Archaeological Illustrator

Application Deadline: 30 September 2026

Department: PX - Graphics

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Edinburgh

Compensation: £30,299 - £32,853 / year

Contract Type: Permanent, subject to 6 month probation period

Closing Date: Close of day on 30th September 2026

Headland Archaeology is offering an excellent opportunity for a conscientious and enthusiastic person to join our Graphics 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.
• Our corporate culture is characterised by a healthy appetite for originality and development.
• Stable company with excellent growth.
• Good work environment.
• Opportunity to influence.
• Part of RSK group.

The Role

Due to an expanding workload at all offices, Headland Archaeology is now seeking a self-motivated, enthusiastic archaeological Illustrator with a passion for creative work to join an excellent in-house Graphics Team. The successful candidate will receive support in developing existing skills and broadening their knowledge and will be encouraged to explore innovative methods and specialisms.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Creation of technically correct artwork, implementing brand guidelines and styles to layouts for print and digital output.
• Creation of graphics to illustrate reports by using a mix of Adobe CC, QGIS and other software.
• Working with site data such as survey plans, photographs, historical maps, geotechnical and topographical information.
• Creation of illustrations for publications, including artefacts drawings and photographs, site interpretation plans and reconstructions.
• Contribute ideas that will maintain and improve the quality of the graphics output at Headland.
• Provide general graphic support and guidance to the wider team.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

Essential skills:

• Excellent time management and ability to work to a brief within budget and to tight deadlines.
• Effective problem-solving and confident decision-making, with the ability to manage multiple and competing priorities.
• Clear and fluent communication skills, with strong teamwork abilities and confident spoken and written English.
• Great attention to detail and ability to produce highly accurate work.
• Responsible and accountable for your work, actions and decisions.
• Requires solid practical experience with Adobe Creative Cloud programs (Illustrator) and GIS platforms (QGIS or ESRI ArcGIS), along with an openness to developing skills in further graphics software.
• Able to work in a team and independently when required and demonstrate a professional approach to work, colleagues, other professionals and clients.

Desirable skills:

• 3D modelling and animation (Blender and/or Maya, 3DS Max).
• Expertise in creating site interpretation plans and archaeological reconstructions.
• Photography and image manipulation (small finds and on-site photography).
• Experience and interest in photogrammetry would be desirable (Agisoft Metashape).
• Show demonstrable good composition and layout skills (typesetting), experience creating promotional materials (design) for print and web and community engagement.
• The ability to capture and edit video (Premiere).
• Animation skills (After Effects).
• Member of the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists, including the GAG special interest group.
• Driving licence.

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.
• 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).
• Paid CIfA membership.
• Cycle to work scheme.

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.