POST-EXCAVATION PROJECT OFFICER

Headland Archaeology (UK) Ltd; City of Edinburgh, Cleckheaton, Silsoe, Hereford; Hybrid; GBP 31,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading archaeological firm is seeking a post-excavation officer in Scotland. The role involves coordinating post-excavation analysis, producing high-quality reports, and training staff. Candidates should hold a post-graduate degree in archaeology, have experience in stratigraphic analysis, and strong IT skills. The position allows for flexible working arrangements and offers a comprehensive benefits package, including competitive pay and ongoing training opportunities.

Benefits

28 days annual leave

Monthly clothing allowance

Annual profit discretionary bonus

Qualifications

• Prior experience of post-excavation work.
• A post-graduate degree in archaeology or related discipline.
• At least three months of fieldwork experience.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate post-excavation phases of projects.
• Undertake stratigraphic and GIS-based spatial analysis.
• Produce interim reports and academic research.

Skills

Post-excavation work

Stratigraphic analysis

Report compilation

Strong IT skills

Good communication skills

Education

Post-graduate degree in archaeology

Tools

GIS

MS Office

Job description

Salary £31,238 – £34,168 (depending on experience) + generous benefits package

Hours: Full time, 37.5h/week – we are open to discussion on flexible working including part-time hours

Location: One of our regional offices in Edinburgh, Cleckheaton, Silsoe or Hereford of the appointees choosing (with some opportunity for homeworking)

Contract Type: Permanent, subject to 6 month probation period

Closing Date: close of day on 16th January 2026

Headland Archaeology is offering an excellent opportunity for a conscientious and enthusiastic person to join our post-excavation 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 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 over 15,000 employees and 230 environmentally led companies.

In Headland we are proud of our people. We will support you to your meet your goals and train you in specific relevant skills to feel confident and succeed in your role.

The role

Due to the commencement of numerous large and exciting post‑excavation analysis projects in 2026, we are expanding the Research and Reporting Department and are looking to appoint a post‑excavation officer. This is a fantastic opportunity to join an innovative and supportive team, working on a wide range of significant and interesting large‑scale projects, whilst helping to define industry standards and outputs. The position would be based in your choice of one of our regional offices, but the appointee would be working on a variety of exciting projects from across the UK, including major infrastructure projects. The role will be mainly office/home based, undertaking and coordinating post‑excavation assessment and analysis work on a variety of new and backlog projects at all scales (and training and mentoring fieldwork staff to do the same), and pulling together specialist and fieldwork reports to produce high quality outputs (grey literature, journal and monograph publications, and other outputs).

The applicant should have experience of post‑excavation reporting, preferably with relevant publications of high academic standards. The ability to undertake editing tasks and high‑level research is crucial, and any UK period specialism would also be particularly advantageous. We are looking for someone who can take ownership of the role and push it forward with enthusiasm and energy.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Day‑to‑day co‑ordination of post‑excavation phases of projects including some level of financial tracking
• Undertaking stratigraphic analysis, GIS‑based spatial analysis, and report compilation. This will lead to the production of interim reports, post‑excavation assessments, updated project designs, analysis reports, and publications (both journal reports and monographs
• Undertaking academic research on a wide variety of sites, landscapes and periods
• Liaison with line manager, project managers, graphics staff, specialists and external bodies
• Editing reports
• Training and mentoring other staff in post‑excavation processes
• Supervising junior members of staff
• Undertake relevant specialist, consultancy and/or field work as required (if appropriate)
• Essential skills
• Prior experience of post‑excavation work, including stratigraphic analysis, report compilation, and a relevant publication record
• A post‑graduate degree in archaeology or a related discipline and/or relevant post‑excavation experience
• At least three months fieldwork experience
• Having a clear and concise writing style that can be applied across a range of reports
• Strong IT skills, including databases, MS Office and GIS
• Strong academic knowledge of British Archaeology (period specialism is very welcome)
• Experience of editing reports
• Good communication and mentoring skills
• Ability to work unsupervised and strong decision‑making skills
• Ability to mentor/train others in post‑excavation techniques and procedures
• Adherence to briefs and budgets while displaying good time management skills
• Be passionate, motivated and excited about what you do!
• Membership of the CIfA at ACIfA level

In addition, a driving licence is highly desirable.

This is a great opportunity to join a progressive and growing company engaged with a constant stream of exciting archaeological projects. The company is passionate about archaeology and very focussed on training, so not only can you expect to receive training but you will be expected to help develop other staff, particularly to improve their post‑excavation and report writing skills.

Benefits we offer you:

• Competitive paid subsistence when applicable
• Paid accommodation when applicable
• Use of cutting edge technology on site, e.g. paperless systems, iPads etc.
• Ongoing regular training in various areas e.g. Health & Safety, Technical areas and Transferable skills
• Time off in lieu for time worked above standard hours or overtime paid
• Annual profit discretionary bonus & performance‑related bonus schemes
• Monthly clothing allowance
• 28 days annual leave, rising based on service length
• Extra annual leave purchase scheme
• 5%-6% employer contribution to pension scheme
• Income Protection Policy, after a year with Headland
• Life Assurance Policy, insuring you 4 times your annual salary, after a year with Headland
• Referral scheme with generous fee
• A support group of 30+ Mental Health First Aiders
• Regular offers through RSK Group (e.g. Tastecard, Gym membership discount, Holidays and Entertainment)
• Employee Assistance Programme (advice on finance, mental health etc)
• Paid CIfA membership
• Cycle to work scheme
• Being part of RSK Group

How to apply

You must have the right to work in the UK without restrictions. Proof of eligibility will be required prior to your commencement. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and we may fill existing vacancies before the closing date, so you are advised to submit your application as early as possible.

Headland is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Headland Archaeology is committed to creating an inclusive recruitment process. If you have a disability or need any adjustments to enable you to take part in the interview, please contact us at [e-mail] so we can make suitable arrangements.

Your application must contain the names and contact details of at least two referees. Details of references should include their name, relationship to the applicant, postal address, email address and phone number. Unless by prior agreement, we will only contact referees after a provisional offer has been made and accepted.