At a Glance
- Tasks: Join exciting archaeological digs and contribute to uncovering history in Oxford and Cambridge.
- Company: Oxford Archaeology, a leading independent archaeological practice in Europe.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, training opportunities, and generous holiday allowance.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with excellent career progression and training opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by exploring ancient settlements and developing your career in archaeology.
- Qualifications: Experience in archaeological fieldwork and a degree in archaeology or related discipline preferred.
The predicted salary is between 27766 - 29562 € per year.
Salary: Archaeologist £27,766 / Assistant Supervisor £28,720 to £29,562
Oxford Archaeology is one of the largest independent archaeological practices in Europe. Our size and reputation ensure that we work on the most exciting and varied range of projects and can offer real opportunities for long term employment and career development.
We are seeking enthusiastic field archaeologists who are at Archaeologist and Assistant Supervisor grades to join our Oxford and Cambridge offices. Our Cambridge office has a busy and exciting programme of fieldwork across southern England and the East Midlands. The programme includes excavating large Iron Age and Roman settlements in Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire, large evaluations in Cambridgeshire and Essex and excavations of prehistoric to medieval remains in Suffolk. Our Oxford office has a busy programme of work both locally and on away based projects, including excavations of Roman and Iron Age settlements, a large Mesolithic flint excavation and several projects within the City of Oxford. For any away based work, weekly accommodation will be provided in addition to OA’s usual range of employee benefits.
Criteria for the Roles
Archaeologist
Successful candidates for Archaeologist positions will join our Field Archaeologist Training Pathway which provides a clear path for career development and encourages you to record your progress through site and reading logs, as you learn new skills. The programme includes off‑site training sessions led by OA specialists and senior managers, with content including the understanding of formation processes, matrix generation, burials archaeology, environmental archaeology, Health and Safety, the exciting range of OA apps – including our digital recording system – and much more. When the required levels of competency are achieved, you will advance to Assistant Supervisor level.
Position Requirements
- Candidates will have six months experience of professional archaeological fieldwork within the UK or Irish commercial environment.
- Documented evidence of competence, in the form of a completed training log from our Graduate Trainee programme or the Archaeology Skills Passport scheme, will be advantageous.
- A degree in archaeology or a related discipline will be highly advantageous, as will membership of the CIfA at PCIfA level.
- A full clean driving licence is desirable, as is a current CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) card.
Assistant Supervisor
Successful candidates for Assistant Supervisor positions will join our Field Assistant Supervisor Training Pathway which includes office‑based training sessions led by OA specialists and senior managers covering areas such as Health and Safety, site survey, post‑excavation, finds recognition and training and mentoring of others. You will also be given on‑site training in task delegation and supervision, watching briefs, machine watching and record checking. As you progress through the programme you will also have the opportunity to undertake external training courses including plant supervision (NPORS), CAT and Genny, First Aid at Work and Site Supervisors Safety Training (SSSTS). When the required levels of competency are achieved, you will be in a position to apply for promotion to Supervisor grade, as vacancies arise.
Position Requirements
- Candidates must demonstrate proven experience, technical proficiency and good working knowledge of professional archaeological fieldwork within the UK or Irish commercial environment.
- A degree in archaeology or a related discipline will be highly advantageous, as will membership of the CIfA at PCIfA level.
- A full clean driving licence is desirable, as is a current CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) card.
Employee Benefits
- Competitive, constantly benchmarked salaries depending on grade and experience.
- A company pension scheme with 6% employer contributions.
- Employees with ten years of employment or in project management roles gain access to the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), which is one of the few remaining defined benefit schemes in the UK.
- In addition to the industry‑leading Fieldwork Training Pathway, we offer many other opportunities for career progression including placements and specialist training in all areas of the business, including finds, environmental, archives, post‑excavation, burials, community engagement, heritage management, historic buildings, geomatics, geoarchaeology and contracts.
- 21 days holiday (depending on length of service) with three additional concessionary days at Christmas plus Bank Holidays.
- Subsistence payment of £23.50 per night (tax free) and free, single‑room accommodation (usually B).
Archaeologists and Assistant Supervisors - Oxford and Cambridge employer: Oxford Archaeology
Oxford Archaeology is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the historic cities of Oxford and Cambridge. With a strong commitment to employee development through structured training pathways and competitive benefits, including a generous pension scheme and accommodation for away projects, we foster a culture of growth and collaboration. Join us to be part of exciting archaeological projects while advancing your career in a supportive and innovative setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Archaeologists and Assistant Supervisors - Oxford and Cambridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Connect with fellow archaeologists and industry professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. Attend local archaeology events or workshops to meet potential employers and get your name out there.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your previous work, including photos and descriptions of your projects. This will give employers a tangible sense of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching Oxford Archaeology and their projects. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their work, especially in areas like Iron Age and Roman settlements.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Oxford and Cambridge.
We think you need these skills to ace Archaeologists and Assistant Supervisors - Oxford and Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Archaeology:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for archaeology shine through! We want to see your genuine interest in the field and any relevant experiences that have shaped your passion.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the role you're applying for. Highlight your skills and experiences that align with the job description, especially those related to fieldwork and training.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your qualifications and experiences are easy to understand.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role you’re excited about.
How to prepare for a job interview at Oxford Archaeology
✨Know Your Archaeology
Brush up on your knowledge of archaeological methods and recent projects, especially those relevant to the role. Be prepared to discuss your previous fieldwork experiences and how they relate to the exciting projects at Oxford Archaeology.
✨Show Enthusiasm for Learning
Demonstrate your eagerness to grow within the Field Archaeologist Training Pathway. Talk about your willingness to engage in off-site training sessions and how you plan to document your progress through site and reading logs.
✨Highlight Teamwork Skills
As an Assistant Supervisor, you'll need to show that you can lead and mentor others. Share examples of how you've successfully worked in teams or supervised tasks in past roles, emphasising your ability to delegate effectively.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few thoughtful questions ready about the company’s projects, training opportunities, and career progression. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.