FIELD PROJECT SUPERVISORS – OXFORD AND CAMBRIDGE

Oxford Archaeology; Oxford; On-site; GBP 33,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

24 days annual leave

Company pension

Discretionary bonus scheme

Training pathways

CIfA subscription fees covered

Away-project accommodation & subsist.

Job summary

Oxford Archaeology is seeking Field Project Supervisors for its Oxford and Cambridge offices. The role is primarily field-based, with some office time, and requires willingness to travel and stay away from home for extended periods.

Projects span Oxfordshire, Cambridgeshire, and other counties with varied archaeological scopes. You will have substantial UK/Irish field experience, a good grasp of on-site responsibilities, and a proactive approach in supervising teams, reporting to a Project

Qualifications

• Substantial experience in professional archaeological fieldwork within UK/Irish commercial sectors.
• Experience on on-site watching briefs, evaluations, small to medium excavations with reporting to a Project Manager.
• Good understanding of Health and Safety legislation in commercial environments.
• Report writing experience is advantageous.
• Confident, energetic problem solver with strong communication skills.
• Experience supervising and training Assistant Supervisors, Field Archaeologists and Graduate Trainees.

Responsibilities

• Supervise field-based excavations and watching briefs as part of our Oxford and Cambridge field teams.
• Assist with larger excavations and report to Project Officers.
• Ensure compliance with Health & Safety requirements and OA standards.
• Provide training and supervision to junior staff where appropriate.
• Liaise with Project Manager and site personnel to deliver safe, efficient fieldwork.

Skills

Field supervision

Health and safety

Communication

Driving licence

Team leadership

Education

Degree in archaeology

SSSTS qualification

CIfA membership desirable

Tools

CSCS card

Job description

FIELD PROJECT SUPERVISORS (Permanent)

Required For Our Oxford And Cambridge Offices

Salary range £32,617 – £35,088 per annum

About The Role

re looking for experienced archaeologists to join our Oxford or Cambridge field teams at Supervisor level. Due to a strong fieldwork programme, we are looking to recruit enthusiastic Field Project Supervisors to join our Oxford or Cambridge teams. Our fieldwork projects are based across the country and the ability to work away from home is essential. We are currently deploying staff to sites in Oxfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire, Essex, Suffolk and Kent. The ability to work away from home for extended periods is essential. Current and upcoming projects include major infrastructure and linear schemes, a nationally important prehistoric landscape, Bronze Age funerary monuments, and Iron Age and Romano-British settlements.

This is a great opportunity for experienced archaeologists looking for more responsibility to further their career and be part of a dynamic and passionate team.

Position Requirements

• The role will mainly be field based, but some time may also be spent in the office.
• Candidates should possess substantial experience in professional archaeological fieldwork within the UK or Irish commercial sectors, along with a strong comprehension of the archaeological context of these regions.
• Candidates will have experience of on-site responsibility for watching briefs, evaluations and small to medium excavations on a range of both home and away-based projects, reporting to a Project Manager. Candidates will also run areas of larger excavations, reporting to a Project Officer.
• You will have a good understanding of the Health and Safety legislation relevant to the commercial environment.
• Report writing experience is advantageous.
• You should be a confident, energetic problem solver with strong communication skills.
• Candidates will be able to supervise and assist with performance monitoring and training where appropriate, for Assistant Supervisors, Field Archaeologists and Graduate Trainees.
• A full clean driving licence and the ability to drive OA company vehicles is essential.
• A degree in archaeology or related discipline will be highly advantageous.
• SSSTS qualification (or similar) will be advantageous.
• Membership of CIfA and a current CSCS card is desirable.

Employee Benefits

• Competitive salary range £32,617 – £35,088 (appointments will be made based on demonstrated ability, previous experience and CIfA membership if appropriate).
• Generous annual leave starting at 24 days (depending on the role) 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, including Supervisor and Project Officer development pathways, 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.
• Driver Payment Supplements at an additional £2.50 per hour over and above paid overtime where applicable.
• Enhanced paid breaks on site: 30-minute tea break and 40-minute lunch break.
• 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.
• Childcare vouchers.
• Cycle to work scheme.

If you would like to join a respected and established organisation, please visit our website:

Field Project Supervisors – Oxford and Cambridge | Oxford Archaeology

Closing Date: Sunday 20th September 2025

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.

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