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 range of projects and can offer real opportunities for long term employment and career development.
Due to an expanding work programme Oxford Archaeology are looking to employ additional geoarchaeologists at a range of levels to work on a diverse and exciting portfolio of projects. You will be working within a team of highly qualified specialists from a range of disciplines, committed to promoting a holistic and integrated approach to archaeological, palaeoenvironmental and landscape investigation. OA are committed to inclusivity and collaboration, working cross-sector with both commercial and academic partners, and have a reputation for quality, innovation, and digital enterprise.
We welcome applications from candidates wishing to work out of any of our three offices in Lancaster, Oxford or Cambridge. Operating across the UK, with its diverse and unique cultural and natural landscapes, OA recognises the value of regional expertise and skill.
The activities, level of work and responsibilities will be dependent on experience and individual specialisms, but typically include desk-based assessments and deposit modelling, borehole, auger and test pit surveys, site visits and sampling during evaluation trenching and excavations, as well as post-excavation lab assessment, analysis and reporting for publication. Integration and analysis of data using geological modelling software (Rockworks) and GIS, alongside OA’s WebMap and Digital Recording System, is an important aspect of our work. OA is committed to staff development, offering long-term career progression through in-house training and mentorship.
Geoarchaeologists (£25,095-£32,928)
We are looking to appoint experienced geoarchaeologists at either Supervisor or Project Officer grade. The role is both field (including ‘away based’ sites) and office based, and will primarily involve carrying out and supervising auger, borehole and test pit surveys, geotechnical watching briefs and sampling during evaluations and excavations. Contributions to project designs, the production of deposit models, assessment, analysis and reporting will be dependent on experience. Training, including the various software packages, will be provided by our in-house specialists. Geoarchaeologists typically work under the guidance and direction of a Senior Geoarchaeologist.
Essential
- Practical experience of geoarchaeological fieldwork within the UK (minimum of 2 years);
- Knowledge and understanding of the application of geoarchaeological strategies to site prospection and evaluation along with relevant industry guidance;
- Experience of borehole and auger surveys and watching briefs on GI works;
- Practical experience of a range of geoarchaeological field and lab methods including detailed sediment recording and interpretation;
- Experience of supervising teams in the field, working according to WSIs and associated Health and Safety documentation, under the direction of a Senior Geoarchaeologist and/or Project Manager.
- Demonstrable IT aptitude and report writing skills;
- Excellent time management and problem-solving skills. The ability to take responsibility and successfully work to project deadlines and budgets.
- A full driving licence and the ability to drive OA company vehicles,
- A current CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) card.
Desirable
- A post graduate qualification in geoarchaeology or related earth science discipline
- Practical experience of deposit modelling and the use of related software such as Rockworks and GIS
- Specialist skills or experience beyond geoarchaeology, including contributions to DBAs, WSIs, RAMS, archaeological fieldwork or PX.
Senior Geoarchaeologist (£34,596- £44,285)
We are also looking to appoint a senior geoarchaeological specialist to join the team. The successful candidate will ideally take a role designing strategies and overseeing the implementation of geoarchaeological investigations on some of our larger, more complex projects. We are looking for individuals with advanced skills in desk-based assessment and deposit modelling and substantial experience of directing mixed-method field surveys with subsequent reporting, although candidates with other geoarchaeological or earth-science related specialisms wishing to diversify will also be considered. This includes those with a background in Palaeolithic, marine or intertidal archaeology, or hydrogeological modelling.
The role is primarily office-based, although arrangements for hybrid working and flexible hours will be considered. There will be a requirement to make site visits, with occasional overnight stays on ‘away jobs’. Senior geoarchaeologists typically work autonomously, in collaboration with OA’s Geoarchaeological Lead and Senior Project Managers, in accordance with the company’s policies and procedures.
Position requirements
Essential
- Highly developed knowledge, understanding and experience of geoarchaeological practice within the UK including the application of staged mixed-method approaches to site investigation;
- A thorough knowledge of planning process and relevant industry guidance, including that produced by CIFA and Historic England;
- A post graduate qualification in geoarchaeology or related earth science discipline;
- Demonstrable research skills and a publication record;
- Experience designing geoarchaeological investigative strategies, producing assessment and analysis reports;
- In depth knowledge and practical experience of a range of geoarchaeological field and lab methods including detailed sediment recording and interpretation, borehole, test pitting and auger surveys;
- IT aptitude and competence using a range of software packages relevant to geoarchaeological investigation;
- Experience working independently and collaboratively with colleagues, contractors, clients and other project stakeholders;
- Strong communication skills, with an understanding of workplace equality and diversity and the ability to lead teams inclusively.
- Excellent time management and problem-solving skills. The ability to take responsibility and successfully work to project deadlines and budgets.
- A full driving licence and the ability to drive OA company vehicles,
- A current CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) card.
Desirable
- Demonstrable experience of costing, designing, and producing desk-based assessments and deposit models for large-scale projects and managing programmes
- Competent ability with Rockworks and GIS software.
- Experience with integrating borehole data with remote sensing and geophysical survey eg. electromagnetic techniques, ground penetrating radar and LiDAR
- Experience of integrating palaeoenvironmental proxy data and scientific dating results into geoarchaeological deposit models.
- Additional specialist skills in a sub-discipline of geoarchaeology, environmental archaeology or artefactual analysis.
- Archaeological experience beyond geoarchaeology, including production of DBAs, EIAs, WSIs, RAMS, fieldwork or PX analysis and/or management,
- Enthusiasm for promoting geoarchaeological approaches to site evaluation within the wider archaeological sector and an active involvement in the research community.
- Experience of hydrological modelling that may be applied to assessment and monitoring of wetland burial environments
- Experience of working on Pleistocene/Palaeolithic sequences
Applicants should be members, or eligible for membership, of the CIfA at the appropriate level. In return, we offer an exciting range of employee benefits.
Employee benefits:
- Competitive salary range £25,095 to £44,285: appointments will be made on the basis of demonstrated ability, previous experience and CIfA membership if appropriate.
- Up to 35 days holiday (including statutory holidays and concessionary days at Christmas).
- Company pension scheme.
- Training including placements, and opportunities for career progression.
- 100% of CIfA subscription fees.
- Free transport from regional offices to sites.
- High quality personal protective equipment (inc. breathable waterproofs, fleeces etc).
- Subsistence payment (£20 per night) and free accommodation (B and B / self -catering) provided for away-based projects. No sharing – single rooms only.
- Overtime will be paid for additional hours worked including travelling time where you are the ‘responsible person’ or driver.
- Cycle to work scheme.
*Subject to completion of a six-month probationary period
If you would like to discuss the role and opportunities on offer please contact in complete confidence Liz Stafford, liz.stafford@oxfordarchaeology.com or 07584501532.
If you would like to join the team responsible for some of the most exciting archaeological projects in the UK and be part of a respected and established organisation at the forefront of British archaeology please apply by clicking ‘Apply Now’
Please attach a CV and covering letter with your application. Interviews will take place either on Teams, or at Janus House, Oxford, OX2 0ES, in the week commencing 18th July (date TBC).
Closing Date: 11th July 2022
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 by UK Visas and Immigration.
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