Overview
Project Officers - £35,250 - £40,804
Oxford Archaeology is one of the largest independent archaeological practices in Europe. Our size and reputation enable us to work on a range of exciting projects and offer real opportunities for long‑term employment and career development.
We are looking for a senior lead based in our Lancaster office to oversee the work of the Finds and Archives, Environmental Operations, and related supervisors. This role ensures that Lancaster archives (both material and digital) are prepared, completed, and deposited in line with best practice and national guidelines, and that legacy archives are organised and deposited appropriately. The post is primarily office‑based, with hybrid working available.
Duties
* Contribute to the smooth running of Finds and Archives, and Environmental Operations.
* Ensure that material (artefacts, ecofacts, and paper records) and digital archives are compiled, completed, and deposited in a professional manner, in line with best practice, national standards, and the receiving depositories’ requirements.
* Oversee and organise the work of the Finds and Archives, and Environmental Operations Supervisors, and more junior staff.
* Oversee volunteers and work‑experience students doing finds and environmental processing tasks.
* Provide support, guidance, and training to Finds and Archives and Basement Operations staff as appropriate.
* Liaise with the Head of Post‑Excavation and other managers to ensure effective communication on relevant issues.
* Perform all duties with regard to Health and Safety for all staff.
* Take responsibility for self‑development and performance improvement.
Knowledge and Skills Required
* Effective supervision of Finds and Archives, and Basement Operations staff.
* Excellent time‑management and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to meet project deadlines and budgets.
* Ensure all working practices in Finds and Archives, and Basement Operations comply with Health and Safety legislation and requirements.
* Work independently and as part of a team.
* Demonstrable IT aptitude and understanding of administrative procedures and tools such as databases, spreadsheets, and relevant software.
* Effective communication, liaison, and negotiation skills, especially with museums, other archives, external specialists, managers, and colleagues.
* Ability to mentor and coach junior staff, providing feedback to aid development.
* Excellent understanding of the processes and procedures used for processing and recording finds and environmental samples.
* In‑depth knowledge of preparing and depositing archaeological archives (material and digital), and issues surrounding their deposition within the planning process.
* Good knowledge of British archaeology and its principles, practices, and processes, ideally within a commercial environment.
* Commitment to Continuing Professional Development and maintenance of a Personal Development Plan.
* A degree or higher qualification in archaeology, archaeological science or a related discipline (highly advantageous).
* Experience of professional archaeological fieldwork or post‑excavation within the UK commercial environment.
* Experience of archive (material and digital) preparation and deposition highly desirable.
* Specialism in one or more finds categories or general post‑excavation work advantageous.
* Driving licence desired.
Employee Benefits
* Competitive salary range of £35,250 – £40,804 per annum, with appointments based on demonstrated ability and CIfA membership where appropriate.
* Company pension scheme with 6% employer contributions; after 10 years or in project‑management roles, access to the Local Government Pension Scheme.
* Strong encouragement of continued professional development through training, education, conferences, and academic collaboration.
* Generous annual leave starting at 24 days (depending on years of service), including concessionary days at Christmas and Bank Holidays.
* Hybrid working policy and flexible or part‑time work where appropriate.
* Full payment of CIfA subscription fees.
* Comprehensive employee welfare policy covering health assistance programmes, paid sick leave, mental health first aiders, and personal accident insurance.
* Cycle‑to‑work scheme.
Equal Opportunity Statement
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. Applicants must meet UKBA requirements to live and work in the UK.
Registered Charity No. 285627; Company Registration No. 1618597.
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