ARCHAEOLOGISTS (FIELDWORK)

Hours: Full time, 37.5h/week

Location: Sites across UK including Essex, Cambridgeshire, Lincolnshire, Durham

Contract Type: fixed-term contract – Dec 2026 (possibility of extension)

Closing Date: 5pm on 30th July 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 in archaeology, improve your skills and be part of a team who delivers high quality archaeological work.

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 the UK and across the world.
• With three 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.
• Our corporate culture is characterised by a healthy appetite for originality and development.
• Stable company with excellent growth.
• Good work environment with pleasant, professional, and enthusiastic colleagues.
• Opportunity to influence and work closely with decision makers.
• Part of RSK group with further opportunities for career development.

The Role

We are looking to recruit enthusiastic, committed, results-driven individuals, available to start in the Spring and Summer of 2026. Ideally, you would have at least three months’ experience in UK commercial archaeology, or relevant European commercial experience. Your work will primarily involve conducting a range of archaeological evaluations and excavations as well as office-based tasks. As part of the fieldwork team, you will get involved in several large and exciting projects across central, southern, and eastern England.

Working away and travelling in new places is a normal part of this role. When conditions allow for staying away, we will provide you with high-quality accommodation and subsistence.

In Headland, we are proud of our people. We will support you to meet your goals and train you in specific archaeological and other skills to feel confident and succeed in your role.

Essential Criteria:

• Genuine interest in archaeology
• 3 months of archaeological field work experience preferably on sites of various periods and types
• Ability to carry out prolonged manual work in an outdoor environment in all weather
• Good organisational & communication skills
• Ability to work under pressure
• Substantial knowledge of MS Office & English language

A Degree in Archaeology, or in a relevant subject and membership of the CIfA are desirable criteria for the role. Driving license and willingness to drive in the UK is a plus.

Benefits we offer you:

• 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
• 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

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 at hr@headlandarchaeolgy.com so we can make suitable arrangements.