Geoarchaeologist (Technician to Senior Geoarchaeologist)

Geoarchaeologist (Technician to Senior Geoarchaeologist)

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 :

Desired skills :

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 :

Desired skills :

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 :

Desired skills :

Benefits we offer you :

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