Salary: from £39,455 – £44,741 (depending on experience) + generous benefits package
Hours: Full time (37.5 hours/week) or part-time (hours to be discussed). Flexible working options available.
Locations: based either at our Hereford, Cleckheaton (Leeds) or Silsoe office.
Contract Type: permanent, subject to six-month probation.
Closing Date: 13th June 2025.
Headland Archaeology is offering an excellent opportunity for dynamic and driven individuals to join our Geoarchaeology team and be at the forefront of exciting innovations.
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.12,000 employees and c.200 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 geoarchaeology team and are looking for skilled, motivated individuals to help facilitate a diverse programme of field investigation, research and innovation. You will join a team of highly qualified specialists from a range of disciplines working to promote geoarchaeology and palaeoenvironmental investigation within the commercial landscape.
We are looking for candidates who are self-driven with a positive outlook and with substantial experience in archaeology, palaeoenvironmental research, quaternary science, or geoarchaeology in a commercial UK environment. Successful candidates will integrate within our wider team of in-house geoarchaeologists and work with freelance specialists. The position will involve preparation of tenders and the running of both field and office-based projects. Other responsibilities will include developing junior geoarchaeologists and field staff and producing geoarchaeological reports across the project spectra. The role will have a fieldwork component, and applicants should note that Headland Archaeology operates throughout the UK.
A role within the department offers the opportunity to work closely with academic institutions and independent researchers at the cutting edge of geoarchaeological research and to promote and develop research partnerships. Successful applicants will also help to drive innovation projects aimed at developing Headland’s already diverse geoarchaeological skills portfolio. Within the wider post-excavation department, the position offers an opportunity to contribute to a growing number of monographs and other peer-reviewed publications. Applicants will have the opportunity to provide a significant contribution to Headland’s upcoming programme of geoarchaeological work on a nationally significant post-excavation project.
Applicants will need to demonstrate a substantial knowledge of the Quaternary geology of the British Isles and current themes in geoarchaeological research. Applicants should have significant experience in conducting geoarchaeological, sedimentological or palaeoenvironmental fieldwork and reporting for Holocene deposits, and experience with Pleistocene deposits, predictive deposit modelling and palaeolithic archaeology would also be advantageous. A research profile including a publication record, as well as experience of geoarchaeological or archaeological project management, is desirable.
A clean UK driving license and a willingness to drive company vehicles is essential.
Geoarchaeological Project Manager
This role is both field and office based. Successful applicants will be expected to take the lead in tendering for and management of geoarchaeological and palaeoenvironmental projects and working with clients to deliver safe, effective and efficient geoarchaeological fieldwork and post-excavation programmes. Other responsibilities will include the design and delivery of geoarchaeological and palaeoenvironmental sampling projects in the field and undertaking relevant research. Writing and editing of specialist geoarchaeology and palaeoenvironmental grey literature and publication reports is expected, as is contributing to company-wide guidance and training documentation and providing mentoring, support and training for junior team members The role will also involve supporting the wider post-excavation team in delivery of a major post-excavation programme.
Essential skills:
- A degree in archaeology or a related subject and a postgraduate qualification in geoarchaeology/earth sciences or a related subject
- Detailed understanding of UK commercial geoarchaeology and relevant planning legislation
- Substantial geoarchaeological fieldwork experience in a UK commercial setting
- Demonstrable experience of costing and designing geoarchaeological projects
- Experience in the production of desk-based assessments and geoarchaeological written schemes of investigation
- Experience in the production of tenders and PQQs
- Experience liaising and working with project stakeholders, including contractors and clients, and working collaboratively with project teams;
- Experience in the management of projects
- A demonstrable portfolio of reports
- Excellent organisational skills
- Substantial knowledge of MS Office & English language
Desired skills:
- Doctorate in geoarchaeology, earth sciences or a related subject
- Demonstratable experience of predictive deposit modelling
- Ability with Rockworks and GIS software.
- Familiarity with Pleistocene deposits and Palaeolithic archaeology
- CITB membership
- SMSTS, banksman or cable avoidance testing qualifications, or willingness to obtain
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
- 33 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.
Send covering letter and CV to Kathryn Turner at jobs@headlandarchaeology.com quoting reference GARCPM25.
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