Salary: from £28,801 – £37,778 (depending on grade and experience) + generous benefits package
Hours: Full time (37.5 hours/week). 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 demonstrable experience in archaeology, palaeoenvironmental research, quaternary science, or geoarchaeology. Successful candidates will integrate within our wider team of in-house geoarchaeologists and work with freelance specialists. Role-specific responsibilities will be dependent on individual experience and skills. Core responsibilities will include providing an analytical and advisory service on all aspects of geoarchaeological studies for internal projects and external clients and, at the senior levels, helping to develop junior geoarchaeologists and field staff. 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. Successful applicants will have the chance to take part in and 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 at all levels will need to demonstrate a robust knowledge of the Quaternary geology of the British Isles and current themes in geoarchaeological research. Applicants should be comfortable with conducting geoarchaeological, sedimentological or palaeoenvironmental work for Holocene deposits, and experience with Pleistocene deposits, predictive deposit modelling and palaeolithic archaeology would also be advantageous. At the senior level a research profile including a publication record will benefit applicants.
A clean UK driving license and a willingness to drive company vehicles is essential at all levels.
Geoarchaeology Technician: £28,808 – £30,248
This role is both field and office, based. Key responsibilities will include carrying out geoarchaeological fieldwork, including the identification, interpretation and sampling of deposits with geoarchaeological and paleoenvironmental potential on site and assessing their relevance to project objectives, Successful candidates will also be responsible for recording and processing of geoarchaeological samples in the laboratory and assisting with the training of fieldwork staff. Contributions to geoarchaeological DBA’s, WSI’s and assessment reports will be dependent on experience, with supervision and further training provided. All activities will be undertaken with a level of support appropriate to their grade within the post.
Essential skills:
- A degree in archaeology, geology or a related subject.
- At least three-months geoarchaeological or archaeological fieldwork experience.
- Good general working knowledge of the archaeology and geology of the British Isles.
- Ability to observe, measure and record accurately.
- Capacity to operate in the field for prolonged periods.
- Good organisational & communication skills.
- Ability to work under pressure and use your own initiative.
- Substantial knowledge of MS Office & English language.
Desired skills:
- A postgraduate qualification in archaeology, geoarchaeology or earth sciences
- Demonstrable experience of identifying and describing Quaternary stratigraphy, and of interpreting site/deposit formation processes and reporting on the results.
- Confidence in the use of Excel, databases, and an awareness of other appropriate software.
- Familiarity of current trends in UK geoarchaeological research, including the latest guidance issued by Historic England.
- Valid CITB membership, or equivalent qualification, or willingness to obtain
- SSSTS, banksman or cable avoidance testing qualifications, or willingness to obtain.
Geoarchaeologist: £31,238 – £34,168
Headlands Geoarchaeologists undertake both field and post-excavation work. Core responsibilities will include preparation of desk-based assessments and written schemes of investigation and delivery of geoarchaeological and palaeoenvironmental fieldwork, including the identification, interpretation and sampling of deposits with geoarchaeological potential on site and in the lab and assessing their relevance to project objectives. Other responsibilities will include working with project teams to select suitable deposits for geoarchaeological investigation and develop appropriate sampling strategies and assisting with the training of junior members of the department and fieldwork staff. Geoarchaeologists will be expected to contribute to and produce reports at all levels and work with project teams to produce predictive deposit models.
Essential skills:
- A degree in archaeology or a related subject and preferably a postgraduate qualification in geoarchaeology/earth sciences or a related subject
- At least six-months geoarchaeological or palaeoenvironmental fieldwork experience in a commercial setting
- Demonstrable experience of identifying and describing Quaternary stratigraphy, and of interpreting site/deposit formation processes and reporting on the results
- Familiarity of current trends in UK geoarchaeological research, including the latest guidance issued by Historic England
- Ability to observe, measure and record accurately.
- Good organisational & communication skills
- The ability to work independently and to project deadlines and budgets.
- Ability to work unsupervised and decision-making skills.
- Substantial knowledge of MS Office & English language
Desired skills:
- Demonstratable experience of predictive deposit modelling
- Familiarity with Pleistocene deposits and Palaeolithic archaeology
- Two-years or more archaeological or geoarchaeological fieldwork experience
- CITB membership
- SSSTS, banksman or cable avoidance testing qualifications, or willingness to obtain
Senior Geoarchaeologist: £35,458 – £37,778
This role is both field and office based. Key responsibilities will include project design for geoarchaeological works for internal projects and external clients, assisting with coordination and resource planning for geoarchaeological fieldwork and related post-excavation works, and the preparation and editing of reports and publications. Successful candidates will be expected to provide a significant contribution to project tendering and providing resource estimates and will aid the management team in co-ordinating geoarchaeology and palaeoenvironmental work on a project basis. This position will have a significant fieldwork component and designing and providing training for junior staff will be a core responsibility of the role.
Essential skills:
- A post-graduate degree in geoarchaeology, earth sciences or a related subject
- Comprehensive knowledge, understanding and experience of geoarchaeological practice within the UK commercial sector
- Practical experience in applying a range of geoarchaeological recording and sampling techniques in the field and laboratory within a UK commercial setting
- At least 18-months archaeological, geoarchaeological or geoscience fieldwork experience
- Demonstratable experience of predictive deposit modelling
- Familiarity of current trends in UK geoarchaeological research, including latest guidance issued by Historic England
- Demonstrable research skills and a publication record
- Robust time management and problem-solving skills.
- The ability to work independently and to project deadlines and budgets.
- CITB membership, or similar qualification
- SMSTS, banksman or cable avoidance testing qualifications, or willingness to obtain
Desired skills:
- Doctorate in geoarchaeology, earth sciences or a related subject
- Experience of coordinating teams
- Competence using a range of software packages relevant for geoarchaeological reporting and analysis
- Familiarity with Pleistocene deposits and Palaeolithic archaeology
- Three-years or more archaeological or geoarchaeological fieldwork experience
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.
Send covering letter and CV to Kathryn Turner at jobs@headlandarchaeology.com quoting reference GARCH25 and stating which level you are applying at.
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