FIELDWORK SUPERVISORS  

Required for Lancaster 

Salary range £29,868 - £32,131 per annum.

Oxford Archaeology is one of the largest independent archaeological practices in Europe.  Since our foundation in 1973, we have worked throughout the UK and on many international projects.  We have offices in Oxford, Cambridge and Lancaster.  We are a registered Educational 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 Supervisor Training Pathway - Careers - Training and Career Development at Oxford Archaeology | Oxford Archaeology

Our Lancaster office is currently involved in various projects including large-scale excavations along the route of the A66 Penrith and Brough, just outside Cumbria's Lake District National Park. The A66 follows the line of a Roman road across the Pennines which is punctuated by Roman forts. The Roman road traversed a natural pass thought to have been used by prehistoric communities, particularly in the exchange of Neolithic stone axes produced in the central Lake District fells. The A66 project will amount to numerous open area excavations of multi-period sites (including Roman vicus and cemetery), planned to run throughout 2025 and into 2026. In addition, there are potential opportunities for further work across northern England. 

For away based work (eg. the A66), accommodation will be provided in addition to our usual range of benefits listed below. 

We are looking for experienced Field Supervisors or archaeologists who can demonstrate significant field experience and who are able to take on responsibility for a range of projects. You will have experience of report writing e.g. evaluation and watching brief reports. You will have a good understanding of archaeology in the UK or Irish commercial environment and the Health and Safety legislation relevant to it, as well as the needs and priorities of commercial clients. You will need to be a confident and energetic problem solver with strong communication and interpersonal skills and have a commitment to engaging the wider community in aspects of our work. 

This is a great opportunity for experienced archaeologists to work on a variety of exciting projects, further their career and be part of a dynamic and passionate team. 

Position requirements:

• The role will mainly be field based, but some time will also be spent in the office.
• Candidates will have significant experience of professional archaeological fieldwork within the UK or Irish commercial environment. 
• Candidates will have on-site responsibility for watching briefs, evaluations and small to medium excavations, reporting to a Project Manager. Candidates may also run areas of larger excavations, reporting to a Project Officer.
• Candidates will co-ordinate and produce unpublished (grey literature) reports.
• Candidates will be able to supervise and assist with performance monitoring and training where appropriate, for Assistant Supervisors, Field Archaeologists and Graduate Trainees. 
• Candidates must be available to undertake both ‘home’ and ‘away’ based projects
• A full clean driving licence is essential and candidates must be prepared to undertake driving duties as part of the role. Membership of CIfA is desirable. 
• A degree in archaeology or related discipline will be highly advantageous.
• SSSTS qualification (or similar) will be advantageous but training can be given. 

In return, we offer an exciting range of employee benefits. 

Employee benefits:

• Competitive salary range £29,868 - £32,131 (appointments will be made on the basis of 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.
• We also 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 days annual leave plus 3 concessionary days between Christmas and New Year (not including public holidays).
• 37.5 hours (basic) week with optional paid overtime at time and a half hours in-excess of 37.5 hours Monday-Friday and on Saturdays, and double time on Sundays and bank holidays. The standard day includes 40 minutes paid break, in addition to an unpaid lunchbreak.
• Subsistence payment of £22.50 per night (tax free) and free, no sharing in single rooms (usually B & B or self-catering) for away-based projects.
• Paid travel time for journeys to site that take longer than one hour from the office and free transport from regional offices to sites.
• We pay 100% of CIfA subscription fees.
• 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.
• Cycle to work scheme.

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

Please submit a CV and covering letter with your application. 

Closing Date: 31st March 2025

Interviews to be advised

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.

Registered Charity No. 285627; Company Registration No. 1618597