and Safety Card or recent CSCS test pass is desirable. If you do not hold either, a CITB HS&E Operatives or Managers Test will be arranged and paid for by Cotswold Archaeology.
• A full driving licence and willingness to drive company vehicles (4×4, Transit Vans) is essential.

EEO Statement

Cotswold Archaeology is an equal opportunities employer. All applications are assessed solely on the candidate’s relevant skills and experience concerning 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 any other reason, please let us know by contacting.

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

Closing date: Applications need to be submitted by Friday 12th June 2026. Applications are reviewed as they are submitted and offers may be made where possible.