Senior Archaeologist

Locations : Edinburgh, Hereford, Silsoe, Cleckheaton or Boxworth. We will also consider candidates based at RSK Group offices, including Romsey, Didcot and Manchester. Regular travel to sites across the UK will be required.

Contract: Permanent
Closing Date: 30/09/2026.

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 the past 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.

The Role

We are looking for candidates who are self driven with a positive outlook and good understanding of British Archaeology. You will be very experienced in running archaeological sites and capable of overseeing a number of field and post excavation projects at the same time. You will be a good team worker who can promote new ideas and new ways of working, and motivate your teams to deliver projects to programme and to budget.

The position will involve the management of field teams on large-scale infrastructure projects and assisting the project management team with the preparation of tenders and the running of office-based projects.

As a commercial company there is plenty of scope to utilise existing skills, discover new ones and develop your strengths. You will encounter numerous opportunities for personal development and promotion. With a proactive post- excavation department we are producing a growing number of monographs and other peer reviewed publications every year; our dedicated training team (CIfA accredited) will help support your projects and RSK provides a wealth of opportunity to broaden the range and nature of the experience enjoyed by our staff.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

You must have the following essential criteria:

• Proven experience in British commercial archaeology
• Experience in having sole field responsibility for archaeological projects of significant scale including planning logistics and co-ordinating sub-contractors.
• Being able to support managers in their duties and assist with overseeing projects, producing paperwork and providing input to tenders
• Experience and understanding of UK commercial archaeology and planning legislation
• Full clean UK driving licence and willingness to drive company vehicles
• Willingness to travel and work on projects across the UK
• Degree level education or higher in a relevant subject is preferred
• A demonstrable portfolio of reports
• Use of Microsoft Office packages
• Ability to use own initiative to achieve targets

A publication track-record, SSSTS/SMSTS, CSCS card and CIfA membership are desirable criteria.

Benefits

• Competitive paid subsistence when applicable
• 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

How to apply
To apply for this role, please click the Web/Apply button above and submit your application through the Headland Archaeology Applicant Tracking System.

As part of our commitment to fair and inclusive recruitment, our Applicant Tracking System removes certain identifying information from applications during the initial screening stage. This allows hiring managers to focus on candidates’ skills, experience and suitability for the role, helping to reduce the potential for unconscious bias and ensuring a more objective recruitment process.

You must have the right to work in the UK without restrictions. Proof of eligibility will be required prior to your commencement. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and we may fill existing vacancies before the closing date, so you are advised to submit your application as early as possible.

Headland is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Headland Archaeology is committed to creating an inclusive recruitment process. If you have a disability or need any adjustments to enable you to take part in the interview, please contact us athr@headlandarchaeolgy.comso we can make suitable arrangements.