Senior Archaeological Illustrator in Cleckheaton

Application Deadline: 27 July 2026

Department: PX - Graphics

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Cleckheaton

Compensation: £34,194 - £39,290 / year

Description Locations: in either Edinburgh, Cleckheaton, Silsoe or Hereford

Contract Type: Permanent

Closing Date: 27th 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, 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 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.
• 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

Due to an expanding workload at all offices, Headland Archaeology is now seeking a self‑motivated, enthusiastic Senior 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.

The role we are offering is varied and you will work on everything from mapping, site illustrations for grey literature reports and publications, finds illustration, artistic impressions, image retouching, photography, typesetting and advertising across print and digital formats.

Key Responsibilities

• Assisting graphics manager with department management including preparing costings on graphics work.
• Delegating tasks, providing support, training, mentoring, QA and supervision for less senior members of the Graphics Team.
• Supervising workload and graphics outputs for larger projects.
• 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.
• Creation of technically correct artwork, implementing brand guidelines and styles to layouts for print and digital output.
• Demonstrable experience in the production of high‑quality graphics for archaeological grey literature or/and publication or related relevant outputs by using a mix of Adobe CC, QGIS, Sketchup, Blender and other software.
• Working with site data such as survey plans, photographs, historical maps, geotechnical and topographical information.
• Creation of illustrations for publications.
• Demonstratable experience of artefact illustration (drawings, photography) to publication standard.
• Typesetting.

In Headland we are proud of our people. We will support you to meet your goals and provide training in specific archaeological and related skills so you can feel confident and succeed in your role.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

Essential Key Skills

• A degree in archaeology, archaeological science or related discipline will be highly advantageous, as will experience of professional archaeological fieldwork within the UK commercial environment.
• Excellent time management and ability to work to a brief within budget and to tight deadlines.
• Creative problem‑solving.
• Ability to handle multiple and competing work priorities/demands.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Great attention to detail and ability to produce highly accurate work.
• Responsible and accountable for your work, actions and decisions.
• High level of computer literacy.
• Demonstrable high proficiency in working with Adobe Creative Cloud Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign…), GIS software (QGIS or ESRI ArcGIS), Excel, MsOffice and in one or more of the following software (or similar): AgiSoft Photoscan, SketchUp, Blender and demonstrable ability to learn new graphics packages.
• The ability and willingness to learn new software and gain new skills.
• Good communication skills with fluent spoken and written English.

Desirable Skills

• 3D modelling.
• Expertise in creating site interpretation plans and archaeological reconstructions.
• Photography and image manipulation.
• Show demonstratable good composition and layout skills, experience creating/design promotional materials for print and web and community engagement.
• The ability to capture and edit video (Premiere).
• Animation skills (After Effect).
• Member of the Institute for Archaeologists, including the GAG special interest group.
• Experience in photogrammetry.
• Driving licence.

Benefits

• 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.
• 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).
• Employee Assistance Programme (advice on finance, mental health etc).
• 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 your application, you will be required to submit a portfolio. Your portfolio should showcase relevant examples of your work, demonstrating your creativity, attention to detail, and ability to produce high‑quality design outputs. Submitting a portfolio is an essential requirement for consideration for this role. Applications received without a portfolio will not be considered.

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.