Project Supervisors - MILTON KEYNES

PROJECT SUPERVISORS

Location: Milton Keynes

Salary: £31,709 - 34,293 (dependent on experience)

Contract Type: Permanent

Cotswold Archaeology continues to grow as a sustainable and strong business, which currently employs over 350 staff, working as one company from our four offices. Our success relies on the talent and hard work of all our employees, and we are looking to develop ambitious Project Supervisors (PS) and talented Project Officers (PO) who are ready to take the next step in their career and lead large and complex archaeological projects. With already commissioned schemes in the field and further projects programmed for the next two years you will have the opportunity to lead some of the most exceptional archaeological projects being undertaken across the UK.

All of our PSs, POs and SPO’s are expected to take leading roles in the publication of our work; publication, dissemination and outreach being the fundamental drivers for everything we do.

Our awarding winning training programmes provide support throughout all of the stages of your career and this can be demonstrated by the progression of our colleagues from site archaeologist to managers and technical specialists.

The Package

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

1. Generous financial assistance with potential relocation
2. Pension and life assurance schemes
3. 31 days leave (including Bank Holidays) – increasing with length of service
4. A lieu and overtime 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)
5. Good quality accommodation, and subsistence payments for all away projects
6. Paid CIfA membership subscription
7. Employee Assistance Programme

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.

Personal protective equipment will be issued for the duration of employment.

A full driving licence and ability/willingness to drive company vehicles (4x4s, Transit Vans) is essential.

Cotswold Archaeology has projects located in the vicinity of our offices, but in these roles, there will be a requirement to be rostered on 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).

If you are interested and would like to know more, we would recommend an informal discussion with Adrian Scruby – Principal Fieldwork Manager – Milton Keynes – (07718485229).

Alternatively we can arrange for you to speak to one of our existing Project Officers about their experience of working at Cotswold Archaeology.

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 contacting careers@cotswoldarchaeology.co.uk.

Closing date: Applications need to be submitted by Friday 16th May 2025; however, we will be reviewing applications as they are submitted and making offers where possible.

COTSWOLD ARCHAEOLOGY JOB SPECIFICATION
Post Title: Project Supervisor
Responsible to: Project Manager or Senior Project/Project Officer
Responsible for: Archaeologists and Trainees
Purpose: To lead specified fieldwork projects, ensuring performance targets are met (or exceeded), and assuring the quality of archaeological recording and understanding. To assist in the supervision of larger/more complex projects led by a Senior Project/Project Officer.

Main Activities:

1. Deliver own fieldwork projects to time, budget, quality and health and safety requirements.
2. Assist the Senior Project/Project Officer with the supervision of larger fieldwork projects, and deputise for Senior Project/Project Officer where appropriate.
3. Assist in the development of Archaeologists and Trainees through regular performance reviews and constructive feedback, providing appropriate tool-box talks and coaching.
4. Assure the quality of archaeological understanding and site records, and oversee the compilation of archaeological archives to required standards (assist the Senior Project/Project Officer in these tasks on larger projects).
5. Author typescript fieldwork reports efficiently and accurately.
6. Monitor and provide regular reports to Project Manager/Senior Project/Project Officer on project progress (budgetary and archaeological), logistical, staff and health and safety issues, and to maintain appropriate liaison with clients, Local Government officers, and contractors.
7. Ensure accurate maintenance of appropriate administrative records, including timesheets and plant and labour returns.
8. Ensure effective deployment, maintenance and care of vehicles, plant and equipment, and maintain/provide accurate records ensuring accidents, damage and malfunctions are reported promptly and appropriately.
9. Ensure fieldwork is carried out in accordance with the CA Health and Safety policy, and to prepare Risk Assessments and other relevant documentation.
10. Assist Project Managers in pre-project planning and preparation including undertaking the preparation of written schemes of investigation, trench plans, obtaining service information, notifying utility companies prior to excavation and making appropriate contact with landowners and agents and other relevant parties.
11. Contribute to departmental processes and working practices via Learning Reports, feedback to Committee Representatives and/or project leaders, and discussion at performance reviews.
12. Actively promote, and develop a greater public awareness and appreciation of the work of CA through displays, publications, contributions to the website, media liaison, lectures etc.
13. Carry out any other duties commensurate with responsibilities as CA may determine from time to time.

Personal Specification:

Essential:

1. Sound knowledge of archaeological practice, including a general familiarity with the archaeology of Britain at all periods.
2. Experience of the supervision of small to medium-sized fieldwork projects (including evaluations and excavations).
3. The ability to author typescript fieldwork reports efficiently and accurately.
4. The ability to organise, motivate, train, appraise and direct staff.
5. Good working knowledge of all relevant Health and Safety requirements, and other relevant legislation.
6. The ability to communicate efficiently and courteously with sponsors and clients of CA, officers of other bodies and members of the public.
7. Administrative ability in the keeping of accurate records and accounts and the submission of reports.
8. A full manual driving licence.
9. Basic competence in MS Word, and other software such as MS Access and Excel.
10. Competent in carrying out first aid.

Desirable:

1. Demonstrable potential to undertake stratigraphic analysis and contribute to post-excavation analysis and reporting.
2. Survey skills, including ability to operate Leica GPS/TST, and basic knowledge and understanding of CAD.
3. Experience of driving 4x4 vehicles, vans and minibuses.
4. Membership of the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists.