POST-EXCAVATION ASSISTANT

Cotswold Archaeology; Needham Market; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

An archaeological practice in Needham Market is seeking a Post-Excavation Assistant for a 3-month fixed-term contract. The role involves processing soil samples, sorting finds, and maintaining records. Ideally, candidates will have a background in archaeology or relevant skills. The position requires a good eye for detail and the ability to work in a team or independently. Full driving license is necessary.

Qualifications

• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and unsupervised.
• Effective communication with colleagues and clients.
• Attention to detail and record-keeping skills.
• Full Driving License and willingness to drive.
• Willingness to learn new skills.

Responsibilities

• Process finds and samples, both on-site and off-site.
• Compile material and digital archives.
• Assist in record-keeping for finds and samples.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area.
• Ensure compliance with Health, Safety and Environmental policies.

Skills

Teamwork

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Basic IT literacy

Education

Honours degree in archaeology or related subject

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Access

Job description

POST-EXCAVATION ASSISTANT

Salary: £25,356 - £26,229

Needham Market Office

3-month fixed term contract with an immediate start date

As one of the leading archaeological practices in Britain, Cotswold Archaeology is looking to strengthen our post-excavation team at our Needham Market office. This will help to ensure we have the capacity and breadth of skills to maintain our high standards of quality and service.

Due to current high levels of work, we require additional support in our Post-Excavation team to undertake the processing of soil samples and finds from all projects. Main duties in the role will include sieving samples, sorting recovered items, washing, labelling and bagging of finds. The role is part of a small team based at our Needham Market office. As a Post-Excavation Assistant you will need to undertake physical work alongside record-keeping and data entry. In addition, the role may include working with site data, preparing it for post-excavation reporting and archiving.

If you enjoy working as part of a team, have good communication skills, a basic level of IT literacy and an eye for detail and quality, we would love to hear from you. An interest in a range of archaeological finds and experience in archaeology would be an advantage, as would a full, manual driving licence. The role would require you to work from our Needham Market office daily.

Applications will be processed on receipt and interviews will take place via Teams for shortlisted candidates on 14th August 2025; the successful candidate will be offered a 3-month fixed term contract, with the potential to be extended dependent on future work levels.

APPLICATION PROCESS

You can find out more about CA at www.cotswoldarchaeology.co.uk . To apply for the role please visit our recruitment website BambooHR

If you have any questions about the role please contact Clare Wootton (Post-excavation Supervisor) ([e-mail]).

Closing date for applications 8th August 2025

CA is an inclusive employer and will take into consideration any adjustments needed to support you. If you should require any additional support related to neurodiversity or any other reason. Please do let us know by [e-mail]

Job Specification

Post Title: Post-excavation Assistant.

Responsible to: Post-Excavation Supervisor

Main Duties:

• Undertake the processing of finds and samples, including work located away from CA office premises;

• Compile material, documentary and digital archives, including work located away from CA office premises;

• Assist in record-keeping for finds and samples and for documentary and digital archives;

• Undertake the deposition of archives processed by CA;

• Maintain clean and tidy working areas;

• Ensure that Health, Safety and Environmental policies and standards are adhered to; and

• Carry out such other duties commensurate with responsibilities as CA may determine from time to time.

Personal Specification:

Essential

• the ability to work effectively as part of a team and to work unsupervised;

• the ability to communicate effectively and politely with colleagues, clients, contractors and other stakeholders;

• attention to detail and the ability to maintain accurate records;

• full Driving licence and a willingness to drive CA vans;

• a willingness to learn new skills and acquire new knowledge;

• ability to undertake a range of manual handling tasks; and

• IT literate with a basic understanding of Microsoft Office packages such as Word, Excel and Access

Desirable

• experience in the identification of archaeological artefacts and/or ecofacts; and

• an honours degree or equivalent qualification in archaeology or a related subject;

• membership of the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists.