FINDS, ENVIRONMENTAL AND ARCHIVES OFFICER – LANCASTER

Oxford Archaeology is one of the largest independent archaeological practices in Europe. Our size and reputation ensures that we work on the most exciting and varied range of projects, and can offer real opportunities for long term employment and career development.

An opportunity has arisen at our Lancaster office to oversee and take responsibility for the work of the Finds and Archives, and Environmental Operations Supervisors, engaged in environmental processing and archive preparation. The role will ensure that Lancaster archives (both material and digital) are prepared, completed and deposited in line with best practice and national guidelines. It will also oversee and organise the deposition of Lancaster’s legacy archives. The post will be primarily office-based, in Lancaster, with some opportunities for hybrid working.

Responsibilities

• Contributing to the smooth running of Finds and Archives, and Environmental Operations
• Ensuring that material (artefacts, ecofacts, and paper records) and digital archives are compiled, completed and deposited in a professional manner, in line with best practice, national standards, and the receiving depositories requirements
• Being responsible for, and overseeing and organising the work of the Finds and Archives, and Environmental Operations Supervisors, and by extension more junior members of staff
• Overseeing the supervision of volunteers and work-experience students undertaking finds and environmental processing tasks
• Providing support, guidance, and training, to Finds and Archives, and Basement Operations staff, as appropriate
• Liaising with the Head of Post-Excavation and other managers to ensure effective communication on relevant issues
• Undertaking all duties with regard to the Health and Safety for all staff
• Taking responsibility for self-development and to improve performance

Knowledge and Skills

• Ability to supervise effectively the Finds and Archives, and Basement Operations staff
• Excellent time management and problem-solving skills, and the ability to take responsibility and successfully work to project deadlines and budgets
• To ensure all working practices in Finds and Archives, and Basement Operations comply with appropriate Health and Safety legislation and requirements
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Demonstrable IT aptitude, and an understanding of administrative procedures and tools, including the use of databases, spreadsheets and other relevant software
• Effective communication skills, including liaison and negotiation, particularly with museums, other archives, external specialists, management and colleagues
• The ability to mentor/coach more junior staff, providing feedback, as and when required, to aid their development
• Excellent understanding of the processes and procedures used for processing and recording finds and environmental samples
• Excellent knowledge regarding the preparation and deposition of archaeological archives (material and digital), and an understanding of the issues surrounding the deposition of archives within the planning process
• Good knowledge and understanding of British archaeology and the principles, practices and processes relevant to archaeological investigations, ideally within a commercial environment
• Ability to understand and observe the principles of Continuing Professional Development and how to prepare and maintain a Personal Development Plan
• A degree, or higher qualification, in archaeology, archaeological science or a related discipline will be highly advantageous, as will experience of professional archaeological fieldwork or post-excavation within the UK commercial environment
• Previous experience and expertise in archive (material and digital) preparation and deposition is highly desirable
• A specialism in one or more finds categories, or more general work in post-excavation, would also be advantageous
• Ability to drive is desirable

Employee Benefits

• Competitive, constantly benchmarked, salary range £35,250 – £40,804 per annum: appointments will be made based on demonstrated ability, previous experience and CIfA membership if appropriate.
• A company pension scheme with 6% employer contributions. Employees with 10 years of employment or in project management roles gaining access to the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), which is one of the few remaining defined benefit schemes in the UK.
• Continued professional development is strongly encouraged through a very supportive approach to further training and education, attendance of and contribution to conferences, and involvement with academic institutions.
• Generous annual leave starting at 24 days (depending on years of service) including concessionary days at Christmas plus Bank Holidays.
• A generous hybrid working policy is in place, dependant on role, and a considerate approach is taken to flexible and part-time working where appropriate to the role, individuals’ personal circumstances, and the needs of the business.
• We pay 100% of CIfA subscription fees.
• 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.
• Cycle to work scheme.

If you would like to be part of a respected and established organisation, please apply by completing the application form: Application Form

Please submit a CV and covering letter with your application.

Closing Date: Friday 1st May 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 (other than where work permits may be required), or ethnicity. You must meet the UKBA requirements to live and work in the UK.