Trainee Archaeologist - KEMBLE

Department

Fieldwork

Employment Type

Full Time - FTC

Minimum Experience

Entry-level

Compensation

£27,278

Trainee Archaeologists

Kemble ( Cirencester)

Salary £27,278

Fixed-term (six-month) contracts available, with immediate start dates.

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What we offer

Employer contribution to pension scheme
Life assurance scheme
Paid CIfA membership subscription (following qualifying period)
Company sick pay - prorated for the duration of contract.
Overnight accommodation and subsistence when working on away projects.
Personal protective equipment

A full manual driving licence is desirable.

The Details

Trainee Archaeologists £27,278

Like many of those that join our award-winning trainee archaeologist program you might be a recent graduate with a degree or masters in a relevant subject; you may have graduated some time ago but never realised your ambitions to enter the profession; or you may have no formal archaeology related qualifications but your passion and interest in the subject is attracting you to developing a career in the sector.

For a candidate without a formal degree, we would expect to see:

Exposure to a range of archaeological periods (e.g. prehistoric, Roman, medieval etc.)
Experience on multiple site types and contexts (urban, rural, eval etc.)
An understanding of core excavation methods including excavation methods, stratigraphy, recording and post-excavation
Evidence of working in varied outdoor conditions, which is part of the day-to-day realities of archaeological fieldwork.

Our trainee programme has been developed with the flexibility to accommodate a broad spectrum of educational ability and work experience. The training includes all the core skills required to be effective as an Archaeologist including excavation, drawing, photography and sampling.

How to apply

Please submit a CV and cover letter by visiting our careers page.

https://cotswoldarchaeology.bamboohr.com/careers

Closing date: Applications need to be submitted by Friday 12th June 2026.

careers@cotswoldarchaeology.co.uk

Job Description

Role: Trainee Archaeologist Pay Scale: Scp 8
Department: Fieldwork Location: Kemble
Reports to: Archaeological Trainer

Purpose of role
To assist in the successful and safe conduct of fieldwork projects, including archaeological surveys, surface collection programmes, evaluations and excavations, in accordance with CA procedures and recognised industry standards

Main duties and responsibilities:

Assist in the successful and safe conduct of fieldwork projects in accordance with CA procedures and industry standards

Contribute to the compilation of archaeological site records using pro-forma recording sheets and registers in accordance with CA procedures.

Assist with artefact and environmental sample processing as required.

Carry out manual excavation of features with a wide variety of tools.

Demonstrate a broad knowledge of archaeological periods and practice.
Work towards own development using trainee log.
The ability to deal courteously with fellow staff, clients of CA, officers of other bodies and members of the public.

Personal specification

Essential

Broad knowledge of archaeological periods, monuments and practice gained from a degree standard, or equivalent, qualification.

Capable of carrying out physically demanding outdoor work in a wide variety of weather conditions, including undertaking manual excavation tasks using hand tools.

Able and willing to undertake away work
The willingness, enthusiasm and drive to learn about all aspects of professional archaeological practice, and to develop new skills.

Good attention to detail.

Ability to work to deadlines.

Administrative ability in the keeping of records.

The ability to deal courteously with fellow staff, clients of CA, officers of other bodies and members of the public.

Desirable

Full manual driving licence and willingness to drive company vehicles (4x4’s, Transit vans)

Location

Cirencester, Gloucestershire