Apprentice Fieldwork Archaeologist

Oxford Archaeology delivers high quality archaeological and heritage services for our commercial partners and the communities in which we operate. We are one of the largest research-led archaeology organisations in Europe, with offices in Oxford, Cambridge and Lancaster. We provide a range of services for clients including (but not limited to) archaeological excavation and survey, heritage consultancy, landscape and building studies, heritage burial services, community engagement, research and archiving. As a registered charity, public benefit is at the heart of all our work at Oxford Archaeology. It is important to us to foster an appreciation for the past, make it meaningful to peoples lives today, and ensure it is accessible to everyone – now and forever. We offer a wide range of community focused services and activities to commercial clients, project partners, community groups, educational providers and curious individuals.

Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship, candidates will be offered a full-time contract as a Fieldwork Archaeologist with Oxford Archaeology (assuming that the work is available). They will then be enrolled onto our Fieldwork Training Pathways; a training programme that provides the necessary knowledge and skills as they develop professionally in their fieldwork career. Opportunities to move into other departments may be possible, subject to roles becoming available.

Under the direction of a mentor, apprentices will work as part of a team to contribute to the investigation of archaeological sites through fieldwork excavations. This work takes place outdoors, in all seasons and weather conditions. Applicants should be aware of the physical nature of the role and must be willing and able to work outside in potentially cold, wet, or hot conditions.

Initially, you will be working on a large excavation that stretches across the A66, from Penrith to Brough, where you will be uncovering archaeology from a range of different time periods. This is a physically demanding role. Working hours are from 7:30am to 4:30pm, during which you will learn to manually excavate both small and large archaeological features using tools such as trowels, shovels, and mattocks.

You will also learn to interpret and record archaeological features using a range of techniques, including photography, context recording sheets, and survey drawings.

As well as contributing to site excavations, you will have the opportunity to learn how archaeological findings are processed and interpreted. You will work with our Finds Teams to help process and identify different types of artefacts, to learn about the site\’s inhabitants and to help date the site and its different phases. You will work with our Geomatics Team to process site surveys and other data to understand the extent and layout of the archaeology and build a picture of our findings.

You will work with our Environmental Team to process soil samples and find clues as to what people ate in the past, and how they lived. You will also work with our Post Excavation Team, to learn the processes of bringing all this data together to create a comprehensive analysis of a site and its inhabitants, and to produce reports and publications.

Because of its distance from the Lancaster office, your starting site on the A66 is classed as away work, which means you will be provided with transport to the site from the office and be provided with live-in accommodation during the week, with the option to stay through weekends if preferred. A subsistence payment of £23.50 per night will be provided to help cover food and other costs. There may also be the possibility to work on home-based sites which you can drive to using your own vehicle or be transported to each day via a work vehicle from the office.

Due to the geographically diverse nature of our projects, you must be able to travel to our office and be flexible to work on away-based and home-based excavations.

Oxford Archaeology will provide all required PPE and tools for candidates.

Archaeological Technician Level 3 Apprenticeship Standard

While most of the training will take place with the employer, you will be required to attend college classes remotely, on Teams every Friday during term time. You may also have the opportunity to attend a field trip with the college during your apprenticeship.

Oxford Archaeology\’s typical site hours are Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 4:00pm. The A66 site hours are Monday to Thursday, 7:30am to 4:30pm, and Friday, 7:30am to 2:30pm. Both include a 30-minute morning tea break and a 40-minute lunch break.

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