Fieldwork Graduate Trainee Programme

About the Role

Oxford Archaeology is one of the largest independent archaeological practices in Europe. We have offices in Cambridge, Lancaster and Oxford and are a registered heritage charity. We are at the forefront of training the next generation of archaeologists, offering a full‑time paid training programme for enthusiastic graduate archaeologists to gain commercial fieldwork experience. Our Cambridge office has a busy and exciting programme of fieldwork across southern England and the East Midlands, including excavating large Iron Age and Roman settlements, large evaluations, and prehistoric to medieval remains.

Our Oxford office has a busy programme of work both locally and on away‑based projects. The programme could take you anywhere in the country, including the east coast, and for sites further away from home accommodation can be made available.

You will be trained in all aspects of a field archaeologist role, from excavation techniques to recording features and finds, under the supervision of an experienced mentor. The work will involve predominantly open‑area excavations where you will excavate and record archaeological remains from all periods. By the end of the programme you will be fully equipped to become a Fieldwork Archaeologist.

The programme is ideal for graduates with a degree in archaeology or a related discipline, with little prior fieldwork experience. A full clean driving licence and being based near or willing to relocate within a daily commutable distance of one of our offices is also required.

The programme lasts for 6 months, split into two 12‑week modules. You will be offered an initial 12‑week contract with an annual salary of £26,450. After the first 12 weeks, successful completion of the assessment allows you to continue with a second 12‑week module at £27,101.

• Health and safety, including manual handling
• Recognition and understanding of context
• Safe use of hand excavation tools
• OA recording systems (Digital Recording System and Webmap)
• Producing accurate drawings
• Basic survey methods
• Artefact recognition
• Environmental sampling
• Site photography

Graduates who successfully complete the programme will be offered a full‑time permanent contract as a Fieldwork Archaeologist, subject to the availability of work. You will also have the necessary experience to obtain PCIfA accreditation with CIfA.

• Competitive constantly benchmarked salary of £26,450, rising to £27,101
• A company pension scheme with 6% employer contributions; after 10 years or in project management roles access to LGPS
• 21 days annual holiday allowance; for the 6‑month training the allowance is 50% plus additional days for bank holidays and a 3‑day office shutdown over Christmas
• Subsistence payment of £23.50 per night (tax‑free) and free single‑room accommodation for away‑based projects
• 37.5‑hour basic week with optional paid overtime at time‑and‑half for hours above 37.5, Monday‑Friday, Saturdays and double time on Sundays and bank holidays
• Paid travel time for journeys to site longer than one hour from the office and free transport from regional offices to sites
• Free high‑quality protective equipment (full breathable waterproofs, fleece, etc.)
• Comprehensive employee welfare policies, including the AXA Health Employee Assistance Programme Premier, generous paid sick leave, a network of mental‑health first aiders, and personal accident insurance
• 100% of CIfA subscription fees paid
• Cycle‑to‑work scheme

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.