Principal Geophysicist in Cleckheaton

Application Deadline: 12 August 2026

Department: Geophysics

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Cleckheaton

Compensation: £41,033 / year

Locations: Based in Cleckheaton, West Yorkshire or Boxworth, Cambridgeshire although travel nationwide will be required.

Contract Type: Permanent (with 6 month probationary period)

Closing Date: 12th August 2026

Following the creation of a new Geophysics and Exploration section, Headland is expanding its geophysical survey team and recruiting experienced staff to meet its increasing project portfolio.

Do you ever wonder how archaeological sites are located and identified in the first place? Do you want to be at the forefront of the development of geophysical survey techniques in the commercial field? Do you want to join a large team with a range of experience working on nationally important and interesting projects throughout the United Kingdom and the EU?

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.
• Strong pioneering spirit characterised by a healthy appetite for originality and development.
• Stable company with excellent growth and successful partnerships.
• Good work environment surrounded by pleasant, professional, and enthusiastic colleagues.
• Opportunity to influence in an open climate, close to decision makers.
• Part of RSK group with opportunities for involvement in nationally and internationally prominent projects.

The Role

We are looking for candidates who are self-driven with a positive outlook and excellent understanding of archaeological geophysics and British archaeology. The Principal Geophysicist assists in the running and management of geophysical surveys. You will oversee the processing and interpretation of data, production of project documentation, reports, research and analysis. Your work will primarily involve working on a range of geophysical surveys (magnetometer, electromagnetic, earth resistance, GPR and metal detection), some field-based survey may also be required. You will have experience and knowledge of a range of techniques and be able to assist managers in supporting field and reporting teams on projects beyond those you are directly undertaking yourself.

As part of the geophysical survey team you will get involved in several large and exciting projects across the UK and EU. We have many large-scale infrastructure projects throughout 2026, which include landscape wide 1000+ha sites and linear schemes. Working away and travelling in new places is a normal part of this role.

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.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

Essential Key Skills

• Be an accomplished geophysicist with a minimum of 5 years’ experience in commercial archaeological geophysics with at least 12 months at a Senior Geophysicist level.
• Thorough knowledge of at least two geophysical survey techniques (magnetometry and another - preferably electromagnetic).
• A sound knowledge of the principles of operation of the most frequently used geophysical survey equipment.
• Sound understanding of all relevant policies and laws, and can discuss with team members, stakeholders, and clients how they might apply to a given situation on site.
• Proficient in use and understanding of MS Office suite.
• A relevant degree, or proven experience.
• Full, valid driving licence and willingness to travel.
• Sound knowledge of safe working practices for typical geophysical survey projects, competent at assessing and managing risk.
• Good time and pressure management skills, ability to use your own initiative within the company structure.
• Very good written and oral communication skills.
• A desire to lead, develop and learn.
• Experience of sole responsibility for geophysical survey projects of significant scale including survey logistics, data quality control, post-processing and reporting.
• An ability to support managers in their duties and assist with overseeing projects, producing paperwork and providing input to tenders.
• A willingness to travel, work on projects across the UK and when required stay on site and/or occasionally work weekends on geographically distant projects.
• Experience in the use of commercially available survey processing and graphics packages such as QGIS.

Desirable Skills

• Membership of the CIfA.
• Ability to motivate and help coordinate teams.
• An ability to carry out prolonged manual work in an outdoor environment.
• Ability to work under pressure and use your own initiative.
• SHEQ Accreditations (SSSTS, First aid, Asbestos Awareness, Lantra Sit Astride).

Benefits

• Being part of RSK Group, a well-established global leader in the delivery of environmental and engineering solutions.
• 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, cart/drone-based Magnetometers 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.

How to apply

To apply for this role, please click the Web/Apply button above and submit your application through the Headland Archaeology Applicant Tracking System. As part of our commitment to fair and inclusive recruitment, our Applicant Tracking System removes certain identifying information from applications during the initial screening stage. This allows hiring managers to focus on candidates’ skills, experience and suitability for the role, helping to reduce the potential for unconscious bias and ensuring a more objective recruitment process.

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.