Post-Excavation Assistant (Environmental)

Headland Archaeology (UK) Ltd; Silsoe; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Paid accommodation when working away

Employee Assistance Programme

Cutting-edge technology on site

Regular training

Time off in lieu

Annual pay review

30 days annual leave

Pension scheme

Life Assurance

Cycle to work

Job summary

Headland Archaeology is seeking a diligent Post-Excavation Assistant (Environmental) to join our Environmental team in Silsoe. You will handle environmental processing, flotation and wet sieving of bulk samples, and provide logistics support for artefact transport.

Strong organisational skills and attention to detail are essential, with opportunities to develop a technical specialism within the post-excavation phase.

Qualifications

• Prolonged manual work experience.
• Good organisational and communication skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and use initiative.
• Strong MS Office and English language knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Processing of bulk and specialist environmental samples.
• Maintenance of sample processing equipment and processing area.
• Processing of artefacts and ecofacts (e.g. animal bone).
• Packaging, storage, transportation and handling of artefacts and ecofacts.
• Finds first aid.
• Site data entry (finds and environmental data).
• Develop specialist knowledge and skills.
• Manage time and resources to meet objectives within budget.
• Undertake other post-excavation tasks including archival work.

Skills

Manual work

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Work under pressure

Initiative

MS Office

English language

Education

Archaeology degree

Relevant subject degree

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Post-Excavation Assistant (Environmental)

Application Deadline: 15 November 2026

Department: PX - Environmental

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Silsoe

Compensation: £27,142 - £29,031 / year

Description

Hours: Full time, 37.5h/week – we are open to discussion on flexible working including part-time hours

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

Closing Date: end of day 15th November 2026

Headland Archaeology is offering an excellent opportunity for a conscientious and enthusiastic person to join our Environmental team in the Post-Excavation section.

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.

The Role

We are looking for candidates who are self-motivated and enthusiastic with a passion for archaeology. The role will focus on carrying out environmental processing, including the flotation and wet sieving of bulk, whole-earth environmental samples, as well as providing logistical support for the transportation of archaeological materials.

Other responsibilities may include processing finds and ecofacts and the preparation of artefactual and environmental remains for archive. Good organisational skills and time keeping are essential characteristics, as are inter-personal skills, as the appointee will take an active role in facilitating the interaction between field and post-excavation teams.

The successful candidate will work on projects and with colleagues from across the organisation, with a strong component of practical sample processing work at our Silsoe office. Much of this work will be undertaken with supervision and there will be opportunities to identify and develop a technical specialism over time.

A clean UK driving licence and a willingness to drive company vehicles is highly desirable.

In Headland we are proud of our people. We will support you to your meet your goals and train you in specific relevant skills to feel confident and succeed in your role.

Key responsibilities

• Processing of bulk and specialist environmental samples
• Maintenance of sample processing equipment and processing area
• Processing of artefacts and ecofacts (e.g. animal bone)
• Packaging, storage, transportation and handling of artefacts and ecofacts
• Finds first aid
• Site data entry (finds and environmental data)
• Develop your own specialist knowledge and skills
• Manage your time and other resources so that you can meet your objectives within the allocated budget
• Undertake other Post-excavation tasks appropriate to your skills and knowledge. This may include physical, documentary and digital archiving.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

Essential skill

• Ability to carry out prolonged manual work.
• Good organisational & communication skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and use your own initiative.
• Substantial knowledge of MS Office & English language.

Applicants with a degree in archaeology, or in a relevant subject, and those with previous post-excavation experience are especially encouraged to apply.

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.