Fieldwork Staff (Supervisors, Assistant Supervisors, Technicians) in London

Location: Meopham, Kent (flexible working supported)

Contract: Full-time 6-month Fixed Term with possibility of extension

Reference: MEOFWK.06.26

Closing date: 10th July 2026

Why join us?

Bringing together leading minds and practitioners in the sector, Wessex Archaeology is a trusted archaeology and heritage service provider and educational charity. From our network of offices, we work in partnership with our clients to deliver sustainable solutions to manage the historic environment - above ground, below ground and underwater. We are committed to our social impact. This means using the knowledge and connections we make through our commercial activities as a catalyst to engage the communities in which we work. Join us and you’ll be part of a collaborative team committed to shaping a better future for our staff, the sector and the world. As well as having knowledgeable and dedicated colleagues, you’ll have a chance to be part of a variety of exciting projects in the South East of England offering an opportunity to develop your skills, knowledge and experience working on complex and high‑profile archaeological projects.

Willingness to work away from home for four nights per week for long periods of the contract is essential.

The roles – what’s involved?

We are looking for someone with a degree or other qualification (such as Apprenticeship, NVQ or CIfA recognised training scheme completion) in archaeology or a related subject, who is passionate about uncovering history through careful excavation. You’ll be responsible for excavating and recording archaeological features and deposits, as well as being comfortable taking direction from a supervising archaeologist. You’ll have excellent communication skills and will enjoy working as part of a team. It’s important that you are able to manage your time effectively to meet deadlines.

For those new to archaeology, this is an excellent opportunity to develop your career in fieldwork archaeology. If you have more experience this is an opportunity to develop your expertise working as part of an organisation that can provide access to some of the most interesting sites in the UK. Please note that this role requires work outdoors for prolonged periods in all kinds of weather conditions.

Main responsibilities:

• Developing skills in identifying, investigating, excavating, recording and interpreting archaeological features and deposits.
• Being committed to and following health, safety and wellbeing methodologies and policies on site.
• Working collaboratively with the archaeological team.
• Self‑checking of initial site data.
• Ensuring work is completed to deadline and of a high standard.

Assistant Supervisor

This grade is suited to those of you with a bit more fieldwork experience who would like to advance their career and gain experience supporting site directors on large sites or undertaking smaller projects such as watching briefs. You will need to be good at communicating, prioritising, anticipating and identifying risks and again, as with all team members, be happy to collaborate with and support others as they develop.

Main responsibilities will include:

• Excavate and record archaeological features with minimal supervision.
• Developing supervisory experience, working with teams to deliver tasks and projects on a variety of archaeological sites.
• Making sure that health, safety and wellbeing methodologies and policies are followed on site.
• Motivating and leading others and developing skills and experience.
• Supervising plant.
• Ensuring work is completed to deadline and to a high standard.

You will supervise teams excavating and recording archaeological features and deposits and take an active role in excavation and recording. You’ll apply your archaeological knowledge and experience gained supervising evaluations and excavations to make sure that your work, and that of others, is of high quality. Enthusiastic and with a keen interest in British archaeology, you’ll have excellent excavation skills and be confident machine watching and undertaking site GPS surveys. A key part of the role will be motivating others, and you’ll be confident creating positive collaborative working relationships with colleagues across the programme team.

Main responsibilities will include:

• Supervising teams to deliver projects on a variety of archaeological sites.
• Excavation and recording of features and deposits.
• Working closely with sub‑contractors and principal contractors.
• Making sure that health, safety and wellbeing methodologies and policies are followed on site.
• Supervising plant.
• Motivating and leading site teams to develop skills.
• Helping to deliver site strategies.
• Ensuring work is completed to deadline and of a high standard.

What can you look forward to?

Our focus is on creating a collaborative culture where people can thrive, develop and where safety and wellbeing come first. From anonymising candidate data in our recruitment process to continuous improvements in our benefits, we’re committed to creating a safe, fair and inclusive working environment.

We offer:

• 22 days of annual leave per year plus bank holidays rising to 27 after 5 years of continuous service.
• Option to buy up to 5 days holiday per year.
• Salary Sacrifice Pension Scheme, Wessex Archaeology employer pension contribution 6.5%.
• Life assurance scheme of three times your basic salary.

Wellbeing and family-friendly benefits

• Our maternity, adoption and shared parental pay is 100% for 12 weeks, 90% for 21 weeks and 6 weeks statutory, day 1 eligibility.
• Enhanced paternity leave, up to 4 weeks from day 1.
• 5 days of carers leave.
• Paid sick leave from the start of a contract, with the number of days dependent on length of service.
• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements where applicable.
• Company Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) - free and confidential service in the form of counselling and assistance in areas such as health and stress.
• AIG SmartHealth – round‑time support for you and your family.

Sustainability and other benefits

• Electric Vehicle Salary Sacrifice Scheme.
• 100% Professional membership costs reimbursed.
• High‑quality personal protective equipment (PPE) provided.
• Free transport from regional offices to sites.
• Time in lieu or paid time for drivers.

How to apply

Interested in working with us? We welcome applications from people with disabilities and aim to be supportive in our recruitment and employment practices. Please let us know if you need any special arrangements or adjustments in the application or interview process. Successful candidates must have proof of identity and eligibility to work in the UK by the start of their employment.