Environmental Archaeologist - Oxford

Oxford Archaeology is one of the largest independent archaeological practices in Europe. Our size and reputation ensure that we work on the most exciting and varied projects and can offer real opportunities for long-term employment and career development. We have offices in Oxford, Cambridge and Lancaster, and are a registered heritage charity.

We wish to appoint an Environmental Archaeologist to join our team in the Oxford office and assist in the processing of soil samples and the washing of finds. The position would suit someone with some prior archaeological experience, and an interest in developing skills in environmental archaeology. The job will entail recording and processing a range of sample types and finds from different burial environments, using specific techniques, including flotation of bulk soil samples for the recovery of plant macrofossils, artefacts and bones, including human remains. While the position will be largely office-based there may be some requirement to undertake archaeological fieldwork, other office-based tasks, to make deliveries to specialists, and/or process samples on-site. There would be opportunities available to expand your environmental and finds identification skills, and there may also be opportunities to be involved with public engagement.

Position requirements

Demonstrable interest in environmental archaeology, sample processing and finds washing. This role involves repetitive manual tasks and manual handling, on a daily basis, both outdoors and indoors. The successful candidate should be well organized and capable of working both independently and as part of a wider team. A degree in archaeology, archaeological science, or another related discipline, will be highly advantageous, as will be the ability to drive.

Employee benefits:

• Competitive, constantly benchmarked salary of £27,766. Appointments will be made on the basis of previous experience, subject to a six month probation period.
• A company pension scheme with 6% employer contributions. Employees with 10 years of employment or in project management roles gain access to Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), which is one of the few remaining defined benefit schemes in the UK.
• We offer many other opportunities for career progression including placements and specialist training in all areas of the business, including finds, environmental, archives, post-excavation, burials, community engagement, heritage management, historic buildings, geomatics, geoarchaeology and contracts.
• 21-24 days' holiday (depending on length of service) with 3 additional concessionary days at Christmas plus Bank Holidays.
• Subsistence payment of £23.50 per night (tax free) and free, single room accommodation (usually B&B or self-catering) for away-based projects.
• 37.5-hour (basic) week with optional paid overtime at time and a half for hours in-excess of 37.5 hours Monday-Friday and on Saturdays, and double time on Sundays and bank holidays.
• Paid travel time for journeys to site that take longer than one hour from the office and free transport from regional offices to sites.
• Free high quality personal protective equipment (inc. full breathable waterproofs, fleece etc).
• Comprehensive care for employee welfare through a number of policies, including: the AXA Health Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) Premier, generous paid sick leave, a network of mental health first aiders, and personal accident insurance.
• Annual driver's allowance of £520 for approved drivers (pro-rata) in addition to paid overtime for driving.
• We pay 100% of CIfA subscription fees.
• Cycle to work scheme.

If you would like to be part of a respected and established organisation, please apply by completing an application form:

OXFORD ARCHAEOLOGY APPLICATION FOR EMPLOYMENT FORM

Welcome to Oxford Archaeology online job application form. Please complete all relevant sections of this form as accurately as possible.

Thank you and good luck!

If you'd rather complete an application form by hand, you can print one from here and then post it to us.

Please submit a CV and covering letter with your application.

Closing Date: 20th July 2025

Oxford Archaeology is an Equal Opportunities employer. All applications are judged on the relevant skills and experience of the candidate, and not by gender, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, belief, age, nationality (other than where work permits may be required), or ethnicity. You must meet the requirements to live and work in the UK, as set out by UK Visa and Immigration - see

Registered Charity No. 285627; Company Registration No.