Archaeologists

Salary: from £26,098.80 – £27,139.88 (depending on experience) + generous benefits package

Hours: Full time, 37.5h/week

Location
:
Sites across UK including Tilbury, Essex, Cambridgeshire and East Anglia

Closing Date: 5pm on 31 st January 2026

Contract Type: fixed-term contract – Dec 2026 (possibility of extension)

Are you fascinated by the past and looking for a career in commercial archaeology? Do you want to be part of big infrastructure schemes and work on interesting projects?

This is an excellent opportunity, if you are looking to expand your knowledge in archaeology, improve your skills and be part of a team who delivers high quality archaeological work.

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 three offices in England and one in Scotland, we offer our employees:

• Unique knowledge and expertise. For more than 20 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.15,000 employees and c.230 environmentally lead companies.

We are looking to recruit enthusiastic, committed, results-driven individuals, available to start in January 2026. Ideally you would have at least three months’ experience in UK commercial archaeology, or relevant European commercial experience.

Your work will primarily involve conducting a range of archaeological evaluations and excavations as well as office-based tasks. As part of the fieldwork team you will get involved in several large and exciting projects across central, southern, and eastern England. We have interesting projects including LBA-EIA enclosures, roman occupation and industry and medieval edge of settlement. Working away and travelling in new places is a normal part of this role.

When conditions allow for staying away, we will provide you with high-quality accommodation and subsistence.

Our most recent works; which include well preserved IA/RB and Saxon landscapes, medieval and Post-medieval industrial sites in eastern England, prehistoric landscapes on the southern chalklands, industrial archaeology in Birmingham; illustrate the wide range of projects we have been commissioned to deliver.

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.

• Genuine interest in archaeology
• 3 months of archaeological field work experience preferably on sites of various periods and types
• Ability to carry out prolonged manual work in an outdoor environment in all weather
• Good organisational & communication skills
• Ability to work under pressure
• Substantial knowledge of MS Office & English language

A Degree in Archaeology, or in a relevant subject, membership of the CIfA and a valid CSCS card are desirable criteria for the role. Driving licence and willingness to drive in UK is a plus.

• Competitive paid subsistence when applicable
• Paid accommodation when applicable
• Use of cutting edge technology on site, e.g. paperless systems, iPads…