Trainee Archaeologist

Working week: Monday to Friday, 37.5 – 40 hours a week (usually 8am – 4pm)

Duration: 6 months +

Start: Late August 2023

If you’ve ever thought about a career in archaeology, or are looking for a new job where you get to work outdoors using a mix of technical knowledge and practical skills, then MOLA has the perfect opportunity for you.

We are looking for Trainee Archaeologists to join our Northampton team to work on a major project in the Cambridgeshire/Bedfordshire region. No experience in archaeology is required – we teach you everything you need to know on an award-winning and industry approved programme.

ABOUT THE PROGRAMME

Archaeology is all about understanding the past through the physical evidence left behind. On this programme you’ll spend time with dedicated, experienced Trainers, learning how to work as a professional archaeologist. You will:

• Learn what archaeology is, the types of things we find, and what they mean
• Use hand tools to dig on site
• Describe, draw and photograph your work
• Collect objects (artefacts) and soil samples
• Learn about the stages of a project
• Create a portfolio of work to demonstrate your skills

Training is delivered in a mix of classroom sessions and on-site practical work, on MOLA’s commercial projects. There is a formal assessment at the end of the programme to ensure you have the skills and knowledge to work as an archaeologist, and you will need to complete some coursework in order to pass.

More information can be found in the attached Candidate Information Pack.

DESIRED SKILLS AND PERSONAL QUALITIES

During the recruitment process we are not assessing how much you already know about history or archaeology. We are instead looking for people who are:

• Interested in history or archaeology
• Hardworking team players, with a positive attitude
• Willing to work outdoors in all weather
• Able to drive in the UK (desirable, but not essential)

If you have a degree in archaeology or a closely-related subject, this programme is not suited to you as it’s introductory and aimed at people with no archaeological experience or qualification. You should instead consider applying for our Graduate programme when it is next advertised – please visit our Early Careers page for more information.

KEY BENEFITS

• Being part of some of the UK’s biggest projects, making significant archaeological discoveries
• Trained on an award-winning and industry approved programme
• Health and safety certifications
• A portfolio of work to demonstrate your experience
• Generous annual leave allowance, healthcare cash plan, and free entry to 900 museums and galleries in the UK

FUTURE PROSPECTS

At the end of the programme, you will have the skills and experience needed to apply to join the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists and work as a professional field archaeologist - MOLA hopes to offer as many people as possible a job upon completion. Other longer-term career paths this scheme could introduce you to include heritage consultant, archivist, community engagement specialist, and fieldwork specialist (eg recording historic buildings).

To find out more about the programme, please visit our Early Careers page or download the Candidate Information Pack below. Any specific enquiries should be sent to training@mola.org.uk where one of our team will get back to you as soon as they can.

HOW TO APPLY

You can apply via our recruitment portal on the MOLA website.

For full details of the required competencies and experience, please download the Job Description and Personal Specification.

The closing date for applications is 23:59 on Tuesday 11th July 2023.

All applicants must have the right to work in the UK without restrictions. Proof of eligibility will be required prior to commencement.

MOLA promotes diversity and equality of opportunity at all levels, and welcomes applications from people regardless of sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, age, or religion or belief.

MOLA is an experienced and innovative archaeology practice. We have been providing independent, professional heritage advice and services for over 40 years across the UK and internationally on schemes both large and small. Our commercial services are designed to help our development, infrastructure and construction sector clients to meet their planning process requirements swiftly and expertly, with the certainty and value they need.

As an education charity our aim is to inspire people to be curious about their heritage. We are proud of our award-winning community engagement and education programmes, which are founded on partnership and participation. As an Independent Research Organisation, we set out to share the knowledge and information we generate with the widest audience possible for the benefit of society. The research we conduct as part of the planning and development process takes place alongside our own research framework.