Salary: £35,458 to £37,779 pa (depending on grade and experience) + generous benefits package
Hours: Full time (37.5 hours/week) or part-time (hours to be discussed)
Locations: based at our Brighouse (Leeds) hub (with options for some homeworking)
Contract Type: Permanent, subject to 6 month probation period
Closing Date: 5pm on 10th October 2025
Headland Archaeology are delighted to offer a new opportunity for an enthusiastic and skilled Osteologist to join our post-excavation team.
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.15,000 employees and c.230 environmentally led companies.
In Headland we are proud of our people. We will support you to your meet your goals and train you in specific relevant skills to feel confident and succeed in your role.
The role
Headland Archaeology are expanding our environmental team and are looking for a skilled, motivated individual to undertake in-house osteological assessment and analysis. The successful candidate will join a team of highly qualified specialists from a range of disciplines working on projects from across the UK, but with a particular emphasis on one major infrastructure project. Other responsibilities will include developing junior osteologists and providing training and guidance in the excavation of human remains to Headland’s fieldwork teams.
We are looking for candidates who are self-driven with a positive outlook and with demonstrable high-level expertise in the assessment and analysis of human osteological assemblages from UK commercial sites. The successful applicant should also have a track record in commercial reporting. A research profile, including a publication record, is desirable.
A role within the department offers the opportunity to work closely with academic institutions and independent researchers at the cutting edge of osteological research and to promote and develop research partnerships. The successful applicant will have the chance to study a wide variety of osteological assemblages, dating from the prehistoric through to the post-medieval, from sites across Britain. Within the wider post-excavation department, the position offers to opportunity to contribute to a growing number of monographs and other peer-reviewed publications.
Key responsibilities
- Identify, record, assess, analyse, interpret and report on osteological assemblages within defined project objectives at assessment and analysis level.
- Estimate resources and help develop osteological programmes for projects.
- Co-ordinate osteological programmes and personnel within specific post-excavation projects.
- Provide internal advice and training on the excavation and analysis of human remains.
- Work to established standards, procedures and guidelines as set out by BABAO, CIfA, Historic England, and other professional bodies.
- Contribute to osteological research projects, both commercial and otherwise.
- Maintain and develop internal recording conventions, libraries and databases.
- Undertake other tasks appropriate to your skills and knowledge. This may include site visits where appropriate.
Essential skills:
- A degree in archaeology or a related subject and a postgraduate qualification in human osteology.
- Extensive experience of identifying and interpreting cremated and inhumed human remains to analysis level in a UK commercial setting
- A strong and relevant publication record
- Thorough understanding and awareness of current academic research and legislation within the specialism.
- Ability to write reports clearly and concisely
- Strong IT skills, including databases and MS Office.
- Broad academic knowledge of British archaeology.
- Ability to work unsupervised and decision-making skills.
- Ability to mentor/train others in osteological techniques and procedures.
- Adherence to safe working practices, in particular to hazards associated with environmental work.
- Be passionate, motivated and excited about what you do!
- Membership of the CIfA (or willingness to obtain).
Desired skills:
- Doctorate in human osteology
- Experience of dealing with large burial assemblages
- Full, valid driving license (and a willingness to drive company vehicles) is desirable but not essential
Benefits we offer you
- Relocation package
- 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
Headland is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
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. 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.
Send covering letter and CV to Kathryn Turner at jobs@headlandarchaeology.com quoting reference SROSTEO25. Postal applications will not be accepted. Details of references should include their name, relationship to the applicant, postal address, email address and phone number.
Informal inquiries concerning the role can be made to Kathryn Turner, Environmental Manager – kathryn.turner@headlandarchaeology.com