Salary: £25,036.53 + generous benefits package
Hours: Full time, 37.5h/week
Locations: Working on sites across the UK
Contract Type: 18 month fixed-term contract with a view to extension
Closing Date: 5pm on June 30th 2025
Are you fascinated by the past and looking for a career in commercial archaeology? Do you want to be part of big infrastructure schemes and work on interesting projects?
If so, and have what it takes, are keen to develop and expand your knowledge and skills in archaeology, and in addition, gain a nationally recognised qualification, ‘Level 3 Award in Archaeological Practice’. The Level 3 Certificate in Archaeological Practice is the only vocational qualification currently available for archaeologists. It provides the skills and knowledge required for a career in the historic environment sector.
This qualification is suitable for:
- learners with no prior experience
- learners in employment who wish to enhance their career prospects
- learners not in employment who wish to enhance their career prospects
- apprentices
- school leavers
- adults returning to education
- degree level academics who wish to acquire the vocational skills and knowledge required by employers in the sector
- would-be archaeologists who are unable, or do not wish, to study at university
- volunteers within an archaeological environment who wish to achieve the qualification to enhance your employment prospects.
Entry
Although there are no formal entry requirements for this qualification, learners will likely either already be working, volunteering or have a keen interest in the archaeology sector. Alternatively, learners should have an appropriate level of knowledge and communication skills to meet the requirements of the qualification.
Please be aware that applicants enrolled on the Headland Archaeology funded SVQ Level 3, will be expected to opt-in to a 18 month commitment agreement with the company, whereby a repayment of costs would be expected should you leave before the agreed completed level of service. Full details would be outlined alongside Contract terms & conditions.
Why Should You Apply?
We are a privately owned archaeological business, part of the RSK Group, a leader in integrated environmental, engineering, and technical services. We provide heritage services to the development and construction sectors in UK and across the world. With four offices in England and one in Scotland, we offer our employees:
- Unique knowledge and expertise. For more than 20 years, Headland has provided not only business-focused archaeology but also people-focused business. We are highly respected within our industry for our achievements in innovation, tailor-made development coaching and training, and our expertise in commercial archaeology.
- Strong pioneering spirit. Our corporate culture is characterised by a healthy appetite for originality and development.
- Stable company with excellent growth. Over the years, we have demonstrated steady, positive economic development and formed successful partnerships.
- Good work environment. You will be surrounded by colleagues who are pleasant, professional, and enthusiastic about their work.
- Opportunity to influence. You get to work in an open climate, close to decision makers and with the possibility of making a difference.
- Part of RSK group. You will have further opportunities to become involved in nationally and internationally prominent projects with exciting prospects for career development. The group has c.12000 employees and c.200 environmentally lead companies.
The Role
You work will primarily involve conducting a range of archaeological evaluations and excavations as well as office-based tasks. As part of the fieldwork team you will get involved in several large and exciting projects across central, southern, and eastern England. We have interesting projects including LBA-EIA enclosures and burnt mounds, a potential barrow cemetery, roman occupation and medieval edge of settlement. Working away and travelling in new places is a normal part of this role. When conditions allow for staying away, we will provide you with high-quality accommodation and subsistence.
Our most recent works; which include well preserved IA/RB and Saxon landscapes, medieval and Post-medieval industrial sites in eastern England, prehistoric landscapes on the southern chalklands, industrial archaeology in Birmingham; illustrate the wide range of projects we have been commissioned to deliver.
In Headland we are proud of our people. We will support you to your meet your goals and train you in specific archaeological and other skills to feel confident and succeed in your role.
Essential Skills and Qualities:
- Willingness to work away from home
- Willing to work outdoors in all weather
- A “Can do” attitude and willingness to learn
- Good organisational & communication skills
- High level of use of English language
- Full UK manual driving license and willingness to drive company vehicles
Desirable Criteria
- Knowledge of MS Office
Benefits we offer you:
- Competitive paid subsistence when applicable
- Paid accommodation when applicable
- Use of cutting edge technology on site, e.g. paperless systems, iPads etc.
- Ongoing regular training in various areas e.g. Health & Safety, Technical areas and Transferable skills
- Time off in lieu for time worked above standard hours or overtime paid
- Annual profit discretionary bonus & performance-related bonus schemes
- Monthly clothing allowance
- 28 days annual leave, rising based on service length
- Extra annual leave purchase scheme
- 5%-6% employer contribution to pension scheme
- Income Protection Policy, after a year with Headland
- Life Assurance Policy, insuring you 4 times your annual salary, after a year with Headland
- Regular performance, wellbeing & professional development check-ins
- Referral scheme with generous fee
- A support group of 30+ Mental Health First Aiders
- Regular offers through RSK Group (e.g. Tastecard, Gym membership discount, Holidays and Entertainment)
- Health support scheme
- Employee Assistance Programme (advice on finance, mental health etc)
- Paid CIfA membership
- Cycle to work scheme
- Being part of RSK Group
How to apply
You must have the right to work in the UK without restrictions. Proof of eligibility will be required prior to your commencement.
Send CV and covering letter to jobs@headlandarchaeology.com quoting reference TAFW062025 Postal applications will not be accepted. For queries regarding the role, email jobs@headlandarchaeology.com. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and we may fill existing vacancies before the closing date, so you are advised to submit your application as early as possible.
Headland is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.