Archaeologists, Experienced Archaeologists

Posted on 12/08/2026

Cotswold Archaeology

Contract

Fixed-term (six-month) contracts available, with immediate start dates

Salary

£28,532 - £29,844

Location

Andover, Kemble (Cirencester), Milton Keynes, Needham Market (Suffolk)

Deadline

Tuesday, 1st September 2026

Cotswold Archaeology is one of the largest and most respected archaeological practices in the country, employing over 380 professional staff and carrying out some of the most interesting, complex and largest archaeological and heritage projects across England and Wales.

We are seeking experienced archaeologists and trainees across all four of our offices to work on a range of exciting archaeological projects, spanning different time periods. With a strong ongoing program of fieldwork, we are looking for motivated, dedicated individuals to join our team.

Cotswold Archaeology has projects located in the vicinity of our offices, but for these roles there will be a requirement to be rostered on protracted 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 of £24 per each night spent away.

What we offer

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

30 days annual leave (including statutory holidays) - please note that the annual leave allowance will be prorated for the duration of contract.
Employer contribution to pension scheme
Life assurance scheme
Paid CIfA membership subscription (following qualifying period)
Company sick pay - prorated for the duration of contract.
A generous lieu scheme operated for all driving time, and time spent in excess of 45 minutes 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 (EAP) and a network of mental health first aiders across the organisation.
Personal protective equipment

Please note all salaries quoted are annual equivalents based on a 37.5-hour week. We are unable to offer contracts with the provision of 7 day a week accommodated away work.

Membership of the CIfA at PCIfA level is desirable, as is possession of a current and valid CSCS Health and Safety Card or CSCS test pass. Although new CSCS cards are not currently being issued to the archaeological sector, successful applicants without a current and valid CSCS card or test pass, will be expected to pass the CITB HS&E Operatives Test, which will be arranged and paid for by CA.

A full manual driving licence is desirable for Archaeologists and essential for Experienced Archaeologists

Archaeologists

£28,532 - £29,255 Dependent on Experience

We are seeking enthusiastic and skilled individuals to join our existing team. Your core skills and experience should include manual excavation, 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

£29,844

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. These roles will need demonstrable and considerable commercial archaeological fieldwork experience, with documented evidence of proficiency both in core fieldwork skills and machine supervision/watching brief, staff training/development and an aptitude for GPS survey. In-date training in the use of CAT and Genny equipment is desirable.

How to apply

Please submit a CV and cover letter by visiting our careers page.

Application link: https://cotswoldarchaeology.bamboohr.com/careers

Closing date: Applications need to be submitted by 5pm on Tuesday, 1 September 2026.

Cotswold Archaeology is an equal opportunities employer. All applications are assessed solely on the candidate's relevant skills and experience relevant to the role.

We will take into consideration any reasonable adjustments required to support you. Should you need adjustments during the recruitment process, or require additional support related to neurodiversity or for any other reason, please let us know by contacting careers@cotswoldarchaeology.co.uk.

Applicants must already have the legal right to live and work in the UK as defined by UK Visas and Immigration.

This employer is a CIfA Registered Organisation. Find out more...

#s1-Gen

Membership of the CIfA at PCIfA level is desirable, as is possession of a current and valid CSCS Health and Safety Card or CSCS test pass. Although new CSCS cards are not currently being issued to the archaeological sector, successful applicants without a current and valid CSCS card or test pass, will be expected to pass the CITB HS&E Operatives Test, which will be arranged and paid for by CA. A full manual driving licence is desirable for Archaeologists and essential for Experienced Archaeologists Archaeologists £28,532 - £29,255 Dependent on Experience We are seeking enthusiastic and skilled individuals to join our existing team. Your core skills and experience should include manual excavation the 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 £29,844 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. These roles will need demonstrable and considerable commercial archaeological fieldwork experience, with documented evidence of proficiency both in core fieldwork skills and machine supervision/watching brief, staff training/development and an aptitude for GPS survey, In date training in the use of CAT and Genny equipment is desirable.

Cotswold Archaeology is one of the largest and most respected archaeological practices in the country, employing over 380 professional staff and carrying out some of the most interesting, complex and largest archaeological and heritage projects across England and Wales. We are seeking ,experienced archaeologists and trainees across all four of our offices to work on a range of exciting archaeological projects, spanning different time periods. With a strong ongoing program of fieldwork, we are looking for motivated, dedicated individuals to join our team. Cotswold Archaeology has projects located in the vicinity of our offices, but for these roles there will be a requirement to be rostered on protracted 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. (£24 per each night spent away).

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

30 days annual leave (including statutory holidays) - please note that the annual leave allowance will be prorated for the duration of contract.
Employer contribution to pension scheme
Life assurance scheme
Paid CIfA membership subscription (following qualifying period)
Company sick pay - prorated for the duration of contract.
A generous lieu scheme operated for all driving time, and time spent in excess of 45 minutes 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 (EAP) and a network of mental health first aiders across the organisation.
Personal protective equipment

1 Cotswold Archaeology Limited jobs in England & Wales