Lead Archaeology Project Officer

Needham Market

Salary - £37,021 - £39,718

PERMANENT CONTRACTS

Subject to successful completion of 6-month probationary period. Due to increased operational need, we are reopening our recruitment and anyone who previously applied and has not heard back from us yet is still being considered and does not need to reapply.

Cotswold Archaeology continues to grow as a sustainable and strong business, which currently employs over 350 full-time staff, working as one company across four offices. Our success relies on the talent and hard work of all our employees, and we are looking to recruit Project Supervisors along with Project Officers and Senior Project Officers who are ready to take the next step in their career able to lead large and complex archaeological projects.

All of our Project Supervisors and Project Officers are expected to take leading roles in the publication of our work; publication, dissemination and outreach being the fundamental drivers for everything we do.

For all roles, membership of the CIfA at PCIfA level is desirable (or able to demonstrate that you meet the requirements and a commitment to join if appointed). Our award-winning training programmes provide support throughout all of the stages of your career which is demonstrated by the progression of many colleagues from site archaeologist to managers and technical specialists.

What we offer:

• A starting salary well above the CIfA minimum.
• A highly competitive benefits package including:
• Defined Pension scheme
• Life assurance scheme
• 31 days leave (including Bank Holidays) - increasing with length of service
• A lieu and overtime 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)
• Good quality accommodation, and subsistence payments for all away projects
• Paid CIfA membership subscription
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Personal protective equipment will be issued for the duration of employment.

Possession of a current and valid CSCS Health and Safety Card or recent CSCS test pass is desirable. Currently, new CSCS cards are not being issued to the archaeological sector; successful applicants without either a current and valid CSCS card or test pass will be expected to pass either the CITB HS&E Operatives or Managers Test, which will be arranged and paid for by CA. A full driving licence and ability/willingness to drive company vehicles (4x4s, Transit Vans) is essential.

Cotswold Archaeology has projects located in the vicinity of our offices, but in 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). We are unable to offer contracts with the provision of 7 day a week accommodated away work.

How to apply:

To submit an application and cover letter please visit our recruitment page where you will also find full job descriptions for each role. Closing date: Applications need to be submitted by Friday 12th June 2026; however, we will be reviewing applications as they are submitted and making offers where possible.

If you are interested in the roles and would like to know more, we would recommend an informal discussion with:

• Richard Greatorex - Principal Fieldwork Manager - Andover
• Steve Sheldon, Principal Fieldwork Manager - Kemble
• Adrian Scruby, Principal Fieldwork Manager - Milton Keynes
• Stuart Boulter, Principal Fieldwork Manager - Needham Market

Alternatively, we can arrange for you to speak to one of our existing Project Officers about their experience of working at Cotswold Archaeology.

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: Project Officer

Pay Scale: 17-19

Department: Fieldwork

Location: Needham Market

Report to: Senior Project Officer

Responsible for: Project Supervisors, Archaeologists and Trainees

Purpose of role:

To lead the archaeological direction and site management of larger and more complex fieldwork sites and projects, ensuring performance targets are met (or exceeded), and assuring the quality of archaeological recording and understanding.

Main duties and responsibilities:

• Site responsibility for managing the delivery of fieldwork to time, budget, quality and health and safety requirements.
• Line manage and develop staff, ensuring their continuous improvement in performance through performance reviews, constructive feedback, initiating training, coaching and improved practices.
• Assure the quality of archaeological understanding and site records, and oversee the compilation of archaeological archives to required standards.
• Author typescript fieldwork reports, stratigraphic accounts, and fieldwork summaries efficiently and accurately.
• Monitor and provide regular reports to Project Managers on project progress (budgetary and archaeological), logistical, staff and health and safety issues, and maintain appropriate liaison with clients, Local Government officers, and contractors.
• Ensure accurate completion and approval of appropriate administrative records, including timesheets, and allocation sheets.
• Ensure effective deployment, maintenance and care of vehicles, plant and equipment, and maintain/provide accurate records ensuring accidents, damage and malfunctions are reported promptly and appropriately.
• Actively promote and develop a greater public awareness and appreciation of the work of CA through displays, publications, contributions to the website, media liaison, lectures etc.
• Assist Project Managers in pre-project planning and preparation including undertaking the preparation of written schemes of investigation, trench plans, obtaining service information, notifying utility companies prior to excavation and making appropriate contact with landowners and agents and other relevant parties.
• Deputise for the Senior Project Officer or Project Manager where appropriate.
• Contribute to departmental processes and working practices via Learning Reports, feedback to Committee Representatives and/or project leaders, and discussion at performance reviews.
• Undertake additional duties appropriate to the role as required.

Personal specification

Essential:

• Knowledge and expertise in archaeological practice, including a general familiarity with the archaeology of Britain at all periods.
• Experience of the supervision of large fieldwork projects (including excavations and large-scale/complex evaluations).
• The ability to write clear and accurate fieldwork reports, stratigraphic accounts and fieldwork summaries.
• Good communication skills and the ability to organise, motivate, train, appraise and direct staff.
• Knowledge, awareness and understanding of business needs, budgets and timescales, within commercial archaeology.
• Good working knowledge of all relevant Health and Safety requirements, and other relevant legislation.
• The ability to communicate efficiently and courteously with sponsors and clients of CA, officers of other bodies and members of the public.
• Administrative ability in the keeping of records and accounts and the submission of reports.
• A full manual driving licence is essential, as is the ability and willingness to drive company vehicles (4x4, vans and minibuses).
• Proficient in Microsoft applications - including word-processing, excel and database skills.
• Competent in carrying out first aid.

Desirable:

• Membership of the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists or willingness to join on appointment.
• Demonstrable potential to competently author, or contribute to, reports/articles for publication.
• In-depth knowledge or expertise in a particular archaeological period, site type or subject (such as finds or environmental archaeology, survey or GIS).
• Survey skills, including ability to operate Leica GPS/TST.