Pre-Construct Archaeology is one of UK’s largest archaeological companies, with seven regional offices across the country. We have been delivering professional heritage services for more than 30 years, working on some of the largest and most complex sites in Britain. As 2025 draws to a close, we are undertaking some very exciting projects in the Newark region.
We are looking to recruit staff immediately for a Finds Assistant. Please note, this role will also require the suitable candidate to regularly undertake archaeological fieldwork as part of their role.
PCA offers a competitive salary and a range of attractive benefits, including a pay banding structure that allows for career progression. All successful candidates will undergo a probationary 3-month period after which, given satisfactory performance, they will be offered a further contract, work permitting.
About the job:
Location: Newark
Working week: Monday to Friday 37.5 hours per week, usually 8am – 4 pm
Start Date: ASAP
Salary range: starting from £26,899.35 pa
.
General requirements for the role:
- Degree in Archaeology or related subject (e.g. History, Classics, Geology etc.)
- Ability and willingness to work on site in all kinds of weather
- Excellent oral and written English, basic maths skills are essential
- Willingness to learn new skills
- Good teamwork
- Excellent punctuality and timekeeping
- Attention to detail
- Commitment to PCA’s health and safety policies at all times
- Eligible to live and work in the UK
The Finds role will include:
- Oversee, processing, and preparation of Finds and Environmental material.
- Oversee the Archives of the Newark office
- Log finds, environmental and paper archives as they arrive, keeping track of the status and location as they are processed and ready to be deposited.
- Liaise with internal and external specialists as required.
- Liaise with other finds stores, archive repositories and museums to make sure the archives (both physical and digital) are deposited in the appropriate manner.
- Supervise staff both individually and as teams who undertake finds and environmental processing and archive preparation.
- Ensure there are adequate facilities and equipment available to undertake the processing and storage of finds.
- Ensure the protection of artefacts and store all artefacts, ecofacts and archives appropriately and securely.
- Follow all rules required for appropriate method and analysis.
- Undertake the role in accordance with CIfA standards and guidance.
Essential requirements:
- Experience working in a finds processing environment
- Understanding the basic requirements of finds storage and tracking
- Ability to identify and sort finds of all types/dates
- Good organisational skills
- Database skills (Access/Excel)
- Willingness and ability to supervise others
- Flexible approach to meeting competing deadlines
- Excellent organisational skills
Desirable:
- Full clean driving licence
- Experience working with volunteers
- Knowledge of archiving processes (training will also be provided)
The Archaeologist (fieldwork) role will include:
- Excavation of archaeological features and deposits
- Collection and labelling of artefacts
- Writing context sheets for archaeological features and deposits, drawing plans and sections to scale, on site photography and basic survey using a GPS unit
- Collection and processing of environmental samples
- Post-excavation office work (occasionally required) including washing, marking and labelling finds, archiving site records
Minimum requirements:
- 3 months of commercial fieldwork experience from the UK
Our employee benefits:
- Friendly and supportive work environment
- 28 days of annual leave (including bank holidays and an extra 3 days for Christmas, if employed over the Christmas period), rising on service length
- £22.50 per night subsistence when working away from home and high-quality accommodation provided
- High quality PPE and site welfare provision– the safety of our staff always comes first
- Mental Health First Aiders
- Cycle to work scheme
- Flexible working
- Christmas vouchers
- H&S training relevant for your role will be provided and paid in full (SSSTS, First Aid, Asbestos Awareness, CAT and Genny etc.)
- Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIFA) subscriptions paid in full
- Paid mileage if using own vehicle (subject to eligibility)
- Annual appraisal and pay progression opportunities
- Company pension scheme
How to apply:
Please email your CV and covering letter to Ruta Jatkonyte, HR Assistant: RJatkonyte@pre-construct.com
Please state on your application which role you are applying for and describe your suitability by referring to the requirements listed above. If successful you will be asked to attend an interview at our Newark offices.
PCA is committed to a comprehensive equal opportunities policy in which individuals are selected and treated on the basis of their relevant merits and abilities without regard to race, religion or belief, colour, sex, age, national origin, disability or sexual orientation. All applicants with the relevant qualifications and experience are welcome to apply for this opportunity. Please be advised that you must hold the right to work and live in the UK in order to apply for this job.
PCA follow all current guidelines regarding SOP and take the safety of our staff as paramount – advice is up to date with government guidance and site-specific RAMS are available.
Please be advised we are expecting a high volume of applications, and therefore cannot commit to responding to all emails. In accordance with our GDPR policy, we will not keep unsuccessful applicants’ details or CVs on our system, unless you expressly request that we do.
Closing date: 10/12/2025
