ARCHAEOLOGICAL ROMAN POTTERY SPECIALIST/SENIOR SPECIALIST

ARCHAEOLOGICAL ROMAN POTTERY SPECIALIST/SENIOR SPECIALIST

Salary: £31,238 to £37,778 pa (depending on grade and experience) + generous benefits package

Hours:Full time, 37.5h/week – we are open to discussion on flexible working

Locations: one of our regional offices in Edinburgh, Cleckheaton (Leeds), Silsoe (Bedfordshire) or Hereford of the appointee’s choosing (with options for some homeworking)

Contract Type:permanent, subject to six-month probation

Closing Date:9am on Monday 4 th August 2025

Headland Archaeology is offering a rare and excellent opportunity for a capable, knowledgeable and enthusiastic person to join our Finds 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 more than 25 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.12000 employees and c.200 environmentally lead 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

Due to an expanding workload at all offices and to the commencement of the large HS2 post-excavation project, Headland Archaeology is now seeking to recruit a self-motivated, enthusiastic archaeological pottery specialist with a passion for artefacts to join our in-house Finds Team. The job would be either at Specialist or Senior Specialist level depending on levels of experience and areas of ability. The main area of desired specialist interest is pottery from the Roman period. Knowledge of related or other areas or artefact studies (eg. Iron Age pottery or Roman CBM) would be advantageous but not essential.

Role-specific responsibilities will be dependent on individual experience and skills. Core responsibilities are to: identify and date finds using appropriate typologies and references and undertake relevant research; create finds data, recording finds using appropriate language and identifying salient points; collate, analyse and interpret artefactual data in relation to space, phasing or other relevant factors; write and edit specialist artefactual grey literature and publication reports without supervision, keeping within required report parameters; recommend appropriate action for artefactual research, conservation, illustration and reporting. Responsibilities would also involve providing advice and expertise in finds excavation techniques, sampling, processing, methodologies, packaging, storage, transportation and handling of artefacts. They would also be expected to work with other team members to ensure finds archives are left tidy and archive-ready.

The successful candidate would be expected to develop their own knowledge and skills and keep abreast of specialist literature but encouragement and support will also be given to aid their development and broaden their skill and knowledge – Headland will support training where the direction matches the company’s requirements.

The role is predominantly office-based but may require occasional travel to alternate Headland offices or to excavation sites to meet with staff in person, advise on artefact recovery, or to give training. A clean UK driving license and a willingness to drive company vehicles is desirable.

We are looking for someone with enthusiasm, knowledge and energy to expand our finds team.

The Finds Specialist role, as well as the above core responsibilities, would involve: co-ordinating finds work, liaising with field staff, other team members and external specialists to ensure smooth workflow; managing your time and other resources so that you can meet your objectives within the allocated budget; providing quotes and estimates for your own finds work. The role may involve elements of line-management and supervision of staff, including allocating work to team members, monitoring their performance and providing feedback, as well as providing training.

Essential skills:

• Undergraduate degree in archaeology or related discipline
• Good general working knowledge of the archaeology (all periods, materials and techniques) of the British Isles
• Good research skills and familiarity with sources of archaeological and artefact information throughout the British Isles
• Detailed understanding of general Roman archaeology, history and material culture
• Detailed understanding and demonstrable specialist knowledge of Roman pottery studies
• Keen attention to detail and ability to accurately observe and record
• Ability to communicate and present artefactual and archaeological data and ideas effectively and appropriately and a clear concise writing style in English
• Proven track record in reporting Roman pottery at grey lit and publication level
• Understanding of techniques and equipment applicable to archaeological investigations and to artefactual studies
• Knowledge of legislation, regulation and guidance relevant to archaeology including Health and Safety and adherence to safe working practices, in particular to hazards associated with artefactual work
• Good IT skills, including databases and MS Office
• Ability to manage time and other resources to meet objectives and deadlines
• Ability to schedule, co-ordinate and monitor tasks with other team members
• Good coaching skills and a willingness to train others
• Ability to work under pressure, to work independently and within a wider team
• Show initiative, flexibility and ability to problem-solve
• Be passionate, motivated and excited about what you do!

Desired skills:

• Understanding of related or other areas of artefact studies (eg. Iron Age pottery, Roman CBM)
• Full clean driving license (and a willingness to drive company vehicles)
• Membership of the CIfA at least at Associate level
• Membership of relevant finds groups and bodies (eg SGRP, PCRG, CIfA Finds Group)

The Senior Finds Specialist role, as well as the above core responsibilities, would involve: co-ordinating finds work, liaising with field staff, other team members and external specialists to ensure smooth workflow; managing your time, other staff time and other resources so that you can meet project objectives within the allocated budget; providing quotes and estimates for programmes of finds work including liaising with external specialists and bodies; overseeing project costs, quality and progress. The successful candidate would also be expected to evaluate project achievements and company systems and suggest improvements and to have a strong sense of personal accountability and initiative.

The role would involve line managing staff, allocating work to team members, monitoring their performance and providing feedback. It will also involve mentoring trainee specialists, providing training to post-excavation and field staff, and developing teams and individuals.

Essential skills:

• Undergraduate degree in archaeology or related discipline
• Good general working knowledge of the archaeology (all periods, materials and techniques) of the British Isles
• Good research skills and familiarity with sources of archaeological and artefact information throughout the British Isles
• Detailed understanding of general Roman archaeology, history and material culture
• Expert understanding and demonstrable specialist knowledge of Roman pottery studies
• Meticulous attention to detail and ability to accurately observe and record
• Ability to communicate and present artefactual and archaeological data and ideas effectively and appropriately and a clear concise writing style in English as well as good editing skills.
• At least 4 years specialist experience and proven track record in reporting Roman pottery at grey lit and publication level
• Detailed understanding of techniques and equipment applicable to archaeological investigations and to artefactual studies
• Thorough knowledge of legislation, regulation and guidance relevant to archaeology including Health and Safety and adherence to safe working practices, in particular to hazards associated with artefactual work
• Good IT skills, including databases and MS Office and advanced abilities in data manipulation
• Ability to manage project time, staff and other resources and be responsible for project budgets, deadlines and other objectives
• Strong organisational skills and ability to schedule and co-ordinate work for other team members, monitor performance and provide feedback
• Good coaching skills and a willingness to train and mentor others
• Ability to thrive under pressure, to work independently and within a wider team
• Be proactive, show initiative, flexibility and ability to problem-solve and adapt to changing requirements
• Be passionate, motivated and excited about what you do!

Desired skills:

• Postgraduate degree in archaeology or related subject in relevant specialist area
• Detailed understanding of related or other areas of artefact studies (eg. Iron Age pottery, Roman CBM)
• Full clean driving license (and a willingness to drive company vehicles)
• Membership of the CIfA at Member level
• Membership of relevant finds groups and bodies (eg SGRP, PCRG, CIfA Finds Group)

Benefits we offer you:

• 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
• 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
• 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. 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.

Send covering letter and CV, including a personal bibliography of major reports/publications produced to Julie Franklin at ‘jobs@headlandarchaeology.com’ quoting reference POTSP25

Postal applications will not be accepted. Details of references should include their name, relationship to the applicant, postal address, email address and phone number.

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