At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us in excavating exciting archaeological sites across Oxford and Cambridge.
- Company: Oxford Archaeology, a leading independent archaeological practice in Europe.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, generous holiday, and free accommodation for away projects.
- Other info: Opportunities for career progression and specialist training available.
- Why this job: Make history come alive while developing your skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in archaeological fieldwork and a degree in archaeology is 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 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 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).
- 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, including the AXA Health Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) Premier, generous paid sick leave and a network of mental health first aiders.
- Paid driving time supplement of £2.50 per hour for operational drivers travelling between the daily departure point and fieldwork sites.
- We pay 100% of CIfA subscription fees.
- Cycle to work scheme.
Equal Opportunity
Oxford Archaeology is an Equal Opportunities employer. All applications are judged on the relevant skills and experience of the candidate, and not by gender, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, belief, age, nationality (other than where work permits may be required), or ethnicity. You must meet the requirements to live and work in the UK by UK Visas and Immigration.
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, where employees engage in exciting archaeological projects that span from prehistoric to medieval times. With a strong commitment to employee development through structured training pathways, competitive salaries, and comprehensive benefits including generous holiday allowances and health support, we foster a culture of growth and inclusivity. Our focus on career progression and well-being makes us a leading choice for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in archaeology.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Archaeologists and Assistant Supervisors - Oxford and Cambridge
✨Tip Number 1
Get your networking game on! Connect with fellow archaeologists and professionals in the field through social media platforms like LinkedIn. Join relevant groups and participate in discussions to make yourself known and discover potential job openings.
✨Tip Number 2
Don’t underestimate the power of a good chat! Reach out to Oxford Archaeology directly, either by visiting their offices or attending events they host. A face-to-face conversation can leave a lasting impression and might just land you an interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your previous work, including site logs, photos, and any training you've completed. This will not only highlight your experience but also demonstrate your passion for archaeology.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the team at Oxford Archaeology. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
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! Share specific experiences that sparked your interest in the field and how they relate to the projects we undertake at Oxford Archaeology.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the role you're applying for. Highlight relevant skills and experiences that match the job description, especially any fieldwork you've done or training you've completed.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon unless it's relevant to the role. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the roles and our company there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Oxford Archaeology
✨Know Your Archaeology
Brush up on your knowledge of archaeological methods and recent findings, especially those relevant to the projects at Oxford Archaeology. Be prepared to discuss your past fieldwork experiences and how they relate to the role you're applying for.
✨Show Enthusiasm for Fieldwork
Express genuine excitement about the opportunity to work on diverse projects, like excavating Iron Age settlements. Share specific examples of what excites you about field archaeology and how you can contribute to their ongoing projects.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork Skills
Since collaboration is key in archaeology, be ready to talk about your experience working in teams. Highlight any leadership roles or mentoring experiences you've had, especially if you're applying for the Assistant Supervisor position.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask at the end of the interview. This could include inquiries about the training pathways or opportunities for career development within the company. It shows you're serious about your future with them!
