SUPERVISORS (FIELDWORK)

Salary: from £28,801.50 – £30,248.89 (depending on experience) + generous benefits package.

Hours: Full time, 37.5h/week

Locations: Edinburgh, Hereford, Silsoe, Cleckheaton and Boxworth – but working on sites across the UK

Contract Type: Permanent

Closing Date: 5pm 31st March 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, improve your skills and be part of an excellent 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 the 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.
• Our corporate culture is characterised by a healthy appetite for originality and development.
• Over the years, we have demonstrated steady, positive economic development and formed successful partnerships.
• You will be surrounded by colleagues who are pleasant, professional, and enthusiastic about their work.
• You get to work in an open climate, close to decision makers and with the possibility of making a difference.
• You will have further opportunities to become involved in nationally and internationally prominent projects with exciting prospects for career development.

The Role

We are looking to recruit up to 5 confident, dedicated archaeologists available to start in Spring 2025 on a permanent basis. You would have reasonable experience in British commercial archaeology and be willing to work away on projects across the UK. Your work will primarily involve conducting a range of archaeological investigations, evaluations/excavations and supervising plant, as well as office-based research, analysis, and reporting. Working away and travelling to new places is a normal part of this role; therefore, willingness to travel around the UK is essential. When required you will be expected to work from your contracted office – getting to/from the office will be your responsibility.

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.

Key Responsibilities

• Excavation and recording of archaeological features when required
• Supervision of smaller teams or areas within a larger site
• Surveying of archaeological sites/features using dGPS
• Machine watching
• Undertaking watching briefs independently with regular check-ins/remote oversight from Project Manager
• Taking an active role in maintaining high safety standards on site
• Ensuring the quality of archaeological recording within your team (record checking)
• Contributing towards report production
• Mentoring and coaching site assistants
• Broad range of experience in commercial archaeology on various types/periods of site (minimum of 12 months)
• Accomplished field archaeologist
• Ability to carry out prolonged manual work in an outdoor environment in all weather
• Evidence of performing some elements of the role before – either supervising others on site, carrying out watching briefs/working independently
• Full clean driving licence and willingness to drive company vehicles in the UK
• Comprehensive understanding of H&S procedures and ability to demonstrate implementation on site
• Proactive approach to ensuring that personal training record is up to date.
• Good organisational & communication skills
• Ability to work under pressure using your own initiative
• Embrace inclusion and diversity as a leader
• Substantial knowledge of MS Office and English language
• CIfA membership
• Degree in Archaeology or related subject
• SHEQ accreditations (Asbestos Awareness, Cat & Genny, 4×4, Confined Spaces, Banksman, First Aid, SSSTS, CSCS card)

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

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.