Archaeological Illustrator

Headland Archaeology; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Accommodation when away

Employee Assistance Programme

Annual pay review

Pension scheme

Training and development

Cycle to work

Job summary

Headland Archaeology in Edinburgh is seeking a proactive Archaeological Illustrator to join the in‑house Graphics Team. The role covers mapping, site illustrations for reports, artefact drawings, reconstructions, retouching and publishing across print and digital formats.

The successful candidate will work with Adobe CC (Illustrator) and GIS platforms, contribute to high-quality graphics, and collaborate with colleagues across offices.

Qualifications

• 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 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.
• Solid practical experience with Adobe Creative Cloud programs (Illustrator) and GIS platforms (QGIS or ESRI ArcGIS).
• Able to work in a team and independently when required and demonstrate a professional approach to work.

Responsibilities

• Create technically correct artwork and layouts for print and digital output following brand guidelines.
• Generate graphics for reports using Adobe CC, QGIS and other software against site data.
• Create illustrations for publications including artefacts drawings and site plans.
• Contribute ideas to improve graphics output quality at Headland.
• Provide general graphic support and guidance to the wider team.

Skills

Time management

Problem solving

Communication (English)

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Adobe CC (Illustrator)

GIS (QGIS / ArcGIS)

Tools

Adobe Illustrator

QGIS

ArcGIS

Job description

Archaeological Illustrator

Application Deadline: 30 September 2026

Department: PX - Graphics

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Edinburgh

Compensation: £30,299 - £32,853 / year

Description

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?

• 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.

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

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

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.

You must have the right to work in the UK without restrictions. Proof of eligibility will be required prior to your commencement.