Post-Excavation Assistant (Finds) in Silsoe

Post-Excavation Assistant (Finds)

Application Deadline: 9 November 2026

Department: PX - Finds

Employment Type: Fixed Term - Full Time

Location: Silsoe

Compensation: £27,142 - £29,031 / year

Description

Locations: Headland South & East Office, Silsoe, Bedfordshire

Contract Type: temporary, 6-month contract

Closing Date: Close of day on Monday 9th November 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?

Headland Archaeology is offering an excellent opportunity for a conscientious and enthusiastic person to join our Finds team in the Post-Excavation section.

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 led companies.

The Role

Due to an expanding workload, Headland Archaeology is now seeking to recruit a self‑motivated, enthusiastic post‑excavation assistant with a passion for artefacts to join our in‑house Finds Team.

The role will be office‑based, dealing predominantly with finds processing, animal and human bone processing, finds first aid, packaging and logistics. It may also include basic archiving, data manipulation and other post‑excavation tasks. Some experience or demonstrable interest in finds work is required but relevant training can be given and support will be available.

The role may require occasional travel to an alternate Headland office or to fieldwork sites to give or receive training, or to transport materials, and applicants should note that Headland Archaeology operates throughout the UK. There is also the potential for the development of skills, with the possibility of Headland supporting training where the direction matches the company’s requirements.

The applicant must have a keen eye for detail and good organisational skills. They should have the ability to meet deadlines, be flexible and adapt to changing requirements. Good communication skills are essential. The applicant should also have the ability to work independently and within a wider team. A clean UK driving licence and a willingness to drive company vehicles is highly desirable.

We are looking for someone with enthusiasm, energy and a love of finds to join the team. 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

• Undertake processing of artefacts and ecofacts (animal bone, human remains)
• Undertake packaging, storage, transportation and handling of artefacts and ecofacts
• Undertake finds first aid
• Maintenance of processing equipment and processing area
• Adhere to company systems and keep finds records up to date
• Maintain project archives in orderly state
• Develop your own knowledge and skills
• Manage your time and other resources so that you can meet your objectives within the allocated budget
• Undertake other post‑excavation tasks appropriate to your skills and knowledge (eg. preparation and deposition of project archives; preparation of site paperwork and toolkits; processing of environmental samples; completing site data entry)

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

Essential Key Skills

• Undergraduate degree in archaeology or related discipline and/or relevant fieldwork experience.
• General working knowledge of the archaeology (all periods, materials and techniques) of the British Isles
• Basic understanding of UK artefactual procedures and standards
• Experience in processing of artefacts/ecofacts
• Adherence to safe working practices, in particular to hazards associated with artefactual and environmental work
• IT skills, including databases and MS Office
• A good eye for detail and ability to accurately observe and record label, package and follow instructions
• Good communication skills and the ability to work alone or with a team
• Be passionate, motivated and excited about what you do!

Desirable Skills

• Knowledge of issues surrounding finds first aid, conservation, packaging and long‑term storage
• Full clean driving licence (and a willingness to drive company vehicles)
• Membership of the CIfA at least at Practitioner level

Benefits

• Competitive paid subsistence when applicable
• Paid accommodation when working away
• Employee Assistance Programme (advice on finance, mental health etc)
• 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
• 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)
• Paid CIfA membership
• Cycle to work scheme

You must have the right to work in the UK without restrictions. Proof of eligibility will be required prior to your commencement

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.

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