At a Glance
- Tasks: Excavate and record archaeological remains while learning from experienced mentors.
- Company: Join Oxford Archaeology, a leading independent archaeological practice in Europe.
- Benefits: Earn a competitive salary, enjoy paid training, and receive accommodation for away projects.
- Other info: Potential for permanent roles and professional accreditation upon successful completion.
- Why this job: Kickstart your archaeology career with hands-on experience and mentorship in exciting locations.
- Qualifications: Ideal for graduates in archaeology or related fields; no prior fieldwork skills needed.
The predicted salary is between 26450 - 27101 £ per year.
Salary: £26,450 rising to £27,101 after 12 weeks.
Oxford Archaeology is one of the largest independent archaeological practices in Europe. We have offices in Cambridge, Lancaster and Oxford and are a registered heritage charity. We are at the forefront of training the next generation of archaeologists, offering a full-time paid training programme for enthusiastic graduate archaeologists to gain commercial fieldwork experience.
Our Cambridge office has a busy and exciting programme of fieldwork across southern England and the East Midlands, including 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.
By the end of the Graduate Trainee Pathway, our trainees are fully equipped with the skills, knowledge, and experience necessary to become a Fieldwork Archaeologist.
What is the Fieldwork Graduate Trainee Pathway?
You will be trained in all aspects of a field archaeologist role, from excavation techniques to recording features and finds, all under the supervision of an experienced mentor. You will be predominantly working on open area excavations where you will be excavating and recording archaeological remains from all periods. The programme could take you anywhere in the country; we are currently running sites across a wide geographical area, including a project on the east coast. For sites further away from home, 7-day accommodation can be made available.
Who is OA’s Fieldwork Graduate Trainee (GT) Pathway for?
Our programme is ideal for Graduates with a degree in archaeology, or a related discipline, and presupposes little in the way of archaeological fieldwork skills. You will learn all of this on site under the watchful eye of your experienced mentors. It also helps if you have a full clean driving licence and are based near or can relocate within a daily commutable distance of one of our offices.
How long is OA’s GT Pathway?
Our comprehensive Fieldwork Graduate Trainee Pathway lasts for 6 months and is split into two 12-week modules. You will be offered an initial 12-week contract starting on an annual salary of £26,450. Your progress will be regularly reviewed with scored milestones every six weeks to ensure you are on track for the next stage of the programme. When, after 12 weeks, you earn the scores required to pass onto the second half of the programme, you will be rewarded with a pay rise to £27,101.
What will I learn on OA’s GT Pathway?
There Are Nine Core Learning Goals In The Programme:
- Health and safety, including manual handling
- Recognition and understanding of context
- Safe use of hand excavation tools
- OA recording systems (including our Digital Recording System and Webmap)
- Producing accurate drawings
- Basic survey methods
- Artefact recognition
- Environmental sampling
- Site photography
What happens when I finish the GT Pathway?
Trainees who successfully complete the programme will be offered a full-time permanent contract as a Fieldwork Archaeologist, although this is subject to the availability of work. You will also have attained the necessary experience to obtain PCIfA accreditation with CIfA.
Employee Benefits:
- Competitive, constantly benchmarked salary of £26,450, rising to £27,101.
- A company pension scheme with 6% employer contributions.
- 21 days annual holiday allowance (note that the allowance will be 50% of this as the training programme is 6 months long).
- Subsistence payment of £23.50 per night (tax free) and free, single room accommodation for away-based projects.
- 37.5-hour (basic) week with optional paid overtime.
- Paid travel time for journeys to site that take longer than one hour from the office.
- Free high quality personal protective equipment.
- Comprehensive care for employee welfare through a number of policies.
- We pay 100% of CIfA subscription fees.
- Cycle to work scheme.
To apply: If you would like to enrol onto the training programme and be part of a friendly, respected, and established organisation, please apply by completing the application form below. Closing Date: Sunday 7th June 2026. Applications will be considered on receipt, and we are looking to make immediate appointments.
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, as set out by UK Visa and Immigration.
Fieldwork Archaeology Trainee — Paid 6‑Month Pathway in Cambridge employer: Oxford Archaeology
Oxford Archaeology is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity for graduate archaeologists to gain hands-on experience in a supportive and dynamic environment. With a strong commitment to employee welfare, competitive salaries, and comprehensive training programmes, our Cambridge office provides a vibrant work culture that fosters professional growth and development. Join us to be part of a respected heritage charity that values your contributions and equips you with the skills needed for a successful career in archaeology.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Fieldwork Archaeology Trainee — Paid 6‑Month Pathway in Cambridge
✨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 or former trainees on LinkedIn. They can share insights about the application process and what it’s really like to work there, giving you an edge.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for practical assessments! Since this role involves hands-on work, brush up on your excavation techniques and be ready to demonstrate your skills during the interview process.
✨Tip Number 4
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 Fieldwork Archaeology Trainee — Paid 6‑Month Pathway in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Archaeology:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for archaeology shine through! Share any relevant experiences or projects that sparked your interest in the field. We want to see your genuine excitement about joining our team.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the Fieldwork Graduate Trainee Pathway. We’re looking for candidates who understand what we do and can contribute to our exciting projects!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon unless it’s relevant. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read and understand.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the application process there.
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 excavation techniques and the types of artefacts you might encounter. This will show your passion for the field and help you engage in meaningful conversations during the interview.
✨Show Enthusiasm for Learning
Since this role is all about training, express your eagerness to learn and grow. Share examples of how you've tackled new challenges in the past or any relevant coursework that has prepared you for this opportunity. Employers love candidates who are keen to develop their skills!
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask your interviewers. Inquire about the specific projects you might work on or the mentorship style of the team. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the company culture aligns with your expectations.
✨Highlight Teamwork Skills
Fieldwork often requires collaboration, so be ready to discuss your experiences working in teams. Share stories that demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively and support your colleagues, as this will be crucial in a field environment.
