Project Officer (Grade IV)(Permanent)

Minderoo Centre for Technology and Democracy; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading archaeological institution in Cambridge is seeking a full-time Project Officer (Grade IV) to oversee medium and large-scale archaeological projects. This role requires strong expertise in British Archaeology and proven team leadership abilities. Candidates should possess a degree in Archaeology or a closely related field and have substantial experience in fieldwork and post-excavation processes. The closing date for applications is 08 October 2025.

Qualifications

• Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of British Archaeology and expertise in archaeological fieldwork.
• Experience producing post-excavation reports for fieldwork projects.
• Significant supervisory experience in a British commercial archaeological organisation.

Responsibilities

• Direct medium to large-scale archaeological projects from fieldwork to publication.
• Manage large on-site teams and ensure health and safety requirements are met.
• Implement environmentally sustainable practices in line with the University’s guidelines.

Skills

Knowledge of British Archaeology

Fieldwork expertise

Team leadership

Time management

IT skills including Microsoft Office

Education

Degree in Archaeology or related field

Tools

CIfA membership

First Aid at Work

Manual handling qualification

Job description

Overview

The Cambridge Archaeological Unit (CAU) within the Department of Archaeology invites applications for the role of Project Officer (Grade IV). CAU conducts archaeological investigations on excavations, evaluations and surveys across East Anglia, including confirmed sites such as prehistoric landscapes, Iron Age and Roman settlements, and various urban sites.

The Project Officer directs medium and large-scale archaeological projects and teams, including landscape evaluations and large open-area excavations. Projects are taken from fieldwork through post-excavation assessment, analysis and publication, and are completed to a high standard in accordance with national and regional guidelines.

The Project Officer should be aware of the settings and landscape of their assigned projects, manage large on-site teams, and implement day-to-day health and safety requirements to maintain a safe working environment. Duties should be performed in a resource-efficient way, minimising environmental impact in line with the University’s Environment & Sustainability guidelines and policy.

The CAU has one Project Officer (Grade IV) post available.

Requirements

• Educated to degree level in Archaeology or a closely related field. A related subject will be considered only if the candidate has significant practical onsite excavation experience, as determined by the University.
• Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of British Archaeology and expertise in archaeological fieldwork in the commercial sector.
• Understand all aspects of fieldwork practice and on-site sampling procedures, with demonstrable experience of directing large field teams on complex projects.
• Comprehensive understanding of post-excavation processes, with experience producing post-excavation reports for all types and scales of fieldwork projects.
• Understanding of Health and Safety requirements relating to fieldwork and the associated responsibilities.
• Hold a clean UK/EU driving licence.
• Hold several of the following: a valid CIfA membership, First Aid at Work, SSSTS, Manual handling qualification, Pipe & Cable detection training, Asbestos Awareness, Plant/Vehicle Banksman or Marshaller.
• Exhibit a high degree of precision and accuracy, with the ability to work independently.
• Ability to deliver fieldwork and post-excavation projects to strict deadlines, with good time management and organisational skills and the ability to prioritise tasks.
• Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office; aptitude for learning databases and other software.
• Confident in communicating and liaising 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 direct and supervise staff with tact and diplomacy while maintaining confidentiality.
• Strong willingness 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 for all types and scales of field projects.
• Demonstrable experience of producing or collaborating on archaeological publications.

Additional information

Please view the Further Particulars document to access the duties of the role, and essential and preferred role requirements.

Applications must consist of a CV and cover letter, including a full employment history and information on projects directed through all phases of analysis, report writing and publication.

The role is full-time and ideally in post by 1 December 2025. This post is permanent with ongoing funding and is subject to a 6-month probation period.

Post-offer, the successful candidate will undergo a health assessment.

The closing date is 23:59 on 08 October 2025. Interviews will be held in person on 14 October 2025.

For withdrawals, please email the Administration team ([e-mail]). Applications can be made online by clicking the "Apply" button to register an account with our recruitment system (if not already registered).

Informal enquiries should be directed to the Administration team ([e-mail]).

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 about this vacancy. 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.