Apprentice Project Archaeologist

Summary

An exciting role, assisting in the excavation and recording of a range of archaeological features. You will become a key part of the excavation team and will experience a range of archaeological sites. You may be required to also carry out some post-excavation tasks.

Wage

£17,250 a year

Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

(to be reviewed by April 2025)

Training course

Archaeological technician (level 3)

Hours

Monday- Friday 8am-4.30pm (plus travel to and from site) with 2 half-hour breaks, or 9am-5pm when in the office with one hour lunch.

37 hours 30 minutes a week

Possible start date

Monday 31 March

Duration

2 years

Positions available

1

Work

As an apprentice, you’ll work at a company and get hands-on experience. You’ll gain new skills and work alongside experienced staff.

What you’ll do at work

Careful excavation and sampling of archaeological features
Accurate recording of excavated features inclusive of photography, measured drawings and completion of digital context sheets and archives
The careful collection and accurate labelling of archaeological material
Occasional post-excavation work which may include the cleaning and packaging of finds, processing of environmental samples or archiving site records

Sites are predominately located in Yorkshire (MAPS’s office is in Malton, North Yorkshire) but we work on projects UK-wide. We currently only provide accommodation for away work, any successful applicant will need to reside within a commutable distance of Malton. MAP have a fleet of vehicles which is used to transport staff to sites and there is often a pool car in areas such as York and the East Riding of Yorkshire (dependant on the location and staffing of sites). You may, occasionally, be required to assist in post-excavation tasks which is a great way to see the wider archaeological process and we are more than happy for staff to read any reports we produce.

We start work at 8am on sites (TOIL can be accrued for any commute over 1 hour) and we work till 4.30 with 2 half-hour breaks during the day. We currently have a range of exciting sites ranging from late prehistoric and Roman settlement sites, to medieval urban sites.

Where you’ll work

Unit 11, 8 Showfield Lane

Malton

YO17 6BT

Training

An apprenticeship includes regular training with a college or other training organisation. At least 20% of your working hours will be spent training or studying.

College or training organisation

CIRENCESTER COLLEGE

Your training course

Archaeological technician (level 3)

Equal to A level

Course contents

Apply an awareness of professional judgement and ethical behaviour.
Research and assimilate appropriate background information, including that from project specific Written Schemes of Investigation, archaeological archives and reports, aerial photographic collections, LiDAR data, and geophysical and topographic surveys and local and national listings.
Catalogue data recovered from archaeological excavations, including environmental and geological samples, artefacts and ecofacts.
Maintain their own safety, and that of others, by adhering to all applicable Health and Safety rules, policies and procedures.
Recognise and report risks in order to reduce the risk of incidents.
Conduct work in line with Employer’s and industry procedures and standards, specifically the CIfA Standards and Guidance for Archaeological Excavation, Watching Brief, Evaluation and Archives.
Establish the requirements upon them for forthcoming projects, including timescales, deadlines, work locations and supervisors.
Estimate resources and select appropriate equipment, including hand tools, survey, recording and measuring equipment, and artefact sampling, collection packaging, labelling and processing equipment.
Investigate and understand archaeological sites and heritage assets.
Recognise and be able to appropriately package and preserve fragile material evidence of past communities.
Compile catalogues and databases of archaeological context records, samples and finds.
Contribute to the preparation of archaeological site archives and materials for museum deposition.
Carry out work both indoors and outdoors in variable weather conditions, all year round.
Identify information required to achieve research objectives, for instance reference to project specific Written Schemes of Investigation for archaeological strategies, and to appropriate published regional, period or subject research agendas.
Follow correct procedures to access and use information, including Employer’s technical manuals, GIS systems and databases.
Validate/evaluate accuracy of information, including proof reading of data entry and reports.
Categorise and classify data appropriately, including creation of databases and stratigraphic matrices for archaeological excavations.
Present and report data using field records in appropriate form for various audiences, including plans, sections, pro-forma context recording sheets and databases.
Contribute to advances in the body of knowledge and Historic Environment Practice.
Commit to continuous improvement and personal development.

Your training plan

Archaeological Technician Apprenticeship Level 3
Training schedule has yet to be agreed. Details will be made available
Functional Skills in English and maths if required
at a later date

Requirements

Desirable qualifications

GCSE or equivalent in:

Maths & English (grade 4)

Let the company know about other relevant qualifications and industry experience you have. They can adjust the apprenticeship to reflect what you already know.

Skills

Communication skills
IT skills
Attention to detail
Organisation skills
Problem solving skills
Logical
Team working
Initiative
Non judgemental
Physical fitness

Other requirements

The work is based outside, and we work in all weather conditions and in all seasons. The role is very physically demanding. Driving Licence required, a willingness to work away from home and a genuine interest in archaeology

About this company

MAP Archaeological Practice Ltd is one of the leading Independent Archaeological Contractors and Heritage Consultants in the North of England.

https://www.maparchltd.co.uk/ (opens in new tab)

After this apprenticeship

The vast majority of staff at MAP have progressed within the company and there is scope for this to happen following the successful completion of the apprenticeship. We encourage staff to take ownership of their careers and support internal progression.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

CIRENCESTER COLLEGE

apprenticeships@cirencester.ac.uk

01285 626259

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000299231.

Apply now

Closes in 16 days (Friday 28 February at 11:59pm)

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