Apprentice Fieldwork Archaeologist
C F A Archaeology Limited · Leeds · posted 20 July 2026
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You will work closely with a mentor contributing as part of a team to the investigation of archaeological remains on various sites. The work is mainly outdoors, in all weather conditions. Applicants should be aware of the physical nature of the role and must be willing and able to work outside in cold, wet, or hot conditions.
Initially, you will be working on various sites where you will learn the basics of the job and acquire an understanding of health, safety and the environment. You will learn to manually excavate both small and large archaeological features using hand tools; trowels, shovels, and mattocks.
You will also learn to interpret and record archaeological features using a range of techniques, including photography, context recording and survey drawings.
As well as contributing to site excavations, you will have the opportunity to learn how archaeological finds are processed and interpreted. You will work with our post-excavation team to help process and identify different types of finds.
After your onboarding (at our Leeds office) you will mostly be working away on various projects before going on to a large infrastructure project in Essex where you will be working with a large field team.
Due to the various locations of our projects, it is essential that you are able to travel to our Leeds office and are flexible to work on away jobs. A driving licence is essential and access to your own transport desirable. You will be provided with accommodation and may have the option of staying over weekends. If you are provided with self-catering accommodation, then you will be paid subsistence at the standard rate.
Your training
- Archaeological Technician Level 3
- Cirencester College
Whilst most of the training will take place with the employer, you will be required to attend college classes remotely on Friday mornings during term.
You may also have the opportunity to attend a field trip with the college during your apprenticeship.
Where it leads
Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship, candidates will be offered a full-time contract as a fieldwork archaeologist with CFA Archaeology (contingent on projects being available).
Opportunities to move into other departments may be possible, subject to roles becoming available.
About C F A Archaeology Limited
CFA Archaeology grew out of an established unit within Edinburgh University’s Department of Archaeology, becoming a separate Ltd company in 2000. Over the intervening years, CFA has grown to become one of the leading archaeological practices in the UK, operating out of four thriving offices running up the spine of the country. Although CFA has developed and grown, we have not lost sight of where we came from. We still seek out interesting and exciting archaeology and there is still that small-team ethic of co-operation and a sociable working atmosphere. Many of our staff have grown with us and we have learned to invest in our staff so that they have the training and confidence they need to progress and be rewarded with the opportunities they deserve. You will join a friendly but professionally focussed and forward-looking team, who strives to work together, supporting and encouraging each other to rise to all challenges.
Things to consider
Candidates must be willing to work in rural locations, away from home, living in shared accommodation (note you will have your own room). A subsistence payment of £23.50 per night will be given to contribute to food etc. The role is physically demanding, using tools to manually excavate potentially large archaeological features, so candidates need to be physically able. Necessary tools, equipment and PPE will be provided. Interviews will take place in August 2026. No previous skills or experience in archaeology are required, making this ideal for career changers, but an enthusiasm for the subject is essential. A valid Driving Licence is essential. Cirencester College reserves the right to close the vacancy once sufficient applications have been received.
Skills they're looking for
Entry requirements
- GCSE English (grade C / 4) — desired
- GCSE Maths (grade C / 4) — desired
Where you'll work
- Clayton Business Centre, Midland Road, Leeds, LS10 2RJ
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