Headland Archaeology
Senior Geophysicist
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Senior Geophysicist
Application Deadline: 12 August 2026
Department: Geophysics
Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time
Location: Field Based
Compensation: £35,535 - £39,290 / year
Description
Locations: Based in Cleckheaton, West Yorkshire or Boxworth, Cambridgeshire although travel nationwide will be required
Contract Type: Permanent (with 6 month probationary period)
Closing Date: 12th August 2026
Following the creation of a new Geophysics and Exploration section, Headland is expanding its geophysical survey team and recruiting experienced staff to meet its increasing project portfolio.
Do you ever wonder how archaeological sites are located and identified in the first place? Do you want to be at the forefront of the development of geophysical survey techniques in the commercial field? Do you want to join a large team with a range of experience working on nationally important and interesting projects throughout the United Kingdom and the EU?
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.17000 employees and c.230 environmentally lead companies.
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The Role
We are looking for candidates who are self-driven with a positive outlook and excellent understanding of archaeological geophysics and British archaeology. The Senior Geophysicist role provides regular rotation between running geophysical surveys in the field and the office-based production of project documentation, reports, research and analysis. For surveys in the field, you will be responsible for day-to-day running of sites of all sizes including delivery of on-site activities, undertaking data collection, recording, quality control, SHEQ, on-site point of contact for client, archaeological advisor, and other stakeholders. You will have experience and knowledge of a range of techniques (magnetometer, electromagnetic, earth resistance, GPR) and be able to assist managers in supporting field and reporting teams on projects beyond those you are directly responsible for.
As part of the geophysical survey team you will get involved in several large and exciting projects across the UK and EU. We have many large-scale infrastructure projects throughout 2026, which include landscape wide 1000+ha sites and linear schemes. Working away and travelling in new places is a normal part of this role.
In Headland we are proud of our people. We will support you to meet your goals and train you in specific archaeological and other skills to feel confident and succeed in your role.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
Essential Key Skills
- Be an accomplished geophysicist with a minimum of 3 years’ experience in commercial archaeological geophysics with at least 12 months at a Lead Geophysicist level
- Thorough knowledge of magnetometry
- A sound knowledge of the principles of operation of the most frequently used geophysical survey equipment
- Sound understanding of all relevant policies and laws, and can discuss with team members, stakeholders, and clients how they might apply to a given situation on site
- Proficient in use and understanding of MS Office suite
- A relevant degree, or proven experience
- Full, valid driving licence and willingness to travel
- Sound knowledge of safe working practices for typical geophysical survey projects, competent at assessing and managing risk
- Good time and pressure management skills, ability to use your own initiative within the company structure
- Very good written and oral communication skills
- A desire to lead, develop and learn
- Experience of sole responsibility for geophysical survey projects of significant scale including survey logistics, data quality control, post-processing and reporting
- An ability to support managers in their duties and assist with overseeing projects, producing paperwork and providing input to tenders
- A willingness to travel, work on projects across the UK and when required stay on site and/or occasionally work weekends on geographically distant projects
- Experience in the use of commercially available survey processing and graphics packages such as QGIS
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Desirable Skills
- Membership of CIfA
- Ability to motivate and help coordinate teams
- An ability to carry out prolonged manual work in an outdoor environment
- Ability to work under pressure and use your own initiative
- SHEQ Accreditations (SSSTS, First aid, Asbestos Awareness, Lantra Sit Astride)
Benefits
- Being part of RSK Group, a well-established global leader in the delivery of environmental and engineering solutions.
- 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, cart/drone-based Magnetometers 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
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