Headland Archaeology (UK) Ltd
Archaeological Illustrator

How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
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.
About Headland:
We combine an in-depth understanding of archaeology with practical experience of major construction projects to keep you ahead of the game. Our proactive, friendly approach leaves no stone unturned when it comes to accurate estimating, minimised risk and effective national resourcing.
From fast-track rail projects and wind farm construction through to housing developments and off-shore cable-laying, we deliver against your critical path and your heritage responsibilities.
We were founded in 1996 and now cover the whole of the UK from four regional offices located in Silsoe, Hereford, Cleckheaton and Edinburgh. Many of our contracts are valued at £1m-£5m and we regularly act as Principal Contractor.
We are a Registered Organisation of the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists. More importantly, though we study the past, we are a forward-looking and innovative business, keen to help our clients stay ahead of the game.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
See breakdownIt searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
The Role:
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.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
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 and written English.
- Great attention to detail and ability to produce highly accurate work.
- Responsible and accountable for your work, actions and decisions.
- Requires solid practical experience with Adobe Creative Cloud programs (Illustrator) and GIS platforms (QGIS or ESRI ArcGIS), along with an openness to developing skills in further graphics software.
- Able to work in a team and independently when required and demonstrate a professional approach to work, colleagues, other professionals and clients.
Desirable skills
- 3D modelling and animation (Blender and /or Maya, 3DS Max).
- Expertise in creating site interpretation plans and archaeological reconstructions.
- Photography and image manipulation (small finds and on site photography).
- Experience and interest in photogrammetry would be desirable (Agisoft Metashape).
- Show demonstratable good composition and layout skills (typesetting), experience creating promotional materials (design) for print and web and community engagement.
- The ability to capture and edit video (Premiere).
- Animations skills (After Effect)
- Member of the Charted Institute for Archaeologists, including the GAG special interest group.
- Driving licence


Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
Benefits
- Competitive paid subsistence when applicable
- Paid accommodation when working away
- Employee Assistance Programme (advice on finance, mental health etc)
- 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 of time worked above standard hours or overtime paid
- Annual profit discretionary bonus & performance-related bonus schemes, T&Cs apply
- Annual pay review
- Monthly clothing allowance
- 30 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
- Regular performance, wellbeing & professional development check-ins
- 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)
- Paid CIfA membership
- Cycle to work scheme
How to apply
To apply for this role, please click the Web/Apply button above and submit your application through the Headland Archaeology Applicant Tracking System.
As part of our commitment to fair and inclusive recruitment, our Applicant Tracking System removes certain identifying information from applications during the initial screening stage. This allows hiring managers to focus on candidates’ skills, experience and suitability for the role, helping to reduce the potential for unconscious bias and ensuring a more objective recruitment process.
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 hr@headlandarchaeolgy.com so we can make suitable arrangements.
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills