Archives Officer (Logistics) in Silsoe

Application Deadline: 6 July 2026

Department: PX - Archives

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Silsoe

Compensation: £32,488 - £35,535 / year

Description Salary: £32,488 - £35,535 per annum based upon a 37.5 hour work week + generous benefits package

Hours: Full time, 37.5h/week – we are open to discussion on flexible working

Locations: based at our Silsoe office (much of the role is office‑based although there may be options for some home working)

Contract Type: permanent, subject to six‑month probation

Closing Date: Sunday July 6th at 23:59

Headland Archaeology is offering an excellent opportunity for a conscientious, capable and enthusiastic person to help shape our Archives 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 UK and across the world.
• With five offices in England and one in Scotland, we offer our employees unique knowledge and expertise.
• For more than 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, Headland Archaeology is seeking a self‑motivated, enthusiastic archaeological archives officer to join our post‑excavation team. The job will primarily involve co‑ordinating the logistics for the physical and digital archives of the company, including any archival work and the resources required to complete assigned tasks. In addition to co‑ordinating the work of others, the successful candidate may be expected to undertake the preparation of physical and digital archives to internal standards and the requirements of the relevant receiving bodies, to liaise with the receiving bodies and deposit archives, to maintain Headland’s internal archives in a well‑ordered state, and to train and supervise others. This role has a focus on logistics and co‑ordination and as such candidates should have demonstrable skills in these areas, as well as knowledge of British archaeology. They should have the ability to manage teams and budgets, as this role may involve line management of their own staff. A substantial track record in preparing and depositing archaeological archives in the UK would be beneficial, although candidates with a smaller amount of experience here are also encouraged to apply if their experience with logistics and co‑ordination and other post‑excavation work is extensive and the skills transferrable. The successful candidate will be expected to develop their own knowledge and skills and keep abreast of developments and innovations in the field, but encouragement and support will also be given to aid their development and broaden their skill and knowledge. After relevant training and onboarding, this individual will be largely in charge of their own work programme, so initiative and problem‑solving abilities are also key.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Co‑ordinate the logistics for work on the physical and digital archives within Silsoe and if needed across other offices
• Undertake, supervise, and provide advice on preparation and deposition physical, paper and digital archives
• Allocate work to team members; prioritise, set targets, monitor performance and provide feedback for post‑excavation work
• Liaise with relevant internal specialists and external bodies (such as museum curators) and follow deposition procedures to ensure efficient archiving processes with clearly documented retention policies in place
• Liaise with landowners to obtain transfer of title for recovered materials
• Work with other team members to ensure archives are left tidy and archive‑ready and to ensure smooth workflow
• Training/supervision of others, including junior staff working in post‑excavation and liaising with other departments/teams to ensure a smooth workflow.
• Develop your own knowledge of archive procedures and keep abreast of developments within external bodies
• Manage time and resources to achieve goals within allocated budgets
• Provide quotes and estimates for archiving work and expenses including liaising with external bodies
• Assist Data Officers with upholding data integrity and organisation
• Undertake other tasks appropriate to your skills and knowledge.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

Essential skills:

• Undergraduate degree in archaeology or related discipline and/or relevant fieldwork and/or archiving/logistics experience
• Good understanding of archiving legislation, procedures and standards for relevant part of the UK where post‑holder is based
• Good general working knowledge of archaeological procedures, recording and artefacts
• Knowledge of legislation, regulation and guidance relevant to archives and archaeology including Health and Safety
• Adherence to safe working practices, in particular to hazards associated with artefactual work
• Good knowledge of issues surrounding finds first aid, conservation, packaging and long‑term storage
• Good communication skills that can be applied to negotiations surrounding assemblages
• Familiarity with relevant receiving bodies for paper, physical and digital archives
• Good IT skills, including file management, databases and MS Office
• Attention to detail and ability to accurately label and package
• Strong organisational skills and ability to schedule, co‑ordinate and monitor tasks and other team members
• Ability to manage teams and budgets
• Good interpersonal and coaching skills
• Be passionate, motivated and excited about what you do!

Desired skills:

• Full clean driving license (and a willingness to drive company vehicles)
• Membership of CIfA at Associate level
• Membership of relevant archives groups and bodies (e.g. CIfA Archaeological Archives Group, ARA)

Benefits

Benefits we offer you:

• Being part of RSK Group, a well‑established global leader in the delivery of environmental and engineering solutions.
• Competitive paid subsistence when applicable
• Employee assistance and health support scheme
• 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 of time worked above standard hours or overtime paid
• Annual profit discretionary bonus & performance‑related bonus schemes (Terms and conditions apply)
• Annual pay review
• Monthly clothing allowance
• 30 days annual leave, rising based on service length
• Relocation package
• 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