Senior Project Officers - MILTON KEYNES

Cotswold Archaeology; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 39,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job description

SENIOR PROJECT OFFICERS

Location: Milton Keynes

Salary: £39,495 - £42,108 (Dependant on Experience)

Contract Type: Permanent

Cotswold Archaeology continues to grow as a sustainable and strong business, employing over 350 staff across 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 SPOs 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 award-winning training programmes provide support throughout all stages of your career, 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:

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 the 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.

If you are interested and would like to know more, we 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.

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.

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

COTSWOLD ARCHAEOLOGY

JOB SPECIFICATION

Post Title: Senior Project Officer

Responsible to: Project Manager

Responsible for: Project Supervisors, Archaeologists and Trainees

Purpose: To lead the archaeological direction and site management of Cotswold Archaeology‘s most prestigious fieldwork projects, with principal responsibility for ensuring performance targets are met (or exceeded), and for assuring the quality of archaeological recording and understanding.

Main Activities:

1. To be the lead officer on site responsible for managing the delivery of projects to time, budget, quality, and health and safety requirements.
2. To manage and develop staff, ensuring their continuous improvement in performance through initiating training, coaching, and improved practices.
3. To assure the quality of archaeological understanding and site records, and oversee the compilation of archaeological archives to required standards.
4. To author reports to publication standard.
5. To monitor and provide regular reports to Project Managers on project progress (budgetary and archaeological), logistical, staff, and health and safety issues, maintaining appropriate liaison with clients, Local Government officers, and contractors.
6. To ensure accurate maintenance of appropriate administrative records, including timesheets and plant and labour returns.
7. To ensure effective deployment and maintenance of vehicles, plant, and equipment, and maintain/provide accurate records.
8. To take lead responsibility for ensuring that projects are carried out in accordance with the CA Health and Safety policy, and to prepare risk assessments and other relevant documentation.
9. To 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.
10. To deputise for the Project Manager where appropriate.
11. To actively promote and develop greater public awareness and appreciation of the work of CA through displays, publications, media liaison, lectures, etc.
12. To carry out any other duties commensurate with responsibilities as CA may determine from time to time.

Personal Specification:

Essential:

1. Knowledge and expertise in archaeological practice, including a general familiarity with the archaeology of Britain at all periods.
2. Experience of the supervision of large fieldwork (including excavation) and desk-based projects.
3. Knowledge, awareness, and understanding of business needs, budgets, and timescales within commercial archaeology.
4. The ability to write reports to publication standard.
5. The ability to organise, motivate, train, appraise, and direct staff.
6. Good working knowledge of all relevant Health and Safety requirements and other relevant legislation.
7. The ability to communicate efficiently and courteously with sponsors and clients of CA, officers of other bodies, and members of the public.
8. Administrative ability in the keeping of records and accounts and the submission of reports.
9. A full manual driving licence is essential, as is the ability and willingness to drive company vehicles (4x4s, Transit Vans).
10. Word-processing and database skills.
11. Membership of the Chartered Institute of Archaeologists at least ACIFA.

Desirable:

1. In-depth knowledge or expertise in a particular archaeological period, site type, or subject (such as finds or environmental archaeology, survey, or GIS).
2. Demonstrable potential to write authoritative academic discussions for archaeological publications.
3. Survey skills, including the ability to operate Leica 1200 series GPS/TST, and basic knowledge and understanding of CAD.
4. Possession of a current and valid CSCS Health and Safety Card. However, CSCS training can be arranged for those who do not currently possess a valid card.