Environmental Archaeologist - Cambridge

OXFORD ARCHAEOLOGY LIMITED; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave 21 days

Company pension

Bonus scheme

Training programmes

CIfA subscription covered

Accommodation for away projects

Subsistence paid

Travel from regional office

PPE provided

Cycle to work

Job summary

Oxford Archaeology in Cambridge is seeking an Environmental Archaeologist to join our team at the new environmental processing facility at Bourn Airfield, about 10 miles west of Cambridge. The role supports processing soil samples and developing environmental archaeology skills on a 12-month fixed-term contract.

Some prior archaeological experience and an interest in environmental archaeology are desirable, with opportunities for on-site work and public engagement.

Qualifications

• Degree in archaeology or closely related discipline.
• Full clean driving licence desirable; CSCS card or cert is a plus.
• Demonstrable interest in environmental archaeology and sample processing.
• Organised and able to work independently and as part of a wider team.

Responsibilities

• Process soil samples and flotation for macrofossils, artefacts and bones.
• Record and process samples from excavations; occasional on-site work.
• Potential involvement in public engagement and outreach.

Skills

Environmental archaeology

Independent working

Team collaboration

Education

Archaeology degree

CSCS card desirable

Job description

Environmental Archaeologist - Cambridge

Fixed-Term Contract - 12 months (with the possibility of extension)

Required for Cambridge

Salary: Archaeologist £29,015 per annum.

Oxford Archaeology is one of the largest independent archaeological practices in Europe. Our size and reputation ensure that we work on the most exciting and varied range of projects and can offer real opportunities for long term employment and career development. We have offices in Oxford, Cambridge and Lancaster and are a registered heritage charity.

We are looking to appoint an Environmental Archaeologist to join our team to assist in the processing of soil samples, including samples from our current excavations on the A66 (as featured in Digging for Britain). The job is based at our new bespoke environmental processing facility at Bourn Airfield about 10 miles west of Cambridge and the position would suit someone with some prior archaeological experience and an interest in developing skills in environmental archaeology. The job will entail recording and processing a range of sample types from different burial environments using specific techniques, including flotation of bulk samples for the recovery of plant macrofossils, artefacts and bones, including human remains. Whilst the position will be largely office-based there may be opportunities to process samples on-site. There will be opportunities to expand your identification skills in both ecofacts and artefacts and there may also be opportunities to be involved in public engagement

The position is a 12-month contract with the possibility of extension. Part-time hours will be considered.

Position requirements

• A degree in archaeology or a closely related discipline will be highly advantageous.
• A full clean driving licence is desirable, as is a current Operatives level CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) card or pass certificate, although time and resources will be made available for you to complete this if required.
• Demonstrable interest in environmental archaeology and sample processing. This role involves repetitive manual tasks and manual handling, on a daily basis, both outdoors and indoors.
• The successful candidate should be well organized and capable of working both independently and as part of a wider team.

Employee Benefits

• Competitive salary of £29,015 per annum (appointments will be made based on demonstrated ability, previous experience and CIfA membership if appropriate).
• Generous annual leave of 21 days with three additional concessionary days at Christmas plus Bank Holidays.
• Company pension scheme.
• A discretionary bonus scheme linked to OA's yearly financial performance.
• Structured training programmes, placements, and opportunities for career progression.
• 100% of CIfA subscription fees.
• Free transport from regional office to sites.
• High-quality personal protective equipment (inc.Gore-tex waterproofs, fleeces and other specialist equipment).
• Subsistence payment (£23.50 per night) and free accommodation (B&B/self-catering) provided for away-based projects. Single occupancy accommodation is provided when working away from home.
• Overtime will be paid for additional hours worked including travelling time where you are the 'responsible person' or driver.
• Comprehensive care for employee welfare through a number of 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.
• Cycle to work scheme.

For further information on the role, please contact Rachel Fosberry (Environmental Manager) [e-mail]

Closing date: Friday 9th October 2026

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 by UK Visas and Immigration.

Registered Charity No. 285627; Company Registration No. 1618597