Overview
The Cambridge Archaeological Unit (CAU), part of the Department of Archaeology, invites applications for the role of Project Officer (Grade IV). CAU conducts archaeological investigations across East Anglia, including excavations, evaluations and surveys. Confirmed sites include prehistoric landscapes, Iron Age and Roman settlements, and various urban sites.
Responsibilities
The Project Officer will direct medium and large-scale archaeological projects and teams, including landscape evaluations and large open-area excavations. You will take projects from fieldwork through to post-excavation assessment, analysis and publication, ensuring high-quality outputs in line with national and regional guidelines. You will be aware of the settings and landscape of assigned projects, manage large on-site teams, and implement day-to-day health and safety requirements to maintain a safe working environment. You should perform duties in a resource-efficient way, minimising environmental impact in accordance with the University Environment & Sustainability guidelines and policy.
Requirements
* Educated to degree level in Archaeology or a closely related field. A related subject will be considered if the candidate has significant practical onsite excavation experience, as determined by the University.
* In-depth knowledge of British Archaeology with expertise in commercial sector fieldwork.
* Clear understanding of fieldwork practice and on-site sampling procedures, with demonstrable experience directing large field teams on complex projects.
* Comprehensive understanding of post-excavation processes and experience producing post-excavation reports for varied project scales.
* Good understanding of Health and Safety requirements relating to fieldwork and related responsibilities.
* Clean UK/EU driving licence.
* Hold several of the following: valid CIfA membership, First Aid at Work, SSSTS, Manual handling qualification, Pipe & Cable detection training, Asbestos Awareness, Plant/Vehicle Banksman or Marshaller.
* High degree of precision and accuracy, ability to work independently.
* Ability to deliver fieldwork and post-excavation projects to strict deadlines with strong time management and organisational skills.
* Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office; ability to learn to use databases and other software.
* Confident communication and liaison with Clients, Planning Archaeologists, Managers, Senior Project Officers, Specialists, Surveyors, Finds, Graphics and Administration.
* Ability to work effectively within a team and lead designated tasks; ability to supervise staff with tact and diplomacy while maintaining confidentiality.
* Desire to develop and assist others in CAU projects as required.
* Understand and adhere to the University's equality, diversity, inclusion and dignity at work policies.
* Significant supervisory experience in a British commercial archaeological organisation, with a track record of directing large, complex field projects.
* Track record of producing high-quality post-excavation reports and of producing or collaborating on archaeological publications.
Other information
Applications must consist of a CV and cover letter, including a full employment history and information on projects you have directed through all phases of analysis, report writing and publication.
The role is full-time and the successful candidate is ideally in post by 1 December 2025. This is a permanent role with ongoing funding and a 9-month probation period. A health assessment will be required after an offer of employment is accepted.
Closing date: 23:59 on 08 October 2025. Interviews will be held in person on 14 October 2025.
To withdraw or inquire about the vacancy, please email cauhr@arch.cam.ac.uk. Apply online via the recruitment system. Informal enquiries should be directed to the Administration team (cauhr@arch.cam.ac.uk).
We particularly welcome applications from women and/or candidates from a BME background as they are under-represented at this level in our department. Please quote reference JD47370 on your application and in any correspondence. The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society. The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
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