At a Glance
- Tasks: Join exciting archaeological digs and contribute to uncovering history in the UK.
- Company: Oxford Archaeology, a leading independent archaeological practice in Europe.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, paid travel, and comprehensive employee welfare provisions.
- Other info: Opportunities for career progression and specialist training in various archaeological fields.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by exploring ancient sites and advancing your career in archaeology.
- Qualifications: Experience in archaeological fieldwork and a degree in archaeology or related discipline preferred.
The predicted salary is between 27766 - 29562 € per year.
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.
Permanent appointment. Required for Cambridge. Salary: Archaeologist £27,766 / Assistant Supervisor £28,720 to £29,562. We are seeking enthusiastic field archaeologists who are at Archaeologist and Assistant Supervisor grades to join our Cambridge and Oxford offices.
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. For any away based work, weekly accommodation will be provided in addition to OA’s usual range of employee benefits.
Responsibilities and PathwaysArchaeologist: Successful candidates will join our Field Archaeologist Training Pathway, which provides a clear path for career development and encourages you to record progress through site and reading logs. The programme includes off-site training sessions led by OA specialists and senior managers, with content including formation processes, matrix generation, burials archaeology, environmental archaeology, Health and Safety, OA apps (including our digital recording system) and more. When the required levels of competency are achieved, you will advance to Assistant Supervisor level.
Position Requirements – Archaeologist: 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 will join our Field Assistant Supervisor Training Pathway, which includes office-based training sessions led by OA specialists and senior managers covering Health and Safety, site survey, post-excavation, finds recognition and training and mentoring of others. You will also receive on-site training in task delegation and supervision, watching briefs, machine watching and record checking. Progression may include external training courses (e.g., plant supervision NPORS, CAT and Genny, First Aid at Work, Site Supervisors Safety Training). When competency levels are reached you may apply for promotion to Supervisor grade, as vacancies arise.
Position Requirements – Assistant Supervisor: 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 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 Fieldwork Training Pathway, opportunities for career progression including placements and specialist training across finds, environmental, archives, post-excavation, burials, community engagement, heritage management, geomatics and contracts.
- 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 over 37.5 Monday–Friday, on Saturdays, and double time on Sundays and bank holidays
- Paid travel time for journeys to site longer than one hour from the office and free transport from regional offices to sites
- Free high quality personal protective equipment
- Comprehensive employee welfare provisions including: AXA Health EAP, paid sick leave, mental health support, and personal accident insurance
- Annual driver’s allowance of £520 (pro-rata) in addition to paid overtime for driving
- We pay 100% of CIfA subscription fees
- Cycle to work scheme
If you would like to be part of a respected and established organisation, please apply by completing an application form available from: Archaeologists and Assistant Supervisors – Oxford and Cambridge | Oxford Archaeology. Please enclose a CV and covering letter with your application. Closing date: Friday 17 April 2026. Oxford Archaeology is an Equal Opportunities employer. All applications are judged on relevant skills and experience and not by gender, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, belief, age, nationality (where work permits may be required), or ethnicity. You must meet the requirements to live and work in the UK by UK Visas and Immigration.
ARCHAEOLOGISTS AND ASSISTANT SUPERVISORS – CAMBRIDGE OXFORD employer: Oxford Archaeology
Oxford Archaeology is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of Cambridge and Oxford, where employees can engage in exciting archaeological projects across southern England. With a strong focus on career development through structured training pathways, competitive salaries, and comprehensive employee benefits, including generous holiday allowances and mental health support, we foster a culture of growth and well-being. Join us to be part of a respected organisation that values your contributions and supports your professional journey in archaeology.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land ARCHAEOLOGISTS AND ASSISTANT SUPERVISORS – CAMBRIDGE OXFORD
✨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 employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to insider tips or even a referral, which can give you a leg up in the hiring process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to archaeology and fieldwork. Think about your past experiences and how they relate to the role. Confidence is key, so rehearse until you feel ready to shine!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows your enthusiasm for the position. Plus, it keeps you on their radar as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace ARCHAEOLOGISTS AND ASSISTANT SUPERVISORS – CAMBRIDGE OXFORD
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Archaeology:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for archaeology shine through! Share specific experiences that sparked your interest in the field and how they relate to the role you're applying for. We love seeing candidates who are genuinely excited about what they do.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the position at Oxford Archaeology. Highlight relevant skills and experiences that match the job description. We want to see how you fit into our team, so make it clear why you're the perfect candidate!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon unless it's relevant to the role. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read, so make sure your key points stand out!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your materials correctly. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Oxford Archaeology. We can’t wait to hear from you!
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 the specific projects Oxford Archaeology is involved in, as this will show your genuine interest and understanding of their work.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous fieldwork experience in detail. Highlight any relevant training logs or competencies you've achieved, as these will be crucial for both the Archaeologist and Assistant Supervisor roles.
✨Prepare Questions
Think of insightful questions to ask during the interview. This could include inquiries about the Field Archaeologist Training Pathway or opportunities for career progression. It shows you're engaged and serious about your future with the company.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork Skills
Since the role involves working closely with others, be prepared to discuss examples of how you've successfully collaborated in past projects. Emphasising your ability to delegate tasks and mentor others will be particularly beneficial for the Assistant Supervisor position.
