Overview
Salary: from £30,299.18 - £32,488.09 (depending on experience) + generous benefits package
Hours: Full time, 37.5h/week
Locations: Edinburgh, Hereford, Silsoe, Cleckheaton and Boxworth – but working on sites across the UK
Contract Type: Permanent
Closing Date: 31/07/2026
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?
This is an excellent opportunity, if you are looking to expand your knowledge, improve your skills and be part of an excellent 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 nearly 30 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.17000 employees and c.230 environmentally lead companies.
About Headland Archaeology
We combine an in-depth understanding of archaeology with practical experience of major construction projects to keep you ahead of the game. Our proactive, friendly approach leaves no stone unturned when it comes to accurate estimating, minimised risk and effective national resourcing.
From fast-track rail projects and wind farm construction through to housing developments and off-shore cable-laying, we deliver against your critical path and your heritage responsibilities.
We were founded in 1996 and now cover the whole of the UK from four regional offices located in Silsoe, Hereford, Cleckheaton and Edinburgh. Many of our contracts are valued at £1m-£5m and we regularly act as Principal Contractor.
We are a Registered Organisation of the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists. More importantly, though we study the past, we are a forward-looking and innovative business, keen to help our clients stay ahead of the game.
The Role
We are looking to recruit up to 5 confident, dedicated archaeologists available to start immediately on a permanent basis. You would have reasonable experience in British commercial archaeology and be willing to work away on projects across the UK.
Your work will primarily involve conducting a range of archaeological investigations, evaluations/excavations and supervising plant, as well as office-based research, analysis, and reporting.
Working away and travelling to new places is a normal part of this role; therefore, willingness to travel around the UK is essential. When required you will be expected to work from your contracted office – getting to/from the office will be your responsibility.
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.
Key Responsibilities
Key Responsibilities
- Excavation and recording of archaeological features when required
- Supervision of smaller teams or areas within a larger site
- Surveying of archaeological sites/features using dGPS
- Machine watching
- Undertaking watching briefs independently with regular check-ins/remote oversight from Project Manager
- Taking an active role in maintaining high safety standards on site
- Ensuring the quality of archaeological recording within your team (record checking)
- Data entry tasks
- Contributing towards report production
- Mentoring and coaching site assistants
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
Essential Key Skills
- Broad range of experience in commercial archaeology on various types/ periods of site (minimum of 12 months)
- Accomplished field archaeologist
- Ability to carry out prolonged manual work in an outdoor environment in all weather
- Evidence of performing some elements of the role before - either supervising others on site, carrying out watching briefs/working independently
- Full clean driving licence and willingness to drive company vehicles in the UK
- Comprehensive understanding of H&S procedures and ability to demonstrate implementation on site
- Proactive approach to ensuring that personal training record is up to date.
- Good organisational & communication skills
- Ability to work under pressure using your own initiative
- Embrace inclusion and diversity as a leader
- Substantial knowledge of MS Office and English language
Desirable Skills
- CIfA membership
- Degree in Archaeology or related subject
- SHEQ accreditations (Asbestos Awareness, Cat & Genny, 4x4, Confined Spaces, Banksman, First Aid, SSSTS, CSCS card)
- Report writing experience
Benefits
- Benefits we offer you:
- Being part of RSK Group, a well-established global leader in the delivery of environmental and engineering solutions.
- Competitive paid subsistence when applicable
- Employee assistance and health support scheme
- Paid accommodation when working away
- 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 of time worked above standard hours or overtime paid
- Annual profit discretionary bonus & performance-related bonus schemes, T&Cs apply
- Annual pay review
- Monthly clothing allowance
- 30 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)
- Employee Assistance Programme (advice on finance, mental health etc)
- Paid CIfA membership
- Cycle to work scheme
Ready to join the team?
We read every application and reply within five working days.
What you'll need
- Your CV (PDF or Word)
- Optional cover letter
- About 5–10 minutes
Your progress is saved automatically.