Conservation Lead

Conservation Lead

Final date to receive applications: 12 October 2026

Department: PX
- Publication

Employment Type: Permanent
- Full Time

Location: Cleckheaton

Compensation: £41,033 - £46,531 / year

Locations
:
Cleckheaton, West Yorkshire

Contract Type: permanent, subject to six-month probation period

Closing Date: close of day on Monday 12th October 2026

Headland Archaeology is offering a rare and excellent opportunity for a capable, knowledgeable and enthusiastic person to join our Finds team and launch our new conservation lab.

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 increasing our range of services to encompass conservation of archaeological artefacts. We are seeking to recruit a self-motivated, enthusiastic, experienced conservator to set up and run the new conservation lab.

Role-specific responsibilities will be dependent on individual experience and skills. Core responsibilities include: managing undertaking and providing advice on finds first aid, preventative and remedial conservation and stabilisation of archaeological artefacts, both in the lab and on site; managing the conservation lab with responsibility for meeting targets; liaising with specialists and clients; scheduling, coordinating and taking responsibility for conservation work budgets, schedules and deadlines;

preparing conservation plans and reports; line management, support, training and mentoring of more junior staff.

The successful candidate would be expected to adhere to UK Health and Safety Legislation and to Headland Health and Safety processes; work with Finds Manager and other staff to publicise and market conservation services to potential clients. They would be expected to develop their own knowledge and skills and keep abreast of specialist literature, technology, and developments.

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.

• Post graduate degree in a conservation discipline and significant relevant experience
• Expert knowledge of current principles and best practice, techniques and skills in preventative and…