Volunteering at Wessex Archaeology

Volunteering at Wessex Archaeology will give you the opportunity to work alongside industry professionals at the UK’s market leader in the provision of quality archaeological and heritage services. 

When you become a Wessex Archaeology volunteer you can expect our teams to be willing to support you with making a start in a career in the heritage sector. Our teams will help you expand your skills in art, photography, illustration, data entry, public speaking, presentations, finds identification and communication. 

At Wessex Archaeology we gratefully receive volunteers who wish to give their time and skills to help us support the education of the public in the arts, culture, science and heritage through archaeology.

How can I volunteer at Wessex Archaeology?

To become a Wessex Archaeology Volunteer, contact us via the form below and we’ll get in touch or alternatively download and complete our Volunteer Application Form and email it to s.fieldhouse@wessexarch.co.uk Community & Education manager.

What opportunities are there for me to get involved with?

As a Wessex Archaeology volunteer, you may have the opportunity to volunteer in our Education, Finds, Research, Coastal & Marine, Archives and Graphics teams as well as assisting generally around our offices.

Wessex Archaeology staff identify potential volunteer projects in liaison with the Community & Education Manager. We also welcome volunteer project proposals from potential volunteers with specific skills.

What training will I get when I volunteer for Wessex Archaeology?

Throughout your journey, Wessex Archaeology offers our volunteers training relevant to the project you are undertaking. This may include the handling and packing of objects, object marking, find identification and specialist IT training.

All our volunteers undergo an induction that covers safeguarding, a building tour, emergency procedures and manual handling.

Important thing to know about becoming a Wessex Archaeology volunteer.

Volunteers never undertake the work of salaried staff or work on commercial projects in lieu of salaried staff. Fieldwork opportunities are therefore very limited.

All our volunteer projects involve work that would otherwise not be undertaken, adding value to our operation whilst offering volunteers the opportunity to undertake practical historic environment work.

What examples are there of volunteer projects?

An ongoing project is the processing of finds from Wessex Archaeology’s archive. A new project is the cataloguing of Wessex Archaeology’s handling collection. Undertaking this project will give volunteers access to a broad array of material. In undertaking this project volunteers will be trained in pottery identification, object marking and basic database use.

Future projects will include the delivery of engaging archaeology sessions in schools, supporting public events and staffing a touring exhibition in 2019.

How will I find out about new volunteer projects?

Volunteers working on projects are managed by the Community & Education Manager who also provides pastoral care and ensures adherence to WA’s volunteering policy.

Volunteer projects are disseminated to our mailing list of registered volunteers who can express interest in undertaking the projects advertised. If you are interested why not contact us today.