Apprentice Archaeological Fieldwork Technician

Summary

The opportunity to try out many elements of archaeology whilst working in the field. You will get to investigate, record, manage and conserve aspects of historic sites by assisting with general excavation, recording and post-excavation processing all under the supervision of a supporting colleague within a professional team.

Annual wage

£26,905 a year

Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Inclusive of London allowance.

Training course

Archaeological technician (level 3)

Hours

Monday to Friday 8am till 4pm. 7.5 hours per day, excluding half hour lunchbreak and excluding travel time to and from site.

37 hours a week

Possible start date

Monday 4 November

Duration

1 Year 6 Months

Positions available

2

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

To identify archaeological features and deposits and carry out excavation using appropriate methods and tools
To record features/deposits to the standardised system including description, measurement and interpretation
To record through measured drawing, photography and digital survey archaeological deposits
To handle and collect bulk artefacts and samples, with correct care and labelling
To process bulk artefacts and samples

Where you’ll work

2 Chapel Place

Portslade

Brighton

East Sussex

BN41 1DR

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

Although the majority of training will be with the employer, there will be attendance required on Teams with Cirencester College (Fridays).

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

Maths and English (grade 4 or above)

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
Organisation skills
Problem solving skills
Analytical skills
Logical
Team working
Physical fitness
Time keeping

Other requirements

Valid driving licence would be beneficial. You will have an interest in British archaeology and the historic environment. Work may take place in rural locations and will be predominately based outdoors in all weathers, year-round. Work is physically demanding. Must be based locally to main office (Portslade) or West Sussex (between Brighton and Chichester) Travel to sites will be required from base in Portslade. Willingness to undertake stayaway work Cirencester College reserves the right to close this vacancy before the stated deadline once sufficient applications have been received

About this company

Archaeology South-East (ASE) is part of the UCL Institute of Archaeology. It is responsible for the delivery of a comprehensive range of professionally accredited applied archaeological services, providing an interface between the academic activities of the Institute and other communities of interest. The UCL Institute of Archaeology is the largest university-based archaeological institution in Britain, with more than 600 students, from many different countries, age groups and backgrounds, and more than 70 academic and administrative staff. ASE handles hundreds of research and project commissions every year. Much of this work is development-led archaeology, taking place on construction sites within southern and eastern England, with staff working from offices at Portslade (near Brighton, East Sussex) and Witham (near Colchester, Essex), and on the London UCL Bloombsury campus. This body of professional research is used to contribute to UCL teaching and ASE also provides training and opportunities to gain practical experience to UCL students.

http://www.ucl.ac.uk/archaeology-south-east/ (opens in new tab)

After this apprenticeship

Potential progression with Archaeology South-East will be considered, following successful completion of the apprenticeship.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

CIRENCESTER COLLEGE

Samantha Clacher

ase-hr@ucl.ac.uk

01273 426830

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000280408.

Apply now

Closes in 16 days (Monday 21 October at 11:59pm)

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