Trainee Archaeologists, Archaeologists, Experienced Archaeologists

Cotswold Archaeology is one of the largest and most respected archaeological practices in the country, employing over 300 professional staff and carrying out some of the most interesting, complex and largest archaeological and heritage projects across England and Wales.

We are seeking promising, talented and experienced archaeologists and trainees across all four of our offices to assist in a range of exciting archaeological projects, spanning many different time periods. With a strong ongoing portfolio of fieldwork, we are looking for hard-working and dedicated individuals to join our team.

Cotswold Archaeology has projects located in the vicinity of our offices, but in these roles, there will be a requirement to be rostered on away projects where we will provide accommodation and the opportunity to accrue lieu and overtime.

Where away work is required good quality accommodation will be provided, along with subsistence payments. (£23 per each night spent away).

The Package

Along with a starting salary above the CIfA minimum, we offer a highly competitive benefits package including:

• 30 days annual leave (including statutory holidays)
• Employer contribution to pension scheme
• Life assurance schemes
• Paid CIfA membership subscription (following qualifying period)
• Company sick pay after qualifying period.
• A generous lieu scheme operated for all driving time, and time spent in excess of 45minutes each way as a passenger, outside of the normal 7.5 hour working day (accumulate up to 10 days additional lieu time annually)
• Overnight accommodation and subsistence when working on away projects
• Employee Assistance Program

Please note all pay scales quoted are annual equivalents based on a 37.5-hour week. We are unable to offer contracts based solely on the provision of 7 days a week accommodated away work being available.

A full manual driving licence is essential for all roles, as is the ability and willingness to drive company vehicles (4x4s, Transit Vans)

Membership of the CIfA at PCIfA level is desirable. Personal protective equipment will be issued for the duration of employment.

The Details

Trainee Archaeologists (£24,499)

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. Whatever your background, skills, experience, qualifications and ambitions, we would love to hear from you.

Our trainee programme has been developed with the flexibility to respond to a wide variety of individual’s education and work experience. The training includes all the core skills required to be effective as an Archaeologist including, excavation, drawing, photography and sampling.

Archaeologists (£25,342 - £26,507)

We are seeking enthusiastic and skilled individuals to join our existing team. Your core skills and experience should include manual excavation and recording of archaeological features, and the recovery of artefacts or samples. You should also be able to complete stratigraphic matrices, photograph archaeological features and sites, and compose accurate measured drawings. Familiarity with GPS surveying is desirable.

Experienced Archaeologists (£27,179)

We are also looking for more experienced field archaeologists to assist our Supervisors with the training and mentoring of Trainee Archaeologists and with machine supervision. Candidates with demonstrable and considerable commercial archaeological fieldwork experience, who can provide documented evidence of their proficiency both in core fieldwork skills and machine supervision/watching brief, staff training/development and an aptitude for GPS survey, will be eligible for the higher starting salary. In date training in the use of CAT and Genny equipment is also desirable.

How to apply

To submit an application please visit our recruitment website https://cotswoldarchaeology.ciphr-irecruit.com/Applicants/ and apply for the position at the office you would like to be based.

If you have not previously registered on our recruitment website, you will need to complete this step first and there is a guide available on our Careers page https://cotswoldarchaeology.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/I-Recruit-instructions.pdf  

Closing date: Applications need to be submitted by 10 May 2024 however, we will be reviewing applications as they are submitted and making offers where possible.

CA is an inclusive employer and will take into consideration any adjustments needed to support you. If you should require any additional support related to neurodiversity or any other reason. Please do let us know by contacting careers@cotswoldarchaeology.co.uk