Student Placement Year – Archaeological Services at Durham University

Durham, England, United Kingdom -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

14 Jun, 26

Salary

23751.0

Posted On

16 Mar, 26

Experience

0 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Archaeological Excavation, Recording, Interpretation, Surveying, Fieldwork, Post-excavation work, Artefact processing, Palaeoenvironmental sample processing, Geophysical survey, Office duties, Health and safety compliance, Teamwork, Driving University vehicles

Industry

Higher Education

Description

The University At Durham University, we are proud of our people, because they are at the heart of our globally outstanding institution, which is a key part of our local community. We inspire our people to do extraordinary things and we invite you to join our fantastic team. Across the University, we have a huge variety of roles and responsibilities, which together make us one large and successful community. Whether you are at the very start, middle or end of your career, there is a role for you. We believe everyone has their own unique skills to offer. At the University we promote and actively champion equality, diversity and inclusion. It is crucial that everyone can be themselves and can flourish in an environment where everyone respects each other and is treated fairly. We want our people and wider community to feel happy, secure and proud to be a part of Durham. We are looking for the same values in you. We welcome and encourage applications from members of groups who are under-represented in our work force including people with disabilities, women and black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. For more information on our EDI strategy and values, click here The Role and Department Archaeological Services Durham University provides commercial heritage services to the development industry, primarily for housing, commercial property and infrastructure projects. Archaeological excavation is a major part of our work. This is an established placement year for a 2nd year undergraduate from an archaeological or archaeologically-related discipline to develop their skills and experience within the Archaeology Department’s Archaeological Services team. This placement year presents an ideal development opportunity for an individual wishing to pursue a career in archaeological fieldwork. During the placement, the post holder will obtain extensive experience and expertise in archaeological excavation, recording, interpretation and surveying, as practised professionally in the commercial archaeology sector. You will be working as part of our field teams on a variety of different sites, primarily in the North-East. Your place of work will vary between any of these sites, as well as at our offices (currently at Ushaw) and laboratories in the Archaeology Department. You will be expected to learn in practice the full range of skills associated with archaeological excavation, recording and surveying, and this will be facilitated through training and instruction from our established team, supplemented by appropriate inductions, training sessions and short courses. Your will be expected to work to deadlines, and to ensure that your work positively contributes to our outputs. Works will also as necessary include post-excavation work, the processing of artefacts and palaeoenvironmental samples, geophysical survey and other office duties. Work will be assigned on the basis of the requirements of Archaeological Services in relation to their projects, workload and development. The placement year starts on October 5th 2026 and is for a minimum of 40 weeks and a maximum of 46 weeks, the length to be proposed by the successful applicants. The role attracts a salary of £23,751 (subject to pay increase in 2026-67), plus 27 days holiday pro rata per annum (additional to bank holidays and 4 customary days at Christmas) and excellent benefits. For further information on the position or to arrange an informal discussion please contact: natalie.swann@durham.ac.uk Further information about the role and the responsibilities is at the bottom of this job description. Working at Durham A competitive salary is only one part of the many fantastic benefits you will receive if you join the University: you will also receive access to the following fantastic benefits: • 27 Days annual leave per year (in additional to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year), a total of 39 days. • No matter how you travel to work, we have you covered. We have parking across campus, a cycle to work scheme which helps you to buy a bike and discount with local bus and train companies. • Discounts via our benefits portal including; money off at supermarkets, high street retailers, IT products such as Apple, the cinema and days out at various attractions. • On site nursery is available and children’s clubs in the summer holidays. • Lots of support for health and wellbeing including discounted membership for our state of the art sport and gym facilities and access to a 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme. • The opportunity to take part in staff volunteering activities. • Family friendly policies, including maternity and adoption leave, which are among the most generous in the higher education sector (and likely above and beyond many employers) • If you are keen on advancing in your role or career, we have a genuine passion for developing our colleagues from qualifications, to IT skills, courses and apprenticeships. • Generous pension schemes. How to Apply To apply, please submit a CV and cover letter outlining how your skills and experience meet the person specification outlined below. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview and assessment, and to give presentations, in early May. At Durham University, our aim is to create an open and inclusive environment where everyone can reach their full potential and believe our staff should reflect the diversity of the global community in which we work. We welcome and encourage applications from members of groups who are under-represented in our workforce including people with disabilities, women, and black, Asian, and minority ethnic communities. We will update you about your application at various points throughout the selection process, via automated emails from our e-recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folder periodically to make sure you have not missed any of our updates. Who to contact for more information If you would like to have a chat or ask any questions about the role or if you are struggling to complete the application process, Natalie would be happy to speak to you: natalie.swann@durham.ac.uk Typical Role Requirements The purpose of the job is to provide practical experience and training in a commercial working environment based around archaeological excavation, and to facilitate the completion of projects to professional standards. The duties will comprise: Conducting the various aspects of archaeological excavation and evaluation, recording and surveying Where appropriate, assisting with the geophysical survey, watching briefs and building recording The processing of artefacts and palaeoenvironmental samples Receiving training and instruction in procedures and best practices in fieldwork, office work and laboratory work Conducting general office duties when required Attending formal training courses as required Complying with Archaeological Services health and safety policies Making a positive contribution to project teams Driving University vehicles where appropriate, including vans and landrovers The post holder will be line managed by a Senior Archaeologist who will be responsible for workload and development and will be working on a day-to-day basis with a variety of members of the Archaeological Services team. Please note that in submitting your application Durham University will be processing your data. We would ask you to consider the relevant University Privacy Statement Privacy Notices - Durham University which provides information on the collation, storing and use of data. When appointing to this role the University must ensure that it meets any applicable immigration requirements, including salary thresholds which are applicable to some visas. What you need to demonstrate when you apply When you apply it is important that you let us know what skills/experience you have from a similar role and/or what skills/experience you have which would make you right for this role including: Essential: Experience in archaeological fieldwork A demonstrable understanding of archaeological excavation processes Enthusiasm for practical engagement in archaeological excavation Experience of contributing positively to a team Ability to work outdoors in all weathers Ability to learn and develop skills by interaction with other team members Ability to respond positively to practical instruction and training Competency in engaging with practical tasks Desirable: A valid UK driving licence Experience in post-excavation works

Responsibilities

The primary duties involve conducting various aspects of archaeological excavation, evaluation, recording, and surveying, while also assisting with geophysical surveys and watching briefs as required. The role also includes post-excavation work such as processing artefacts and samples, attending training, and performing general office duties.