Fieldwork Archaeologists - Oxford, Cambridge, Lancaster
Permanent contract
Salary: £26,570
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 projects and can offer real opportunities for long-term employment and career development. We have offices in Cambridge, Lancaster and Oxford and are a registered heritage charity.
Oxford Archaeology is at the forefront of training the next generation of archaeologists. We have recently launched our new Fieldwork Training Pathways; you will be enrolled on the Fieldwork Archaeologist Training Pathway. For more information see here.
Due to a very busy field work programme extending through summer and beyond we are looking to recruit keen and enthusiastic Field Archaeologists to become part of our team. Based in our Oxford, Cambridge or Lancaster office, our work could take you anywhere in the country; currently we are deploying staff to sites across a wide geographical area and have a project on the east coast which we expect to run for all of this year and into next, where 7-day accommodation can be made available.
Position:
We offer a competitive salary of £26,570; appointments will be made on the basis of demonstrated ability, previous experience and CIfA membership if appropriate. Appointments will be made on a permanent contract basis.
Successful candidates for Archaeologist positions will join our Field Archaeologist Training Pathway which provides a clear path for career development and encourages you to record your progress through site and reading logs, as you learn new skills. The programme includes off-site training sessions lead by OA specialists and senior managers, with content including the understanding of formation processes, matrix generation, burials archaeology, environmental archaeology, Health and Safety, the exciting range of OA apps – including our digital recording system - and much more. When the required levels of competency are achieved, you will advance to Assistant Supervisor level.
Position Requirements:
- 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.
Employee benefits:
- Competitive, constantly benchmarked salary of £26,570
- A company pension scheme with 6% employer contributions. Employees with 10 years of employment or in project management roles gain access to Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), which is one of the few remaining defined benefit schemes in the UK.
- In addition to the industry leading Fieldwork Training Pathway, we offer many other opportunities for career progression including placements and specialist training in all areas of the business, including finds, environmental, archives, post-excavation, burials, community engagement, heritage management, historic buildings, geomatics, geoarchaeology and contracts.
- 21-24 days’ holiday (depending on length of service) with 3 additional concessionary days at Christmas plus Bank Holidays.
- Subsistence payment of £22.50 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.
- Annual driver’s allowance of £520 for approved drivers (pro-rata) in addition to paid overtime for driving.
- We pay 100% of CIfA subscription fees.
- Cycle to work scheme.
To apply
If you would like to be part of a friendly, respected, and established organisation, please apply by completing the application form below.
Closing Date: 31st August, 2024
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