"Project Officer - Grade I (Permanent, Internal Applicants only)"

The Cambridge Archaeological Unit (CAU) which is part of the Department of Archaeology is inviting applications from internal applicants for the role of Project Officer (Grade I). The CAU is undertaking archaeological investigations on a range of excavations, evaluations and surveys throughout East Anglia. Confirmed sites include prehistoric landscapes, Iron Age and Roman settlements and various urban sites.

The role of Project Officer is to direct medium and large-scale archaeological projects and teams, including landscape evaluations and large open area excavations. Project Officers are expected to take projects from fieldwork through to post excavation assessment, analysis and publication, ensuring that they are completed to a high standard in accordance with various national and regional guidelines.

The Project Officer is expected to be aware of the settings and landscape within which their assigned projects are situated. They will be able to manage large teams on site and are responsible for implementing day-to-day health and safety requirements, ensuring that a safe working environment is maintained. The Project Officer should perform all duties in a resource-efficient way, minimising impacts to the environment wherever possible and following the University's Environment & Sustainability guidelines and policy.

The CAU has two Project Officer (Grade I) posts available for internal applicants.

Requirements:

• Educated to degree level in Archaeology. A related subject will only be considered if the candidate has significant practical onsite excavation experience. This will be determined by the University.
• Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of British Archaeology and have a strong aptitude for archaeological fieldwork in the commercial sector. Practical fieldwork and environmental processing experience essential.
• Demonstrate a clear understanding of fieldwork process and phases, with demonstrable experience of directing field teams on a range of projects.
• Demonstrate a clear understanding of post-excavation processes and phases, with experience of post-excavation analysis and report writing.
• Have a clear understanding of Health and Safety requirements relating to fieldwork practice and the responsibilities that entails.
• Have a clean UK/ EU driving licence.
• Have a valid CIfA membership, First Aid at Work, SSSTS, Manual handling qualification, Pipe & Cable detection training, Asbestos Awareness, Plant/ Vehicle Banksman or Marshaller would be an advantage.
• Exhibit a high degree of precision and accuracy.
• Be able to work to strict deadlines, demonstrate good time management & organisational skills and have the ability to prioritise tasks.
• Good IT skills, including using the Microsoft Office Suite. Aptitude for learning to use databases and other new software.
• Confident communicating and liaising with Clients, Planning Archaeologists, Managers, Senior Project Officers, Specialists, Surveyors, Finds, Graphics and Administration.
• Ability to direct and supervise staff with tact and diplomacy while maintaining staff confidentiality.

Please view the Further Particulars document to access the duties of the role, and essential and preferred role requirements.

The role is full-time and the role holder will ideally be in post by 13th October 2025.

Permanent: This post is permanent with ongoing funding. The post is subject to a 6-month probation period.

Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a health assessment.

Applications must consist of a CV and cover letter. Please include information regarding projects you have worked on focusing on archaeobotanical analysis, reports and publications you have worked on. Please include a full employment history.

The closing date will be 23.59 on 03 October 2025. Interviews will be held in person on 07 October 2025.

We particularly welcome applications from women and /or candidates from a BAME background for this vacancy as they are currently under-represented at this level in our department.

Informal enquiries should be directed to the Administration team (cauhr@arch.cam.ac.uk).

Please quote reference JD47344 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

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