"Project Officer (Grade IV)(Permanent)"

The Cambridge Archaeological Unit (CAU) which is part of the Department of Archaeology is inviting applications for the role of Project Officer (Grade IV). 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 one Project Officer (Grade IV) post available.

Requirements:

• Educated to degree level in Archaeology or a closely related field. 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 expertise for archaeological fieldwork in the commercial sector.
• Demonstrate a clear understanding of all aspects of fieldwork practice and on-site sampling procedures, with demonstrable experience of directing large field teams on complex projects.
• Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of post-excavation processes, with experience of producing post-excavation reports for all types and scales of fieldwork project.
• Have a comprehensive understanding of Health and Safety requirements relating to fieldwork practice and the responsibilities that entails.
• Have a clean UK/ EU driving licence.
• Hold several of the following - a valid CIfA membership, First Aid at Work, SSSTS, Manual handling qualification, Pipe & Cable detection training, Asbestos Awareness, Plant/ Vehicle Banksman or Marshaller.
• Exhibit a high degree of precision and accuracy, with the ability to work independently.
• Be able to deliver fieldwork and post-excavation projects to strict deadlines, demonstrating good time management & organisational skills with 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 at communicating and liaising with Clients, Planning Archaeologists, Managers, Senior Project Officers, Specialists, Surveyors, Finds, Graphics and Administration.
• Ability to work effectively within a team, and lead designated tasks.
• Ability to direct and supervise staff with tact and diplomacy while maintaining staff confidentiality.
• Demonstrate a strong willingness to develop, and to assist others in CAU projects, as required.
• Understand & adhere to the University's equality, diversity, inclusion & dignity at work policies.
• Have significant supervisory experience in a British commercial archaeological organisation, with a track record of directing large, complex archaeological field projects.
• Have a track record of producing high-quality post-excavation reports for all types and scales of field project.
• Have demonstrable experience of producing or collaborating on archaeological publications.

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

Applications must consist of a CV and cover letter. Please include a full employment history. Particularly include information regarding projects you have directed and seen through all phases of analysis, report writing and publication.

The role is full-time and the role holder will ideally be in post by 1st December 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.

The closing date will be 23.59 on 08 October 2025. Interviews will be held in person on 14 October 2025.

Should candidates at any point wish to withdraw their application, please email the Administration team with your request (cauhr@arch.cam.ac.uk).

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

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

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

Please quote reference JD47370 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.