Principal Geophysicist

Principal Geophysicist

Final date to receive applications: 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. 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.

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 your meet your goals and train you in specific archaeological and other skills to feel confident and succeed in your role.

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…