Trainee Archaeologist

LLOYD'S REGISTER INTERNATIONAL; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme

Life insurance

CIfA membership

Sick pay

Accommodation & subsistence

PPE

Job summary

Cotswold Archaeology is seeking a Trainee Archaeologist for Milton Keynes on a six-month FTC, offering a structured training programme across excavation, recording and sampling. A recent graduate or someone with applicable interest can apply, with exposure to multiple periods and fieldwork tasks.

The role includes on-site fieldwork, away work, and professional development through the trainee log, with responsibilities spanning site records, artefact handling, and environmental sampling.

Qualifications

• Broad knowledge of archaeological periods, monuments and practice gained from a degree or equivalent.
• Able to undertake physically demanding outdoor work in varied weather conditions.
• Willingness to undertake away work and travel for projects.
• Eagerness to learn all aspects of professional archaeological practice.
• Good attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines.
• Administrative ability to keep records and document work.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the successful and safe conduct of fieldwork projects in accordance with CA procedures and industry standards.
• Contribute to the compilation of archaeological site records using pro-forma recording sheets and registers.
• Assist with artefact and environmental sample processing as required.
• Carry out manual excavation of features with a wide variety of tools.
• Demonstrate a broad knowledge of archaeological periods and practice.
• Work towards own development using trainee log.
• Interact courteously with fellow staff, clients of CA, officers of other bodies and members of the public.

Skills

Archaeology knowledge

Physical endurance

Away work willingness

Learning mindset

Attention to detail

Deadline driven

Records admin skills

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent in archaeology

Job description

Trainee Archaeologist - MILTON KEYNES

Department

Fieldwork

Employment Type

Full Time - FTC

Minimum Experience

Entry-level

Compensation

£27,278

What we offer

• Defined contribution pension scheme
• Life insurance scheme
• Paid CIfA membership subscription (following qualifying period)
• Company sick pay - prorated for the duration of contract.
• Overnight accommodation and subsistence when working on away projects.
• Personal protective equipment

The Details

Trainee Archaeologists

Milton Keynes

Salary £27,278

Fixed-term (six-month) contracts available, with immediate start dates.

Like many of those that join our award-winning trainee archaeologist program you might be a recent graduate with a degree or masters in a relevant subject; you may have graduated some time ago but never realised your ambitions to enter the profession; or you may have no formal archaeology related qualifications but your passion and interest in the subject is attracting you to developing a career in the sector.

For a candidate without a formal degree, we would expect to see:

• Exposure to a range of archaeological periods (e.g. prehistoric, Roman, medieval etc.)
• Experience on multiple site types and contexts (urban, rural, eval etc.)
• An understanding of core excavation methods including excavation methods, stratigraphy, recording and post-excavation
• Evidence of working in varied outdoor conditions, which is part of the day-to-day realities of archaeological fieldwork.

Our trainee programme has been developed with the flexibility to accommodate a broad spectrum of educational ability and work experience. The training includes all the core skills required to be effective as an Archaeologist including excavation, drawing, photography and sampling.

Closing date: Applications need to be submitted by 5pm Wednesday 30th September 2026

[e-mail]

Job Description

Role: Trainee Archaeologist Pay Scale: Scp 8

Department: Fieldwork Location: Milton Keynes

Reports to: Archaeological Trainer

Purpose of role

To assist in the successful and safe conduct of fieldwork projects, including archaeological surveys, surface collection programmes, evaluations and excavations, in accordance with CA procedures and recognised industry standards

Main duties and responsibilities

Assist in the successful and safe conduct of fieldwork projects in accordance with CA procedures and industry standards

Contribute to the compilation of archaeological site records using pro-forma recording sheets and registers in accordance with CA procedures.

Assist with artefact and environmental sample processing as required.

Carry out manual excavation of features with a wide variety of tools.

Demonstrate a broad knowledge of archaeological periods and practice.

Work towards own development using trainee log.

The ability to deal courteously with fellow staff, clients of CA, officers of other bodies and members of the public.

Personal specification

Essential

• Broad knowledge of archaeological periods, monuments and practice gained from a degree standard, or equivalent, qualification.
• Capable of carrying out physically demanding outdoor work in a wide variety of weather conditions, including undertaking manual excavation tasks using hand tools.
• Able and willing to undertake away work
• The willingness, enthusiasm and drive to learn about all aspects of professional archaeological practice, and to develop new skills.
• Good attention to detail.
• Ability to work to deadlines.
• Administrative ability in the keeping of records.
• The ability to deal courteously with fellow staff, clients of CA, officers of other bodies and members of the public.

Desirable

• Full manual driving licence and willingness to drive company vehicles (4x4’s, Transit vans)

Location

Milton Keynes

Department

Fieldwork

Employment Type

Full Time - FTC

Minimum Experience

Entry-level

Compensation

£27,278