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- Tasks: Join our team to excavate and record archaeological remains across exciting sites in the UK.
- Company: Oxford Archaeology, a leading independent archaeological practice and registered charity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, paid travel, and comprehensive employee welfare support.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience and skills to kickstart your career as a Fieldwork Archaeologist.
- Qualifications: Ideal for graduates in archaeology or related fields; no prior fieldwork skills needed.
- Other info: Enjoy a dynamic work environment with opportunities for career growth and PCIfA accreditation.
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. The programme includes 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?
- 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 gaining access to Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
- 21 days annual holiday allowance.
- 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: Friday 17th April 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.
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
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow archaeology grads, professors, or even professionals in the field. Attend local events or workshops to make connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Get your hands dirty! Volunteer for archaeological digs or projects. This not only boosts your CV but also gives you real-world experience and shows your commitment to the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching Oxford Archaeology and their projects. Be ready to discuss how your skills align with their needs and show genuine enthusiasm for the work they do.
✨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 GRADUATE TRAINEE PROGRAMME (6 MONTHS) - CAMBRIDGE - OXFORD
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the Fieldwork Graduate Trainee Programme. We want to see your passion for archaeology shine through!
Show Off Your Enthusiasm: Let us know why you're excited about this opportunity! Share your interest in fieldwork and any relevant projects you've been involved in. A bit of personality goes a long way!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. This helps us get to know you better!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application via our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive your details directly. Plus, it makes the whole process smoother for both of us.
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 types of excavations mentioned in the job description, as this will show your genuine interest and understanding of the role.
✨Show Enthusiasm for Learning
Since this is a trainee programme, it's crucial to express your eagerness to learn. Be ready to discuss how you plan to absorb new skills and techniques during the training, and share any relevant experiences that demonstrate your passion for archaeology.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few thoughtful questions ready about the training programme and the types of projects you'll be involved in. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the role aligns with your career goals.
✨Highlight Teamwork Skills
Fieldwork often requires collaboration, so be prepared to discuss your experience working in teams. Share examples of how you've successfully worked with others in the past, especially in challenging situations, to demonstrate your ability to contribute positively to the team.