Pre-Construct Archaeology is one of UK’s largest archaeological companies, with seven regional offices across the country. We have been delivering professional heritage services for more than 30 years, working on some of the largest and most complex sites in Britain.
We are looking to recruit an Environmental assistant, based in our London offices.
PCA offers a competitive salary and a range of attractive employee benefits, including a pay banding structure that allows for career progression. All successful candidates will undergo a probationary 3-month period after which, given satisfactory performance, they will be offered a further contract, work permitting.
This role is ideal for someone wishing to pursue a career in environmental archaeology, and will include basic training in:
- Archaeobotany
- Archaeomalacology
- Geoarchaeology
- Zooarchaeology
- Artefact recognition
The Role
We are looking for a candidate to undertake the following:
- Processing of environmental bulk samples following agreed upon procedures and methodologies.
- Sorting of the resulting residues, extracting artefacts and ecofacts.
- Assisting with the maintenance of our environmental processing facilities
- Unloading, storing and logging deliveries of environmental samples.
- Updating the environmental database (Microsoft Access) with environmental sample data.
- Assisting the environmental specialists (both the geoarchaeologist and archaeobotanist) during site visits.
- Liaising with external specialists as required.
Essential Requirements:
- Knowledge and understanding of the core principles of environmental archaeology (sampling, processing, varieties of ecofacts etc.)
- Knowledge and understanding of commercial archaeology excavation methodologies
- Experience working outside in all weather conditions
- Experience in manual handling
- Able to undertake regular lifting and moving of samples and residues
- Excellent oral and written English
- Excellent communication skills
- Basic maths skills
- Knowledge/experience in using and creating spreadsheets
- Knowledge/experience of administration procedures
- Experience in accurate record-keeping
- Willingness to learn new skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Excellent punctuality and timekeeping
- Attention to detail
- Commitment to PCA’s health and safety policies at all times
-
Eligible to live and work in the UK
Desirable:
- Degree in Archaeology, Environmental Science or related subjects (e.g. History, Classics, Geology, Geography etc.)
- Experience working on commercial archaeological sites
- Current UK Driving Licence
- Prior experience in the processing and sorting of environmental samples
- Prior experience undertaking on-site sampling
Our employee benefits:
- Friendly and supportive work environment
- 28 days of annual leave (including bank holidays and an extra 3 days for Christmas, if employed over the Christmas period), rising on service length
- £22.50 per night subsistence when working away from home and high-quality accommodation provided
- High quality PPE and site welfare provision– the safety of our staff always comes first
- Mental Health First Aiders
- Cycle to work scheme
- Flexible working
- Christmas vouchers
- H&S training relevant for your role will be provided and paid in full (SSSTS, First Aid, Asbestos Awareness, CAT and Genny etc.)
- Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIFA) subscriptions paid in full
- Paid mileage if using own vehicle (subject to eligibility)
- Annual appraisal and pay progression opportunities
- Company pension scheme
How to apply
Please email your CV and covering letter to Ruta Jatkonyte, HR & Recruitment Officer: RJatkonyte@pre-construct.com Please state on your application which role you are applying for and describe your suitability by referring to the requirements listed above. If successful you will be asked to attend an interview at our Brockley offices.
PCA is committed to a comprehensive equal opportunities policy in which individuals are selected and treated on the basis of their relevant merits and abilities without regard to race, religion or belief, colour, sex, age, national origin, disability or sexual orientation. All applicants with the relevant qualifications and experience are welcome to apply for this opportunity. Please be advised that you must hold the right to work and live in the UK in order to apply for this job.
PCA follow all current guidelines regarding SOP and take the safety of our staff as paramount – advice is up to date with government guidance and site-specific RAMS are available.
Please be advised we are expecting a high volume of applications, and therefore cannot commit to responding to all emails. In accordance with our GDPR policy, we will not keep unsuccessful applicants’ details or CVs on our system, unless you expressly request that we do.
Closing Date: 26/05/2026
