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- Tasks: Gain hands-on experience in archaeological fieldwork and excavation techniques.
- Company: Join Oxford Archaeology, a leading independent archaeological practice in Europe.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, paid travel, and accommodation for away projects.
- Why this job: Kickstart your archaeology career with real-world experience and mentorship.
- Qualifications: Ideal for graduates in archaeology or related fields; driving licence preferred.
- Other info: Potential for permanent contract and professional accreditation upon completion.
The predicted salary is between 26450 - 27101 £ per year.
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 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.
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 predominantly work on open‑area excavations, 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. 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?
The Fieldwork Graduate Trainee Pathway lasts 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. After 12 weeks, if you earn the required scores 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?
- 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.
- Employees with 10 years of employment or in project management roles gain access to the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), one of the few remaining defined benefit schemes in the UK.
- 21 days annual holiday allowance (half of this for the 6‑month training programme), with additional leave for bank holidays that coincide with your period on the scheme and three extra days if your time on the scheme runs through Christmas.
- Subsistence payment of £23.50 per night (tax free) and free, single‑room accommodation (usually B&B or self‑catering) 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 (inc. full breathable waterproofs, fleece etc).
- Comprehensive care for employee welfare through a number of policies, including the AXA Health Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) Premier, generous paid sick leave, a network of mental health first aiders, and personal accident insurance.
- We pay 100% of CIfA subscription fees.
- Cycle‑to‑work scheme.
To apply
Fieldwork Graduate Trainee Programme (6 months) – Cambridge | Oxford Archaeology
Closing Date: Friday 17th April 2026
Applications will be considered on receipt, and we are looking to make immediate appointments. Due to the anticipated high volume of interest, it may not be possible for us to respond to all applicants. If you have not heard from us four weeks after the closing date, please consider that your application has been unsuccessful in this instance.
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, as set out by UK Visa and Immigration.
FIELDWORK GRADUATE TRAINEE PROGRAMME (6 MONTHS) – CAMBRIDGE – OXFORD employer: Oxford Archaeology
Contact Detail:
Oxford Archaeology Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land FIELDWORK GRADUATE TRAINEE PROGRAMME (6 MONTHS) – CAMBRIDGE – OXFORD
✨Tip Number 1
Get your networking game on! Connect with professionals in the archaeology field through LinkedIn or local events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Don’t underestimate the power of a good chat! Reach out to current or past trainees at Oxford Archaeology. They can give you insider tips and maybe even put in a good word for you. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the programme!
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready for anything during interviews! Brush up on your excavation techniques and be prepared to discuss your passion for archaeology. We want to see your enthusiasm shine through, so let your personality come alive!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance! It’s the quickest way to get your application in front of us. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to go directly to the source!
We think you need these skills to ace FIELDWORK GRADUATE TRAINEE PROGRAMME (6 MONTHS) – CAMBRIDGE – OXFORD
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Fieldwork Graduate Trainee Programme. Highlight any relevant experience, even if it's from your studies or volunteer work. We want to see your passion for archaeology shine through!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share your enthusiasm for archaeology and mention specific skills or experiences that relate to the job description. Keep it engaging and personal!
Showcase Your Skills: In your application, don’t forget to showcase any skills that might be relevant, like teamwork, communication, or problem-solving. We love candidates who can demonstrate how they’ll contribute to our projects and culture.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role as soon as possible. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Oxford Archaeology
✨Know Your Archaeology
Brush up on your archaeological knowledge, especially regarding excavation techniques and the historical periods mentioned in the job description. Being able to discuss specific projects or findings will show your passion and understanding of the field.
✨Show Enthusiasm for Fieldwork
Express your excitement about the hands-on nature of the role. Talk about any relevant experiences you have, even if they are academic, and how they have prepared you for practical fieldwork. This will demonstrate your eagerness to learn and grow in the role.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask your interviewers. Inquire about the types of projects you might work on or the training process. This shows that you’re genuinely interested in the position and eager to engage with the team.
✨Highlight Your Adaptability
Since the role may require travel and working in various locations, emphasise your flexibility and willingness to relocate if necessary. Mention any previous experiences where you adapted to new environments or challenges, as this will resonate well with the nature of the job.