Locations: one of our regional offices in Edinburgh; Cleckheaton, West Yorkshire; Silsoe, Bedfordshire; Hereford; or Manchester of the appointee’s choosing (with options for some homeworking)
Contract Type: permanent, subject to six-month probation period
Closing Date: close of day on Monday 14th September 2026
Headland Archaeology is offering a rare and excellent opportunity for a capable, knowledgeable and enthusiastic person to join our Finds 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 Ireland, the UK and across the world. With one office in Ireland, 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.
- Strong pioneering spirit. Our corporate culture is characterised by a healthy appetite for originality and development.
- Stable company with excellent growth. Over the years, we have demonstrated steady, positive economic development and formed successful partnerships.
- Good work environment. You will be surrounded by colleagues who are pleasant, professional, and enthusiastic about their work.
- Opportunity to influence. You get to work in an open climate, close to decision makers and with the possibility of making a difference.
- Part of RSK group. You will have further opportunities to become involved in nationally and internationally prominent projects with exciting prospects for career development. The group has c.17000 employees and c.230 environmentally lead companies.
Due to an expanding workload at all offices, Headland Archaeology is seeking to recruit a self-motivated, enthusiastic archaeological pottery specialist with a passion for artefacts to join our in-house Finds Team. The job would be either at Specialist or Senior Specialist level depending on levels of experience and areas of ability. The main area of desired specialist interest is pottery from the Roman period in the UK, ideally with particular reference to the Midlands and East Anglia. Knowledge of related or other areas or artefact studies (eg. Iron Age pottery or Roman CBM) would be advantageous but not essential.
Role-specific responsibilities will be dependent on individual experience and skills. Core responsibilities include: identify and date finds and undertake relevant research; create finds data, collate, analyse and interpret artefactual data; write and edit specialist artefactual grey literature and publication reports; recommend appropriate action for artefactual research, conservation, illustration and reporting.
The successful candidate would be expected to develop their own knowledge and skills and keep abreast of specialist literature but Headland will support further training where the direction matches the company’s requirements.
The role is predominantly office-based but may require occasional travel to alternate Headland offices or to excavation sites to meet with staff in person, advise on artefact recovery, or to give training.
Finds Specialist: £32,488-£35,535
The Finds Specialist role, as well as the above core responsibilities, would involve: co-ordinating finds work, liaising with field staff, other team members and external specialists to ensure smooth workflow; managing your time and other resources so that you can meet your objectives within the allocated budget; providing quotes and estimates for your own finds work. The role may involve elements of line-management and supervision of staff.
Essential skills:
- Undergraduate degree in archaeology or related discipline and/or relevant fieldwork experience
- Good general working knowledge of the archaeology (all periods, materials and techniques) of the British Isles
- Good research skills and familiarity with sources of archaeological and artefact information throughout the British Isles
- Detailed understanding of general Roman archaeology, history and material culture
- Detailed understanding and demonstrable specialist knowledge of Roman pottery studies
- Keen attention to detail and ability to accurately observe and record
- Ability to communicate and present artefactual and archaeological data and ideas effectively and appropriately and a clear concise writing style in English
- Proven track record in reporting Roman pottery at grey lit and publication level
- Understanding of techniques and equipment applicable to archaeological investigations and to artefactual studies
- Knowledge of legislation, regulation and guidance relevant to archaeology including Health and Safety and adherence to safe working practices, in particular to hazards associated with artefactual work
- Good IT skills, including databases and MS Office
- Ability to manage time and other resources to meet objectives and deadlines
- Good coaching skills and a willingness to train others
- Ability to work under pressure, to work independently and within a wider team
- Be passionate, motivated and excited about what you do!
Desired skills:
- Understanding of related or other areas of artefact studies (eg. Iron Age pottery, Roman CBM)
- Full clean driving licence (and a willingness to drive company vehicles)
- Membership of the CIfA at least at Associate level
- Membership of relevant finds groups and bodies (eg SGRP, PCRG, CIfA Finds Group)
Senior Finds Specialist: £36,876-£39,290
The Senior Finds Specialist role, as well as the above core responsibilities, would involve: co-ordinating finds work, liaising with field staff, other team members and external specialists to ensure smooth workflow; managing your time, other staff time and other resources so that you can meet project objectives within the allocated budget; providing quotes and estimates for programmes of finds work including liaising with external specialists and bodies; overseeing project costs, quality and progress. The successful candidate would also be expected to evaluate project achievements and company systems and suggest improvements and to have a strong sense of personal accountability and initiative.
The role would involve line managing staff, allocating work to team members, monitoring their performance and providing feedback. It will also involve mentoring trainee specialists, providing training to post-excavation and field staff, and developing teams and individuals.
Essential skills (as finds specialist with addition of)
- Expert understanding and demonstrable specialist knowledge of Roman pottery studies
- Meticulous attention to detail and ability to accurately observe and record
- Good editing skills.
- At least 4 years specialist experience and proven track record in reporting Roman pottery at grey lit and publication level
- Detailed understanding of techniques and equipment applicable to archaeological investigations and to artefactual studies
- Thorough knowledge of legislation, regulation and guidance relevant to archaeology including Health and Safety and adherence to safe working practices, in particular to hazards associated with artefactual work
- Advanced abilities in data manipulation
- Ability to manage project time, staff and other resources and be responsible for project budgets, deadlines and other objectives
- Strong organisational skills and ability to schedule and co-ordinate work for other team members, monitor performance and provide feedback
- Ability to thrive under pressure, to work independently and within a wider team
Desired skills:
- Post-graduate degree in archaeology or related subject in relevant specialist area
- Detailed understanding of related or other areas of artefact studies (eg. Iron Age pottery, Roman CBM)
- Full clean driving licence (and a willingness to drive company vehicles)
- Membership of the CIfA at Member level
- Membership of relevant finds groups and bodies (eg SGRP, PCRG, CIfA Finds Group)
-
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
How to apply
Applicants are asked to provide a separate personal bibliography alongside their CV and covering letter, detailing select relevant publications and grey lit reports
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 [email protected] so we can make suitable arrangements.
We combine an in-depth understanding of archaeology with practical experience of major construction projects to keep you ahead of the game. Our proactive, friendly approach leaves no stone unturned when it comes to accurate estimating, minimised risk and effective national resourcing.
From fast-track rail projects and wind farm construction through to housing developments and off-shore cable-laying, we deliver against your critical path and your heritage responsibilities.
We were founded in 1996 and now cover the whole of the UK from four regional offices located in Silsoe, Hereford, Cleckheaton and Edinburgh. Many of our contracts are valued at £1m-£5m and we regularly act as Principal Contractor.
We are a Registered Organisation of the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists. More importantly, though we study the past, we are a forward-looking and innovative business, keen to help our clients stay ahead of the game.
