Marine Geoarchaeologist - Wessex Archaeology, UK

Past Global Changes; Amesbury; Hybrid; GBP 36,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

An archaeological and heritage service provider is seeking a Marine Geoarchaeologist to lead projects in the offshore renewables sector. Based in Amesbury, this role requires a postgraduate qualification in Geoarchaeology and expertise in interpreting Quaternary sediments. The successful candidate will supervise colleagues, prepare reports, and engage with clients on various technical aspects. This opportunity involves participating in high-profile projects and contributing to the sustainable management of historic environments. Applications close on January 30, 2026.

Qualifications

• Clear and confident communication skills for engaging with diverse stakeholders.
• Confident in interpreting Quaternary superficial sediments.
• Strong knowledge of marine and terrestrial depositional environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead geoarchaeologist on marine projects, supervising colleagues.
• Prepare client reports and engage with specialists.
• Act as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) for projects.

Skills

Communication skills

Reporting skills

Teamwork

Project management

Education

Post-graduate qualification in Geoarchaeology, Quaternary Science, Geology, or Geomorphology

Job description

Marine Geoarchaeologist - Wessex Archaeology, UK

Senior Geoarchaeologist: £36,925 to £42,281
Principal Geoarchaeologist: £42,286 to £48,204
Based in Amesbury, other offices and hybrid working will be considered
Permanent
Reference: AMESGEO.12.25
Closing date: 30 January 2026

Description

Bringing together leading minds and practitioners in the sector, Wessex Archaeology is a trusted archaeology and heritage service provider and educational charity. From our network of international offices, we work in partnership with our clients to deliver sustainable solutions to manage the historic environment – above ground, below ground and underwater. We are committed to our social impact. This means using the knowledge and connections we make through our commercial activities as a catalyst to engage the communities in which we work.

Join us and you’ll be part of a collaborative team committed to shaping a better future for our staff, the sector, and the world. As well as having knowledgeable and dedicated colleagues, you’ll have an opportunity to access a variety of fascinating and high-profile projects and develop your skills and knowledge along the way.

Tasks

Wessex Archaeology is a key partner in the offshore renewables industry providing heritage sector support at all stages from EIA to Operations and Maintenance for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects.

We are looking for a talented professional to the role of Marine Geoarchaeologist at a Senior Level, with a background in geoarchaeology, or geoscience, and palaeolandscape research. This role sits within our Commercial Services Directorate, which brings together our main deployed services into one coordinated structure. You will work as part of a collaborative team alongside colleagues in Marine Services, Geoarchaeology, and Post Excavation and Specialist Services on an exciting range of offshore renewable energy projects located both within UK waters and internationally.

You will be keen to share your passion and expertise in geoarchaeology with others, inspiring and motivating your team to do their best work. You will be experienced and confident in the description and interpretation of Quaternary sedimentary sequences, with a solid understanding of marine and terrestrial depositional environments and processes. You will be able to show how such sequences relate to changing human behaviour in response to past climate change.

You will be someone who enjoys supporting and mentoring staff, as a key aspect of the role involves supervising colleagues and delivering training. You will also be required to provide advice to teams across Wessex Archaeology and our external clients. In addition, you will support with the writing of tender documents under the supervision of the Head of Geoarchaeology, contribute to technical peer review and quality assurance and act as a subject matter expert in defined areas of expertise. Previous experience of project management would be desirable, but training will be provided. Experience interpreting marine geophysical data would be advantageous. Previous experience of deposit modelling is desirable but not essential as training will be provided.

Main responsibilities will include:

• Act as lead geoarchaeologist on marine projects, including supervising and supporting colleagues, undertake interpretation and reporting technical peer-review and quality assurance.
• Prepare client reports, including liaising with other specialists.
• Ability to act as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) and proactively engage with and advise colleagues and clients concerning technical aspects of projects.
• Contribute to project management under the direction of the Head of Geoarchaeology, Head of Marine Services and Principal Marine Geoarchaeologist, including responsibility for tender costs, project budgets and timescales/delivery.
• The precise responsibilities of the role will depend on the grade at which the successful candidate is appointed.

Requirements

• Hold a post-graduate qualification in Geoarchaeology, Quaternary Science, Geology, Geomorphology or a closely related discipline.
• Clear and confident communication skills, with the ability to engage with a broad range of people – from team members and senior leaders to clients and external partners.
• Confident in describing and interpreting Quaternary superficial sediments.
• Sound knowledge of marine and terrestrial depositional environments and processes.
• Comfortable working in a multidisciplinary environment and coordinating input from a range of disciplines.
• Excellent report‑writing and communication skills.

Applications

Email your completed application form and equal opportunities monitoring form by close of business on 30 January 2026 to [e-mail]. All applications will be acknowledged within 2 weeks of the closing date. Interviews will be held in early February 2026. If you have questions about the role, then please contact Dr Alex Brown, Head of Geoarchaeology ([e-mail]) and Dr Beccy Scott, Principal Marine Geoarchaeologist ([e-mail]).

We welcome applications from people with disabilities and aim to be supportive in our recruitment and employment practices. Please let us know if you need any special arrangements or adjustments in the application or interview process.

Successful candidates must have proof of identity and eligibility to work in the UK by the start of their employment.