Archaeological Geophysicist

Cotswold Archaeology; Cirencester; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Generous annual leave

Pension

Life assurance

Employee Assistance Programme

Job summary

Cotswold Archaeology in Cirencester is seeking an Archaeological Geophysicist to join a newly established Geophysics team, delivering high-quality geophysical investigations across the UK and Europe.

The role blends fieldwork and office duties, mentoring staff, data processing, and client liaison to ensure robust interpretation and insightful reports. You will work with ArcGIS, Terrasurveyor64 and GPR-Slice, and must be eligible to work in the UK.

Qualifications

• Degree in geophysics, archaeology or a closely related Earth science subject or equivalent demonstrable experience in the role
• Working knowledge of UK archaeology with focus on the interpretation of geophysical data
• Clear understanding of geophysical fieldwork best practice
• Proficiency with standard geophysical survey techniques and equipment
• Experience using ArcGIS, Terrasurveyor64, GPR-Slice or equivalent software
• Demonstrable experience with various geophysical data (magnetometry, GPR, electromagnetics)
• Report writing experience for risk assessments, method statements, written schemes of investigation, client reports and publications
• Excellent time-management and organisational skills; ability to work to deadlines
• Excellent communication skills; able to work with clients, contractors and stakeholders
• Proven ability to work both as part of a team and independently
• Full manual driving licence and willingness to drive for work
• Membership of CIfA at appropriate level or ability to join on appointment
• Willingness for away work and client meetings where overnight stays may be required

Responsibilities

• Supervise a range of archaeological geophysical projects to ensure high-quality deliverables on time and within budget
• Contribute to design, methodology and tendering activities for geophysical investigations
• Undertake project setup elements including logistics and risk assessments, method statements and written schemes of investigation
• Liaise with contractors and stakeholders to ensure successful project completion
• Acquire high-quality data with various geophysical techniques
• On-site supervision of fieldwork through post-excavation
• Identify changing circumstances and propose solutions to meet project objectives
• Train and supervise staff in fieldwork, data processing, interpretation and reporting
• Assess and interpret geophysical data in line with project aims and standards
• Process and interpret geophysical data using ArcGIS, Terrasurveyor64, GPR-Slice
• Prepare client reports and publications
• Contribute to staff development and public engagement; uphold health and safety policies
• Keep up-to-date with technology and guidance

Job description

Cotswold Archaeology is one of the top four suppliers of professional archaeology and heritage services in the UK, carrying out some of the most interesting, complex and largest archaeological and heritage projects across England and Wales. We are a welcoming and sustainable organisation employing c400 staff across our offices in Andover, Cirencester, Milton Keynes and Suffolk..

We are now recruiting for talented and experienced Archaeological Geophysicists to join our newly established Geophysics team.

This is a fantastic opportunity to further your career in archaeological geophysics, working for one of the largest and most respected archaeological companies in the country within a newly created service; where archaeology is the heart of what we do, people are valued for their innovation, dedication and excellence and rewarded with progression.

About the role

The successful applicant(s) will play an important role in supporting the delivery of a varied portfolio of archaeological geophysical investigations throughout the UK and Europe. They will liaise with the Geophysics Manager and technical specialists on projects, supporting and supervising colleagues as well as providing advice to teams across Cotswold Archaeology and to our external clients.

The roles involve a mixture of office-based and site-based work, comprising:

• supervising/on-site management and assisting with the delivery and project management
• project set-up/logistics; production of start-up documentation (including risk assessments, method statements and written schemes of investigation)
• undertaking fieldwork (dependant on grade and project complexity)
• providing QC of data and QA of interpretation and reporting
• mentor and train staff
• data processing and interpretation
• production of client reports
• creating and updating comprehensive procedures
• provision of specialist advice and client liaison

The successful candidate will be a member of CIfA at minimum ACIfA level, or able to demonstrate that they meet the requirements and will join if appointed. Previous experience in archaeological geophysics is essential for these roles. A full manual driving licence is also essential.

About you

We are keen to hear from applicants with a strong archaeological and technical background, who are currently working in commercial archaeology or have experience working in a closely related discipline. Candidates will ideally have a degree/post-graduate degree in geophysics, archaeology or a related Earth science subject or equivalent demonstrable experience in the role. The aim of the geophysics department is to provide high-quality deliverables with reliable archaeological interpretation, therefore we are keen to hear from candidates who understand the unique value archaeological geophysics adds to the planning process but to our understanding of the past.

The successful applicant will be able to demonstrate they can work effectively as part of a team and have an innovative and enthusiastic approach to geophysical survey within archaeological investigation. They will need to be confident, self-motivated and able to work independently in their area of expertise. They will also possess excellent communication and organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise project work and ensure the delivery of high-quality project deliverables.

Our benefits include: a competitive salary; generous annual leave allowance; company sick pay; pension and life assurance schemes and access to an Employee Assistance Programme.

Closing date: 9am, 1st September 2026

Interviews will be held w/c 7th September 2026

We will take into consideration any reasonable adjustments required to support you. Should you need adjustments during the recruitment process, or require additional support related to neurodiversity or for any other reason, please let us know by contacting [e-mail]

Applicants must already have the legal right to live and work in the UK as defined by UK Visas and Immigration

Main duties of the role:

• Supervise a range of archaeological geophysical projects to ensure the successful delivery of high-quality deliverables on time and within budget
• Contribute to the design, methodology and tendering activities of geophysical investigations as part of stand-alone investigations or as part of wider projects
• Undertake project setup elements, including organisation of logistics and production of startup documents (i.e. risk assessments, method statements and written schemes of investigation/project designs)
• Liaise with contractors and stakeholders (e.g. consultants, clients and statutory bodies etc.) to ensure the successful completion of projects
• Acquiring high quality data with a variety of geophysical techniques
• On-site supervision of fieldwork projects through to post-excavation
• Identify changing circumstances and contribute to finding solutions and/or alternative approaches to meet the project objectives
• Train and supervise staff undertaking fieldwork, data processing, archaeological interpretation and reporting, to ensure that professional standards are met
• Assess and interpret geophysical data in line with the identified project aims and research objectives, in line with current standards and guidelines
• Undertake geophysical data processing and interpretation using industry standard software such as ArcGIS, Terrasurveyor64, GPR-Slice
• Prepare written project deliverables including client reports and publications
• Be proactive with your own development by reviewing your own interpretation against excavation results regularly
• Contribute to outreach and public engagement activities to promote research and public benefits of archaeology
• Contribute to the development of standards and practices within the wider discipline and industry
• Ensure all projects are carried out in accordance with the CA Health, Safety and Environmental policies
• Keeping up-to-date with advances in technology and updates to guidance

Person Specification:

Essential:

• Degree in geophysics, archaeology or a closely related Earth science subject or equivalent demonstrable experience in the role
• Working knowledge of UK archaeology, with specific focus on the archaeological interpretation of geophysical data
• Clear understanding of geophysical fieldwork best practice
• Thorough understanding of the principles of standardly used geophysical survey techniques, and commonly used equipment
• Comprehensive knowledge of relevant professional standards, guidelines, ethics and health and safety policy
• Experience using industry standard software such as ArcGIS, Terrasurveyor64, GPR-Slice (or similar)
• Demonstrable experience of working with a variety of geophysical data (including but not limited to magnetometry, GPR, electromagnetics)
• Report writing experience for a range of documents (risk assessments, method statements, written schemes of investigation, client reports, publications)
• Excellent time-management abilities to prioritise personal workload and ensure the successful delivery of a varied work programme and proactive approach
• Excellent communication skills able to communicate effectively and professionally with colleagues, clients, contractors and other stakeholders
• Proven ability to work effectively as part of a team and to work independently
• Attention to detail and the ability to maintain accurate records
• Full manual driving licence and the ability and willingness to drive for work
• Membership of the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA) at appropriate level (or able to demonstrate that they meet the requirements and will join if appointed).
• The ability and willingness to commit to away work and client meetings where overnight stays may be required.

Desirable:

• Experience of operating all-terrain vehicles
• Scripting experience