Project Archaeologists; Site Assistants

SLR are seeking Project Archaeologists (Site Assistants) full‑time permanent (37.5hrs/week) – casual positions also available – in the following office locations:
Birmingham, Bolton, Bury St Edmunds, Carlisle and Nottingham. Fieldwork is nationwide.

Our team has been providing expert archaeological and heritage services for over 25 years, during which time we have demonstrated our ability to provide commercially aware advice and effective delivery to a wide range of clients throughout the UK. Our post‑excavation hubs in Carlisle and Bury St Edmunds are home to our purpose‑built facilities, which provide finds analysis, palaeoenvironmental processing and analysis, post‑excavation analysis, publication and outreach.

We also have dedicated field teams in Carlisle, Bury St Edmunds, Birmingham, Bolton and Nottingham.

Ideally, we are looking for candidates with at least 3 months of site experience in commercial archaeological fieldwork and a degree in Archaeology, although new graduates or those with alternative experience/qualifications will be considered. You will work as part of our wider team and could be based on a variety of sites including large‑scale evaluations and excavations. Experienced candidates should be confident in their recording skills on site and ideally be familiar with working in both paper‑based and digital recording systems.

Knowledge of GIS recording and use of GPS equipment is desirable, as is a full (clean) driving licence and 4×4 or van driving experience. For permanent staff, when not on site, you will be expected to attend one of our archaeological offices (listed above) on a hybrid basis. Casual/temporary staff will be site‑based.

Permanent staff must be flexible over travel and hours as we work on sites across the UK. Our management team recognises the benefit of having local archaeologists work on local sites, both from an archaeological and environmental standpoint, and we endeavour to offer our staff work close to their home base or office wherever possible. For projects close to a local office, transport is available to site.

Travel time for drivers (in full) or passengers (if exceeding 45 minutes each way) is compensated as paid overtime or TOIL (subject to an annual limit). All staff receive an excellent subsistence package in addition to travel allowance and accommodation where working away.

• Healthcare cash plan (including dental) for employee + dependents
• Life insurance
• Income protection and critical illness cover
• Gymflex/Cycle to Work schemes
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Flexible, agile and hybrid working which enables staff to tailor hours worked around core hours, where projects allow.
• Paid overtime/TOIL
• Employee benefits, rewards and wellbeing tools, including store discounts through Perkbox
• Accommodation, subsistence and travel allowance for away work
• Paid annual subscription to one relevant professional institution (e.g. CIfA)
• Structured career framework with regular reviews offering outstanding opportunities for progression.

We are committed to being an equal opportunities employer, and our expectations go beyond purely complying with legislation. Through our Regional C&I Committees, Global Council and Employee Networks, we foster an inclusive environment where all people regardless of their background can thrive.

We welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of their background, including those from groups that are currently under‑represented at SLR, such as people identifying as 2

SLGBTQI+, Indigenous peoples, ethnic minority groups, women and people with visible or invisible disabilities, including those who are neurodivergent.

Should you require any special adjustments throughout the recruitment process with us, please let us know. As a Disability Confident Committed employer, we seek to ensure all applicants have equitable support when applying to SLR.