Field Archaeologist / Assistant Supervisor — Training Pathway in Cambridge

Salary: Archaeologist £29,015 / Assistant Supervisor £30,012 to £30,892

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 lead 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 lead 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 gaining 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.
• 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.

Closing date: Friday 31st July 2026

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, or ethnicity. You must meet the requirements to live and work in the UK by UK Visas and Immigration.