Headland Archaeology
Trainee Geophysicist
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Trainee Geophysicist
Application Deadline: 12 August 2026
Department: Geophysics
Employment Type: Fixed Term - Full Time
Location: Cleckheaton
Compensation: £26,238 / year
Description
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?
If so, we are keen to develop and/or expand your knowledge and skills in archaeological geophysics, whilst gaining a nationally recognised qualification ‘Level 3 Award in Archaeological Practice’ alongside our specialist geophysicists. The Level 3 Certificate in Archaeological Practice is the only vocational qualification currently available for archaeologists. It provides the skills and knowledge required for a career in the historic environment sector.
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
This qualification is suitable for:
- Learners with no prior experience
- Learners in employment who wish to enhance their career prospects
- Learners not in employment who wish to enhance their career prospects
- Apprentices
- School leavers
- Adults returning to education
- Degree level academics who wish to acquire the vocational skills and knowledge required by employers in the sector
- Would-be archaeologists who are unable, or do not wish, to study at university
- Volunteers within an archaeological environment who wish to achieve the qualification in order to enhance your employment prospects.
Entry
Although there are no formal entry requirements for this qualification, it is likely that learners will either already be working or volunteering in the archaeology sector. Alternatively, learners should have an appropriate level of knowledge and communication skills to meet the requirements of the qualification.
Please be aware that applicants enrolled into the Headland Archaeology funded Level 3 Award in Archaeological Practice, will be expected to opt-in to an 18-month commitment agreement with the company, whereby a repayment of costs would be expected should you leave before the agreed completed level of service. Full details would be outlined alongside Contract terms & conditions.
The 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.
We are looking for candidates who are committed, results-driven individuals, enthusiastic to learn available to start our geophysical survey training programme immediately.
The aim of the role is to assist the post holder to achieve the knowledge, understanding and basic level of competency that allows them to step onto the associated career pathway within Headland (in this case geophysical assistant). As a geophysics role it is predominantly field-based, involving the undertaking of geophysical surveys through hand carried, cart-based and towed equipment arrays; some office-based work may also be required either at our offices or elsewhere. You may also experience other aspects of work undertaken by the company and applications of geophysics during excavation. Headland is a Registered Organisation with CIfA, and you must adhere to our systems and processes which are in line with CIfA Standards and Ethics.
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As part of the Geophysics and Exploration team you will get involved in large and exciting projects across all parts of the United Kingdom and the EU. Working away and travelling to new places is a normal part of this role; therefore, willingness to travel is essential.
The nature of the surveys varies from small scale projects which may be completed in a day or two to major infrastructure projects which may take several weeks. Virtually all the surveys will involve working away from your office base and travelling to new places is a normal part of this role. Weekend working may occasionally be required.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
Essential Key Skills
- Willingness to work away from home
- Willing to work outdoors in all weather
- A “Can do” attitude and willingness to learn
- Good organisational & communication skills
- High level of use of English language
- Full UK manual driving licence and willingness to drive company vehicles
Desirable Skills
- Knowledge of MS Office
Benefits
- Competitive paid subsistence when applicable
- Employee assistance and health support scheme
- Paid accommodation when working away
- Paid H&S Training where applicable
- 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
- 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)
- Employee Assistance Programme (advice on finance, mental health etc)
- Paid CIfA membership
- Cycle to work scheme
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