Senior Project Officer – Fieldwork (Needham Market)

About the role

The Senior Project Officer will lead the archaeological direction and site management of Cotswold Archaeology’s most prestigious fieldwork projects, ensuring performance targets are met and the quality of recording is upheld.

Key responsibilities

• Lead on‑site delivery of projects, managing time, budget, quality and health & safety requirements.
• Supervise and develop staff, providing training, coaching and performance feedback.
• Assure archaeological understanding and oversee compilation of archives to required standards.
• Author reports to publication standard and provide regular progress updates to Project Managers.
• Maintain accurate administrative records, including timesheets, plant and allocation sheets.

Required profile

• Extensive knowledge of archaeological practice across all British periods.
• Proven experience supervising large fieldwork and desk‑based projects.
• Strong understanding of commercial archaeology budgets, timescales and business needs.
• Ability to write reports to publication standard and communicate with clients, local authorities and contractors.
• Good working knowledge of health and safety legislation and the ability to prepare risk assessments.

Required skills

• Archaeological practice
• Fieldwork supervision
• Budget management
• Report writing
• Health and safety compliance
• Valid driving licence

What we offer

• Salary £41,075 – £43,792 per year (dependent on experience).
• Defined pension scheme and life assurance.
• 31 days annual leave (including bank holidays) with accrual of additional lieu time.
• Accommodation and subsistence payments for away projects.
• Paid CIfA membership subscription and personal protective equipment.
• Employee Assistance Programme and mental health support.