ARCHAEOLOGICAL IRON AGE/ROMAN POTTERY SPECIALIST
Salary: from £28,200–£30,845 (depending on experience and level of expertise) + generous benefits package
Hours: Full time, 37.5h/week (part time and flexible working considered)
Locations: one of our regional offices in Edinburgh, Cleckheaton (Leeds), Silsoe (Bedfordshire) or Hereford of the appointee’s choosing (with options for some homeworking)
Contract Type: Permanent, subject to 6 month probation period
Closing Date: 9am on Monday 11th September 2023.
Headland Archaeology is offering an excellent opportunity for a conscientious and enthusiastic person to join our Finds 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.12000 employees and c.170 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
Due to an expanding workload at all offices Headland Archaeology is now seeking to recruit a self-motivated, enthusiastic archaeological pottery specialist with a passion for artefacts to join our in-house Finds Team. The main area of desired specialist interest is pottery from the Iron Age and Roman periods.
The successful candidate should have an undergraduate degree in archaeology or related discipline and/or relevant fieldwork experience. They should have knowledge of artefact studies and the techniques and interpretive skills needed to undertake artefact work and a demonstrable specialist knowledge in the relevant period of pottery studies. They should have a proven track record in producing pottery reports and they should have the ability to manage teams and budgets. Memberships of CIfA (at least at Associate level) and of any relevant specialist bodies would also be advantageous. They will be expected to develop their own knowledge and skills and keep abreast of specialist literature but encouragement and support will also be given to aid their development and broaden their skill and knowledge.
Key responsibilities will include
- Providing an analytical and advisory service on all aspects of archaeological pottery for internal projects and external clients.
- Providing expertise in particular aspects of pottery studies.
- Co-ordinating finds work and liaising with other team members and external bodies and specialists.
- Identifying and recording pottery and undertaking relevant research.
- Writing and editing of specialist artefactual grey literature and publication reports.
- Training/supervision of others and potentially line managing Finds Supervisors or Finds Assistants.
Essential skills
- Good general working knowledge of the archaeology (all periods, materials and techniques) of the British Isles
- Detailed understanding of Iron Age/Roman pottery studies
- Detailed understanding of Iron Age/Roman general archaeology, history and material culture
- Knowledge of legislation, regulation and guidance relevant to archaeology including Health and Safety
- Adherence to safe working practices, in particular to hazards associated with artefactual work
- Good IT skills, including databases and MS Office
- Good research skills and familiarity with sources of archaeological and artefact information throughout the British Isles
- Understanding of techniques and equipment applicable to archaeological investigations and to artefactual studies
- Ability to communicate and present artefactual and archaeological data and ideas effectively and appropriately and a clear concise writing style
- Ability to manage time and other resources to meet objectives
- Attention to detail and ability to accurately observe and record
- Strong organisational skills and ability to schedule, co-ordinate and monitor tasks and other team members
- Good interpersonal and coaching skills
Desired skills
- Knowledge of issues surrounding finds first aid, conservation, packaging and long-term storage
- Understanding of archiving procedures and standards for relevant part of the UK where post-holder is based
- Full clean driving license (and a willingness to drive company vehicles)
Benefits we offer you:
- Relocation package
- Paid subsistence when working away
- Paid travel time when applicable
- Time off in lieu or you will be paid for time worked above standard hours
- Discretionary annual profit bonus & performance-related bonus schemes (Terms and conditions apply)
- 28 days annual leave, rising based on service length
- 5%-6% employer contribution to pension scheme
- Income Protection Policy, after a year with Headland
- Health support scheme
- Employee Assistance Programme (advice on finance, mental health etc)
- Paid CIfA membership, CSCS card
- Leadership and management training and workshops
- Constant H&S training
- Cycle to work scheme
- Extra annual leave purchase scheme
- Regular offers through RSK Group (e.g. Tastecard, Gym membership, Holidays and Entertainment)
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.
Send covering letter and CV, including personal bibliography and/or example of specialist report and details of two references to Julie Franklin at jobs@headlandarchaeology.com quoting reference POTSP23. 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 Julie Franklin, Finds Manager – julie.franklin@headlandarchaeology.com