Conservation Lead

Headland Archaeology; Kirklees; On-site; GBP 41,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay and benefits

Paid accommodation when applicable

Regular training and development

Job summary

Headland Archaeology is hiring a Conservation Lead to set up and run the new conservation lab and oversee artefact conservation across sites. The role involves managing the lab, advising on conservation, liaising with clients and specialists, and leading a small team.

The role requires a postgraduate conservation degree and a strong track record in artefact conservation, with Icons accreditation and knowledge of health and safety. Occasional travel to offices or sites may be necessary.

Qualifications

• Post graduate degree in a conservation discipline and significant relevant experience.
• Expert knowledge of current principles and best practice, techniques and skills in preventative and remedial conservation.
• Demonstrable and substantial track record in conservation of archaeological artefacts.
• Knowledge and experience of managing a conservation lab
• Safe working practices and experience of managing hazards related to archaeological artefacts and substances and equipment relating to conservation work
• Substantial track record in managing teams and budgets
• Ability to thrive under pressure and use your own initiative
• Good organisational and communication skills
• Meticulous attention to detail
• Good IT skills (particularly MS Office suite and spreadsheets)
• Good time management
• Knowledge of commercial archaeology sector
• ICON accreditation

Responsibilities

• Manage the conservation lab with responsibility for meeting targets and budgeting.
• Provide advice on finds first aid, preventative and remedial conservation and stabilisation, in lab and on site.
• Liaise with specialists and clients; schedule conservation work budgets, schedules and deadlines.
• Prepare conservation plans and reports; line management, training and mentoring of junior staff.
• Adhere to UK Health and Safety legislation and Headland safety processes.
• Develop knowledge and keep abreast of literature, technology and developments.
• Occasional travel to Headland offices or excavation sites for training or advisory work.

Skills

Postgraduate degree

Conservation expertise

Artefact conservation

Lab management

Hazards management

Team & budgets

Initiative under pressure

Organisation & communication

MS Office

ICON accreditation

Driving licence

Education

Postgraduate degree in conservation

Job description

Conservation Lead

Application Deadline: 12 October 2026

Department: PX - Publication

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Cleckheaton

Compensation: £41,033 - £46,531 / year

Description

Locations: Cleckheaton, West Yorkshire

Contract Type: permanent, subject to six-month probation period

Closing Date: close of day on Monday 12th October 2026

Headland Archaeology is offering a rare and excellent opportunity for a capable, knowledgeable and enthusiastic person to join our Finds team and launch our new conservation lab.

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 Ireland, the UK and across the world. With one office in Ireland, 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.

The Role

Due to an expanding workload at all offices, Headland Archaeology is increasing our range of services to encompass conservation of archaeological artefacts. We are seeking to recruit a self-motivated, enthusiastic, experienced conservator to set up and run the new conservation lab.

Role-specific responsibilities will be dependent on individual experience and skills. Core responsibilities include: managing undertaking and providing advice on finds first aid, preventative and remedial conservation and stabilisation of archaeological artefacts, both in the lab and on site; managing the conservation lab with responsibility for meeting targets; liaising with specialists and clients; scheduling, coordinating and taking responsibility for conservation work budgets, schedules and deadlines; preparing conservation plans and reports; line management, support, training and mentoring of more junior staff.

The successful candidate would be expected to adhere to UK Health and Safety Legislation and to Headland Health and Safety processes; work with Finds Manager and other staff to publicise and market conservation services to potential clients. They would be expected to develop their own knowledge and skills and keep abreast of specialist literature, technology, and developments.

The role is predominantly office-based but may require occasional travel to alternate Headland offices or to excavation sites to meet with staff in person, advise on artefact recovery, or to give training.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

Essential skills:

• Post graduate degree in a conservation discipline and significant relevant experience
• Expert knowledge of current principles and best practice, techniques and skills in preventative and remedial conservation.
• Demonstrable and substantial track record in conservation of archaeological artefacts.
• Knowledge and experience of managing a conservation lab
• Safe working practices and experience of managing hazards related to archaeological artefacts and substances and equipment relating to conservation work
• Substantial track record in managing teams and budgets
• Ability to thrive under pressure and use your own initiative
• Good organisational and communication skills
• Meticulous attention to detail
• Good IT skills (particularly MS Office suite and spreadsheets)
• Good time management
• Knowledge of commercial archaeology sector
• ICON accreditation

Desired skills:

• Full clean driving licence (and a willingness to drive company vehicles)

Benefits

• Competitive paid subsistence when applicable
• Paid accommodation when applicable
• 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
• Annual profit discretionary bonus & performance-related bonus schemes, T&Cs apply
• Annual pay review
• 35 days annual leave, rising based on service length (including public holidays)
• 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
• A support group of 30+ Mental Health First Aiders
• Regular offers through RSK Group (e.g. Tastecard, Gym membership discount, Holidays and Entertainment)
• Health support scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme (advice on finance, mental health etc)
• Paid CIfA membership
• Cycle to work scheme

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

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.