At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us in excavating exciting archaeological sites across southern England and the East Midlands.
- Company: Oxford Archaeology, a leading independent archaeological practice in Europe.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, generous holiday, and free accommodation for away work.
- Why this job: Make history come alive while developing your skills in a dynamic team environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in archaeological fieldwork and a degree in archaeology is highly advantageous.
- Other info: Opportunities for career progression and specialist training in various archaeological fields.
The predicted salary is between 23000 - 29000 £ per year.
Salary: Archaeologist £27,766 / Assistant Supervisor £28,720 to £29,562
About The Role:
Permanent appointment. Required for Cambridge. 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 Cambridge office. 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. 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 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 be given 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 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 Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
- 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.
- 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 during the week for away‑based projects.
- 37.5 hour (basic) week with optional paid overtime at time and a half for hours in excess of 37.5 hours Monday‑Friday and on Saturdays, and double time on Sundays and bank holidays.
- Paid travel time for journeys to site that take longer than one hour from the office and free transport from regional offices to sites.
- Free high quality personal protective equipment.
- Comprehensive care for employee welfare through a number of policies.
- Annual driver’s allowance of £520 for approved drivers (pro‑rata) in addition to paid overtime for driving.
- We pay 100% of CIfA subscription fees.
- Cycle to work scheme.
If You Would Like To Be Part Of a Respected And Established Organisation, Please Apply By Completing An Application Form. Please enclose a CV and covering letter with your application. Closing date: Friday 17th April 2026. Oxford Archaeology is an Equal Opportunities employer.
ARCHAEOLOGISTS AND ASSISTANT SUPERVISORS – CAMBRIDGE OXFORD employer: Oxford Archaeology
Contact Detail:
Oxford Archaeology Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land ARCHAEOLOGISTS AND ASSISTANT SUPERVISORS – CAMBRIDGE OXFORD
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Oxford Archaeology and their projects. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in what they do.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to archaeology and fieldwork. Think about your past experiences and how they relate to the role you're applying for.
✨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 serious about joining the team at Oxford Archaeology.
We think you need these skills to ace ARCHAEOLOGISTS AND ASSISTANT SUPERVISORS – CAMBRIDGE OXFORD
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role you're applying for. Highlight relevant experience and skills that match the job description, especially any archaeological fieldwork you've done. We want to see how you fit into our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about archaeology and how your background makes you a great fit for the position. Keep it engaging and personal – we love to see your enthusiasm!
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t forget to mention any specific skills or training you have that are relevant to the role, like your knowledge of Health and Safety or any certifications. This helps us see what unique contributions you can bring to our projects.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and is considered promptly. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Oxford Archaeology
✨Know Your Archaeology
Brush up on your archaeological knowledge, especially regarding Iron Age and Roman settlements. Familiarise yourself with the types of projects Oxford Archaeology undertakes, as this will show your genuine interest and understanding of their work.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous fieldwork experience in detail. Highlight specific projects you've worked on, the skills you developed, and how they relate to the role you're applying for. Use your training logs or any relevant documentation to back up your claims.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the Field Archaeologist Training Pathway and opportunities for career development. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the company aligns with your career goals.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Since teamwork is crucial in archaeology, be prepared to discuss how you've collaborated with others in past roles. Share examples of how you’ve contributed to a team environment, especially in challenging situations.