About the Role
Oxford Archaeology is one of the largest independent archaeological practices in Europe, with offices in Cambridge, Lancaster and Oxford. We are a registered heritage charity 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 runs fieldwork across southern England and the East Midlands, including excavations of large Iron Age and Roman settlements in Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire, large evaluations in Cambridgeshire and Essex and excavations of prehistoric to medieval remains in Suffolk. Our Oxford office conducts work locally and on away‑based projects, such as Roman and Iron Age settlements, a Mesolithic flint excavation and several projects within the City of Oxford.
Fieldwork Graduate Trainee Pathway
You will be trained in all aspects of a field archaeologist role, from excavation techniques to recording features and finds, all under the supervision of an experienced mentor. You will predominantly work on open‑area excavations, recording archaeological remains from all periods. The programme may take you anywhere in the country; we are currently running sites across a wide geographical area, including a project on the east coast. For sites further away from home, 7‑day accommodation can be provided.
Who is this for?
This programme is ideal for graduates with a degree in archaeology or a related discipline and presupposes little in the way of archaeological fieldwork skills. It helps if you have a full clean driving licence and are based near or can relocate within a daily commutable distance of one of our offices.
Duration, Pay and Contract
The Fieldwork Graduate Trainee Pathway lasts 6 months, split into two 12‑week modules. You will be offered an initial 12‑week contract with an annual salary of £26,450. Your progress will be reviewed with scored milestones every six weeks. Upon completing the first 12 weeks successfully, you will receive a pay rise to £27,101 for the second half of the programme.
Learning Goals
* Health and safety, including manual handling
* Recognition and understanding of context
* Safe use of hand excavation tools
* OA recording systems (including our Digital Recording System and Webmap)
* Producing accurate drawings
* Basic survey methods
* Artefact recognition
* Environmental sampling
* Site photography
After completion
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 attained the experience to obtain PCIfA accreditation with CIfA.
Employee Benefits
* Competitive, benchmark‑based salary of £26,450, rising to £27,101.
* A company pension scheme with 6 % employer contributions, and access to the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) for employees with 10 years of employment or in project management roles.
* 21 days annual holiday allowance (50 % for the 6‑month programme). Additional bank‑holiday leave applies, and an office shutdown over Christmas adds 3 days if you are on the scheme during that period.
* 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 a half for hours in excess of 37.5 hours Monday‑Friday and on Saturdays, and double time on Sundays and bank holidays.
* Paid travel time for journeys to site that take longer than one hour from the office, and free transport from regional offices to sites.
* Free high‑quality personal protective equipment (full breathable waterproofs, fleece, etc.).
* Comprehensive employee welfare 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.
* We pay 100 % of CIfA subscription fees.
* Cycle‑to‑work scheme.
How to Apply
If you would like to enrol in the training programme, please apply by completing the application form below. The closing date for applications is Friday 17th April 2026. Applications will be considered on receipt, and we are looking to make immediate appointments.
If you have not heard from us four weeks after the closing date, please consider that your application has been unsuccessful. 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.
Registered Charity No. 285627; Company Registration No. 1618597
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