Jobs and Internships
York Archaeology operates from three offices across the UK: York, Sheffield and also Nottingham. We offer a wide variety of roles at all of our sites. Learn more about the available jobs and internships below.
York Archaeology is dedicated to promoting equality, integrity, mutual respect, creativity, innovation, as well as entrepreneurship in the workplace. We take great pride in our work and are also committed to providing high-quality archaeological research that can contribute to a better understanding of our collective history.
Jobs and Secondment Vacancies
Currently, there are no roles available. Please check back for future opportunities.
SHEQ (Safety, Health, Environment and Quality) Compliance Assistant (Fieldwork)
Location: Nottingham
Contract: Permanent
Salary: £32,332 –£ 34,992 per annum, (pro rata £19,661-£21,279)
Hours: 22.5 per week
York Archaeology delivers commercial archaeological services from offices at York, Sheffield and Nottingham. The organisation provides world famous heritage attractions with excavation, survey, consultancy, expert conservation services, research and an unmatched commitment to dissemination, engagement and public benefit.
We require a part-time SHEQ Compliance Assistant to work alongside the YA Nottingham & Sheffield, and when required, York, fieldwork teams to ensure that best practice is followed at all times across our fieldwork portfolio. Permanent contracts are on offer following the successful completion of a 3-month probation period. The post will be based at our Nottingham office, but travel to our Sheffield and York offices will be required. Travel to fieldwork sites across the UK will also be required on a regular basis. A full job description accompanies this advert.
Essential criteria:
- A degree in archaeology or construction-related discipline and an appropriate level of demonstrable archaeological fieldwork or construction-related SHEQ experience
- A full, UK driving licence
- NEBOSH General Certificate
- First Aid at Work certificate
- Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS) certification would be advantageous, but not essential; training can be provided for the right candidate
Desirable criteria:
- CIfA and IOSH membership
- ISO-compliant auditing qualification
What we Offer:
Further details on our recruitment, rewards and benefits can be found below.
Application:
Please ensure you have fully read the Job Description and Person Specification before applying.
For an informal discussion please contact Nick Jackson (SHEQ Co-ordinator) on 07435948408 or [email protected].
Successful candidates must provide proof of eligibility to work in the UK.
Closing Date: 16th October 2026*
*Initial 3-month contracts, with scope for extension
**If suitable candidates are identified prior to the above closing date then the application process may be closed.
Deputy Manager
Location: York
Salary: £33,162 per annum
Hours: 40 per week
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join our experienced attractions management team. We are looking for an enthusiastic and dedicated Deputy Manager to oversee operations across York Archaeology’s three main attractions: JORVIK Viking Centre, DIG, and Barley Hall, with primary responsibility for one specific site (to be agreed upon with the successful candidate).
In this key role, you will deputise for the General Managers with responsibility for site operations, premises, and team leadership—including the health, safety, and well-being of staff and visitors. You will play a vital role in delivering exceptional visitor experiences while driving commercial performance.
We are seeking a proactive candidate with excellent communication and customer care skills who can naturally engage with staff, volunteers, and visitors alike. The ideal candidate will have proven management experience, a track record of leading and developing high-performing teams, and a commitment to fostering a supportive, positive workplace culture.
The role requires working every other weekend as part of a set working pattern, along with occasional evening work.
What we Offer:
Further details on our recruitment, rewards and benefits can be found below.
Application:
Closing Date: 18th October 2026
Interviews will be held week commencing 26th October 2026
For any queries please contact [email protected]
Project Officer (Fieldwork)
Location: Nottingham*
Salary: £32,332 – £39,434 per annum (dependant on experience)
Hours: 37 hours per week
Contract: Permanent
York Archaeology delivers commercial archaeological services as part of York Archaeology (YA) from offices in York, Sheffield, and Nottingham. The organisation provides world-famous heritage attractions with excavation, survey, consultancy, expert conservation services, research, and an unmatched commitment to dissemination, engagement, and public benefit.
We require Project Officers based at our Nottingham Office to implement agreed programmes of fieldwork within strict time and budgetary constraints. Reporting to a Project Manager, you will be responsible for the leadership of small to large field teams and the coordination of post excavation/reporting tasks, commensurate with your experience. For the right candidate, project management training leading to progression can be provided. Permanent contracts are offered subject to satisfactory completion of a 3-month probation period. Applicants will be expected to work locally within the region and farther afield; accommodation, transport and subsistence funds will be provided.
Essential criteria:
- A degree in archaeology or related discipline and an appropriate level of demonstrable experience
- In-depth understanding and experience working within British commercial archaeology, including within large infrastructure schemes
- A driving licence and a willingness to drive project and team vehicles (including welfare vans)
- Experience coordinating site safety logistics, including plant, and overseeing medium to large teams across a varied portfolio of site types
- Minimum level of in-date H&S training, including SSSTS/SMSTS and First Aid or a willingness to undertake the training
- Experience in technical report writing at a commercial level (i.e. WSIs and grey literature), or a willingness to learn the same
Desirable criteria:
CIfA membership would be advantageous but not essential.
What we Offer:
An opportunity to help deliver the vision and become part of a ground-breaking adventure to push the boundaries of what archaeology and cultural heritage can offer in the UK and beyond.
Further details on our recruitment, rewards and benefits can be found below.
Application:
If you would like to become part of a forward-looking, professional and friendly team then we’d love to hear from you. Please ensure you have fully read the Job Description and Person Specification before applying.
For an informal discussion please email Vicky Owen (Senior Project Manager, Operations) at [email protected]
Successful candidates must provide proof of eligibility to work in the UK.
Closing Date: 29th October 2026**
*travel to sites across the UK will be required
**If suitable candidates are identified prior to the above closing date then the application process may be closed.
Non-executive Chair of the Board of Trustees
York Archaeological Trust for Research and Excavation Limited, an educational and research charity, is currently looking for a new non-executive chair of the board of trustees at an exciting period of development.
This appointment comes at an exciting and significant time for York Archaeology; we have recently launched a new strategy, including some important ambitions and objectives that will move the organisation forward significantly in its capacity to deliver meaningful public benefit through archaeology and heritage. We are also seeking to become a more inclusive organisation, and to further build the sustainability of the organisation, both financially and environmentally. This is a challenging agenda, and one which will require a Chair who is able to work sensitively and collaboratively with the Exec Team and the organisation as a whole, while providing rigorous challenge and maintaining a clear sense of direction. Key attributes will be the ability to establish trusted relationships, to communicate well and to oversee a complex organisation which is in the middle of a period of significant evolution and transition.
Ultimately, we are looking for someone who will do their best for the organisation.
It is anticipated that the duties of the Chair are likely to take around four days per month, in normal circumstances. The usual appointment period is for up to two terms, each of three years.
The role is unpaid, save for expenses. The Board meets at least 5 times annually. The Chair will need ready access to York, as the headquarters of the organisation.
Further information about the Trust is available at yorkarchaeology.co.uk.
The closing date for applications is Friday 30th October 2026, and we expect interviews for short-listed candidates to be held early November 2026.
To apply, please send a letter to [email protected] explaining the reasons for your interest and outlining what you could contribute to this role, together with your CV.
Project Supervisor (Fieldwork)
Location: Sheffield*
Salary: £29,398 - £31,008 p.a. dependent on experience
Hours: 37 hours per week
Permanent contracts available following completion of 3-month probationary period
As part of the York Archaeological Trust, York Archaeology delivers commercial archaeological services from offices in York, Sheffield, and Nottingham. We operate world-famous heritage attractions in York alongside provision of UK-wide excavation, survey, consultancy, conservation services, research, and an unmatched commitment to dissemination, engagement, and public benefit.
We require Project Supervisors to assist with implementing agreed programmes of fieldwork within strict time and budgetary constraints. This could include the supervision of small to medium field teams, independent excavation, survey and recording, or elements of post-excavation analysis and reporting. Applicants will be expected to work locally within the region and farther afield; please note that a considerable proportion of our fieldwork programme can require teams to stay away from home during the week. Accommodation, transport and subsistence will be provided.
Essential criteria:
- A degree in archaeology or related discipline and an appropriate level of demonstrable experience (3+ years)
- Experience supervising plant, and overseeing small- to medium-sized teams across a varied portfolio of site types
- A full, UK driving licence; and willingness to drive teams, YA crew vehicles and welfare vans where required, following successful completion of our driver’s training course
Desirable criteria:
- CIfA membership would be advantageous, but not essential
- A First Aid at Work certificate would be advantageous, but not essential
- Experience in technical report writing at a commercial level (i.e. production of WSIs and grey literature) or a willingness to learn the same.
What we Offer:
Further details on our recruitment, rewards and benefits can be found below.
Application:
If you would like to become part of a forward-looking, professional and friendly team then we’d love to hear from you. Please ensure you have fully read the Job Description and Person Specification before applying.
For an informal discussion please contact Zoë Richardson (Project Manager) at: [email protected]
Successful candidates must provide proof of eligibility to work in the UK.
Closing Date: 30th October 2026*
*travel to sites across the UK will be required
**If suitable candidates are identified prior to the above closing date then the application process may be closed.
Historic Buildings Archaeologist
Location: Nottingham
Salary: £32,332 – £39,434 per annum
Hours: 37 hours per week
Contract: Permanent
York Archaeology delivers commercial archaeological services from offices at York, Sheffield and Nottingham. The organisation provides world famous heritage attractions with excavation, survey, consultancy, expert conservation services, research and an unmatched commitment to dissemination, engagement and public benefit.
We are delighted to offer this exciting opportunity for an experienced Historic Buildings Archaeologist to deliver survey and analysis projects, mentor and train junior colleagues and contribute to the innovation and growth of our built heritage team and portfolio.
Permanent contracts are on offer following the successful completion of a 3-month probation period. The post will be based at our Nottingham office, but the role will manage our entire historic buildings portfolio across our Nottingham, Sheffield and York offices.
Travel to our York and Sheffield office and sites across the UK will be required on a regular basis. A full job description accompanies this advert.
Essential criteria:
- A degree in Historic Buildings-related archaeology, a related subject or equivalent experience
- Extensive experience of all main aspects and techniques of historic building survey and reporting
- Experience of effective planning and delivery of commercial archaeological projects
- Experience of preparing quotations and tender documents for historic buildings survey and analysis projects
- Proven ability to represent the organisation in dealings with external clients
- Sound knowledge of current professional guidance, specialist literature and legislation relation to all elements of archaeological field work
- A full, UK driving licence
- Excellent people skills and an ability to motivate and inspire confidence in others.
Desirable criteria:
- Postgraduate qualification in relevant discipline (e.g. Buildings Archaeology, Architectural History)
- IHBC/MCIfA (or commitment to apply on joining)
- Qualified First Aider (Appointed person) or willingness to learn
What we Offer:
Further details on our recruitment, rewards and benefits can be found below.
Application:
If you would like to become part of a forward-looking, professional and friendly team then we’d love to hear from you. Please ensure you have fully read the Job Description and Person Specification before applying.
For an informal discussion please contact Fiona Moore (Regional Manager, Nottingham & Sheffield) on 07917 536869 or [email protected].
Successful candidates must provide proof of eligibility to work in the UK.
Closing Date: 30th October 2026*
*If suitable candidates are identified prior to the above closing date then the application process may be closed.
Senior Historic Buildings Archaeologist
Location: Nottingham
Salary: £40,308 – £45,625 per annum
Hours: 37 hours per week
Contract: Permanent
York Archaeology delivers commercial archaeological services from offices at York, Sheffield and Nottingham. The organisation provides world famous heritage attractions with excavation, survey, consultancy, expert conservation services, research and an unmatched commitment to dissemination, engagement and public benefit.
We are delighted to offer this exciting opportunity for an experienced Senior Historic Buildings Archaeologist to lead complex building survey and built heritage consultancy projects, mentor and train junior colleagues, offer expert planning advice and lead the innovation and growth of our built heritage team and portfolio.
Permanent contracts are on offer following the successful completion of a 3-month probation period. The post will be based at our Nottingham office, but the role will manage our entire historic buildings portfolio across our Nottingham, Sheffield and York offices.
Travel to our York and Sheffield office and sites across the UK will be required on a regular basis. A full job description accompanies this advert.
Essential criteria:
- A degree in Historic Buildings-related archaeology, a related subject or equivalent experience
- Extensive experience of all main aspects and techniques of historic building survey and reporting
- Experience of effective planning and delivery of commercial archaeological projects
- Experience of preparing quotations and tender documents for historic buildings survey and analysis projects
- Proven ability to represent the organisation in dealings with external clients
- Sound knowledge of current professional guidance, specialist literature and legislation relation to all elements of archaeological field work
- A full, UK driving licence
- Excellent people skills and an ability to motivate and inspire confidence in others
Desirable criteria:
- Postgraduate qualification in relevant discipline (e.g. Buildings Archaeology, Architectural History)
- IHBC/MCIfA (or commitment to apply on joining)
- Qualified First Aider (Appointed person) or willingness to learn
What we Offer:
Further details on our recruitment, rewards and benefits can be found below.
Application:
If you would like to become part of a forward-looking, professional and friendly team then we’d love to hear from you. Please ensure you have fully read the Job Description and Person Specification before applying.
For an informal discussion please contact Fiona Moore (Regional Manager, Nottingham & Sheffield) on 07917 536869 or [email protected].
Successful candidates must provide proof of eligibility to work in the UK.
Closing Date: 30th October 2026*
*If suitable candidates are identified prior to the above closing date then the application process may be closed.
Geoarchaeologist at All Levels
Project Manager
Salary: £41,509 – £45,625 p.a.
Project Officer
Salary: £32,332 - £39,434 p.a.
Project Supervisor
Salary: £29,398 - £31,008 p.a.
Dependant on Experience
Location: Nottingham or York
Hours: 37 hours per week
York Archaeology delivers commercial archaeological services from offices at York, Sheffield and Nottingham. The organisation combines world famous heritage attractions with excavation, survey, consultancy, expert conservation services, research and an unmatched commitment to dissemination, engagement and public benefit.
We are pleased to offer an exciting opportunity for imaginative and dynamic individuals to become part of the ongoing success story of our Geoarchaeology team, now one of the largest in the UK. We are looking for geoarchaeologists at all grades. We are building on the vision that began with the pioneering excavation of waterlogged deposits at Coppergate and the establishment of a world-leading conservation lab. To help in our mission, we require people with the character and skills to deliver commercial contracts cost-effectively and to the satisfaction of clients. Just as importantly we are looking for someone with the ambition, enthusiasm and drive, to use this platform of discovery to help build the connections and to secure positive social impacts using science and heritage. This extends to exciting opportunities to contribute to new initiatives in public engagement, education, research and publication, via conventional and digital modes.
We are hiring at all grades and these roles would be based at either the Nottingham or York offices. Our team works across the country (and occasionally beyond), to deliver specialist geoarchaeological services, but we are committed to flexible working, both cross-office, and a hybrid home/office approach.
As part of our team you will experience a friendly work culture, and have the opportunity to operate alongside highly skilled geoarchaeology and heritage professionals, who specialise in a wide range of archaeological sub-disciplines including conservation, wetland archaeology, geomatics and Lidar, archaeobotany, aerial photography and spatial analysis.
If you feel you can demonstrate the relevant experience and skills, and are ready for a change, get in touch and discuss the possibilities.
What we Offer:
An opportunity to help deliver the vision and become part of a ground-breaking adventure to push the boundaries of what geoarchaeology and cultural heritage can offer in the UK and beyond.
Further details on our recruitment, rewards and benefits can be found below.
Application:
For an informal discussion please contact Kristina Krawiec ([email protected])
Closing Date: 30th November 2026*
*If suitable candidates are identified prior to the above closing date then the application process may be closed.
Developing our People
York Archaeology supports the growth and development of all teams and individuals within our organization. Our comprehensive Strategy is regularly communicated and also reviewed with staff. It reflects our vision to create a fulfilling and satisfying work environment by offering valuable job opportunities and volunteering experiences.
An integral part of our Strategy is to foster skilled, trained, and motivated staff and volunteers. This entails continuously improving how we communicate, performance reviews, develop training plans, as well as assessing how we reward and acknowledge our people.
By committing ourselves to a Performance Appraisal process, we can identify necessary training requirements as well as future goals to ensure our people have the right training and clear personal objectives to succeed.
Continuous Professional Development is highly encouraged for all roles. In our Attractions & Events Division, we offer new employees a series of key training courses, including Customer Care, Disability Awareness, Health & Safety, local tourism industry knowledge, and also on-the-job training. This ensures our visitors receive a memorable experience at our attractions and events.
Frequently Asked Questions
Either email the person detailed in the advert to whom completed application forms should be sent or contact HR directly at [email protected].
We will check the references once a job offer has been made and accepted.
If you are successful, you will need to provide proof of your eligibility to work in the UK. For other roles, you may need to provide additional documentation such as proof of relevant qualifications. However, these requirements will be clearly communicated to you.
Following the closing date, invitations will be extended to shortlisted candidates through multiple mediums, such as email, postal mail, or phone call.
York Archaeology offers various volunteering opportunities. For full details visit our Volunteering section.
Rewards and Benefits
York Archaeology provides its employees with a varied range of benefits and rewards:
- Company pension scheme where the organisation pays 5.25% and employees pay 3.5% of total earnings.
- 24 days paid annual leave, rising to 29 days annual leave after five years’ employment, plus bank holidays
- Option to buy back up to 15 additional holidays each year
- Commuting season ticket loans
- Loans to purchase bikes to cycle to work
- Death in Service benefit of twice annual salary for permanent staff
- Enhanced maternity and paternity pay after two years’ employment
- 100% Professional membership reimbursement (e.g. CIfA)
- Free eye tests for computer users and £50 reimbursement towards the cost of prescribed glasses
- Professional independent Occupational Health support for appropriate referrals
- Access to a free independent and confidential counselling service
- Free admission for staff plus family and friends to our visitor attractions including JORVIK Viking Centre
- 25% discount on merchandise at our attractions
- Discounts to York Archaeology events where applicable
- Travel and subsistence arrangements for staff working away
- Uniform or Personal Protective Equipment for relevant roles
Contact Us
If you want to inquire about a job opening, kindly get in touch with the HR Manager through the options provided below. Additionally, please refer to our Frequently Asked Questions section as it may already address some of your initial concerns.
+44(0)1904 663007 
Monday to Friday, 09:00 – 17:00