Senior Geophysicist

Hours: Full time, 37.5h/week

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: May 29th 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?

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.

In Headland we are proud of our people. We will support you to your meet your goals and train you in specific archaeological and other skills to feel confident and succeed in your role.

We are looking for candidates who are self-driven with a positive outlook and excellent understanding of archaeological geophysics and British archaeology. The Senior Geophysicist role primarily involves running geophysical surveys in the field as well as the office-based production of project documentation, reports, research and analysis. Responsible for day-to-day running of sites of all sizes including delivery of on-site activities, undertaking data collection, recording, quality control, SHEQ, on-site point of contact for client, archaeological advisor, and other stakeholders, unless there is a Principal Geophysicist is in place.

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.

• Be an accomplished geophysicist with a minimum of 3 years’ experience in commercial archaeological geophysics with at least 12 months at a Lead Geophysicist level
• Thorough knowledge of magnetometry
• 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
• 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
• 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

• 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…