Archaeological Illustrator

Archaeological Illustrator

Final date to receive applications: 30 September 2026

Department: PX
- Graphics

Employment Type: Permanent
- Full Time

Location: Edinburgh

Compensation: £30,299 - £32,853 / year

Locations
: one of our regional offices in Edinburgh, Cleckheaton (Leeds), Manchester, Silsoe or Hereford of the appointees choosing (with options for some homeworking)

Contract Type: Permanent, subject to 6 month probation period

Closing Date: Close of day on 30th September 2026

Headland Archaeology is offering an excellent opportunity for a conscientious and enthusiastic person to join our Graphics 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 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.17,000 employees and c.230 environmentally lead companies.

Due to an expanding workload at all offices Headland Archaeology is now seeking a self‑motivated, enthusiastic 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 will include:

• Creation of technically correct artwork, implementing brand guidelines and styles to layouts for print and digital output.
• Creation of graphics to illustrate reports by using a mix of Adobe CC, QGIS and other softwares. Working with site data such as survey plans, photographs, historical maps, geotechnical and topographical information.
• Creation of illustrations for publications, including artefacts drawings and photographs, site interpretation plans and reconstructions.
• 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.

Essential skills

• Excellent time management and ability to work to a brief within budget and to tight deadline.
• Effective problem‑solving and confident decision‑making, with the ability to manage multiple and competing priorities.
• Clear and fluent communication skills, with strong teamwork abilities and confident spoken…