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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our 6-month programme to learn excavation techniques and archaeological recording.
- Company: Oxford Archaeology is a leading independent archaeological practice and registered charity in Europe.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, pension scheme, and paid travel for site journeys.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience while working on exciting archaeological projects across the UK.
- Qualifications: Ideal for graduates in archaeology or related fields; no prior fieldwork skills needed.
- Other info: Accommodation provided for away projects and opportunities for permanent roles post-training.
The predicted salary is between 26450 - 27101 £ per year.
About The Role
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? What will I be paid and what length of contract will I have?
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 – see https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-visas-and-immigration.
Registered Charity No. 285627; Company Registration No. 1618597
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FIELDWORK GRADUATE TRAINEE PROGRAMME (6 MONTHS) – CAMBRIDGE 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
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific archaeological techniques mentioned in the job description, such as excavation methods and recording systems. This will not only help you during the interview but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Oxford Archaeology through platforms like LinkedIn. They can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be beneficial for your application and interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Research recent projects undertaken by Oxford Archaeology, especially those in the East of England. Being knowledgeable about their work will allow you to ask informed questions during the interview and demonstrate your enthusiasm for the position.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your adaptability and willingness to relocate, as the role may require travel to various sites. Highlight any previous experiences where you've successfully adapted to new environments or challenges.
We think you need these skills to ace FIELDWORK GRADUATE TRAINEE PROGRAMME (6 MONTHS) – CAMBRIDGE
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the Fieldwork Graduate Trainee Programme. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities and skills required, as well as the training opportunities provided.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experiences and skills related to archaeology or fieldwork. Emphasise any academic achievements, projects, or volunteer work that demonstrate your passion for the field.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your enthusiasm for archaeology and explains why you want to join Oxford Archaeology. Mention specific aspects of the programme that excite you and how they align with your career goals.
Follow Application Instructions: Ensure you complete the application form accurately and include all requested information. Double-check for any specific requirements mentioned in the job description, such as documents or references.
How to prepare for a job interview at Oxford Archaeology
✨Know Your Archaeology
Brush up on your knowledge of archaeological methods and techniques. Familiarise yourself with excavation processes, recording systems, and the types of sites you might be working on, especially those relevant to the East of England.
✨Show Enthusiasm for Learning
Since this is a trainee programme, demonstrate your eagerness to learn and grow in the field. Share examples of how you've pursued knowledge in archaeology or related disciplines, and express your excitement about the training opportunities.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask your interviewers. This could include inquiries about the specific projects you'll be involved in, the mentorship process, or the skills you'll develop during the programme. It shows you're engaged and interested.
✨Highlight Teamwork Skills
Fieldwork often requires collaboration with others. Be prepared to discuss your experiences working in teams, whether in academic settings or previous jobs. Emphasise your ability to communicate effectively and support your colleagues in achieving common goals.