Field Project Officers - Cambridge

Required for Cambridge

Salary range £35,250 - £40,804 per annum.

Closing Date: Sunday 12 October 2025

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 Project Officer Training Pathway - Careers - Training and Career Development at Oxford Archaeology | Oxford Archaeology

Due to very busy field work programmes extending through into 2026 we are looking to recruit enthusiastic Field Project Officers to become part of our Cambridge team. Our fieldwork projects are based across the eastern region and the ability to work away from home is essential.

For the position we are looking for current Project Officers, or Field Supervisors who can demonstrate significant experience at Supervisor level, who are able to take on responsibility for large and / or complex pieces of fieldwork and make a significant contribution during the post-excavation process. You must have experience of a range of project types as well as good IT skills and proven writing skills. You will have a good understanding of commercial 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 problem solver with strong communication and interpersonal skills, and with a commitment to engaging the wider community in aspects of our work. At OA we encourage and train our Project Officers to develop skills as both leaders of fieldwork teams and in writing up the results of this work and we will be looking for experience and potential in both areas.

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 be both field and office based.
• You must be able to demonstrate existing substantial experience at leading fieldwork projects of varying types and scale.
• You will have significant experience of professional archaeological fieldwork within the UK or Irish commercial environment.
• You will be the lead archaeologist in fieldwork stages of projects, reporting to a Project Manager who will not normally be based on site.
• You will co-ordinate and produce unpublished (grey literature) reports and may act as a main author for academic publications.
• You will take a lead role in performance monitoring and training of staff engaged on your projects.
• A full clean driving licence is essential and you must meet the requirements to be a registered Oxford Archaeology driver.
• The ability to work away from home on long-term projects is essential.
• You must have a current SSSTS or SMSTS qualification (or similar).
• A degree in archaeology or related earth science discipline will be highly advantageous, as will membership of the CIfA at ACIfA level.

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

Employee benefits:

• Competitive salary range £35,250 - £40,804 (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.
• 24 days annual leave plus (depending on years of services and spinal salary point) plus concessionary days at Christmas and Bank 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 £23.50 per night (tax free) and free, no sharing in single rooms (usually 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 https://surveys.oxfordarchaeology.com/index.php/967128 

Please enclose a CV and covering letter with your application.

Closing Date: Sunday 12 October 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 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