Senior Archaeologist

Geoscience Ireland; Bolton; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global environmental consultancy is recruiting experienced Archaeologists to join their expanding team in the North West of England. This role involves both supervising field teams and managing archaeological projects, requiring strong leadership and report writing skills. The position supports generous travel allowances and flexible work arrangements to promote work-life balance.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package including pension and healthcare

25 days annual leave plus flexible bank holidays

Support for hybrid working arrangements

Generous subsistence and travel allowances

Qualifications

• Degree in Archaeology or related discipline.
• Experience managing field teams and archaeological projects.
• Confidence in supervising plant operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead field teams on evaluations and excavations.
• Oversee site work and office-based assessments.
• Ensure high-quality report writing.

Skills

Leadership

Organizational skills

Problem-solving

Report writing

Fieldwork supervision

Education

Degree in Archaeology

Tools

dGPS survey equipment

Job description

Following its recent acquisition by SLR, Wardell Armstrong now forms part of a leading global environmental and sustainability consultancy working on projects across the world from over 100 offices. Through continued growth and success, we are looking to recruit experienced Archaeologists (Fieldworks Supervisor or Fieldwork Project Officers) to support our expanding team and supervise fieldwork on projects of all scales.

Wardell Armstrong has been providing expert archaeological and heritage services for over 25 years, demonstrating our ability to provide effective and commercially aware advice to a wide range of clients throughout the UK. Our post-exc hubs in Carlisle and Bury St Edmunds feature purpose-built facilities for finds analysis, palaeoenvironmental processing, post-excavation analysis, publication, and outreach.

The role

As a Senior (Supervisor) or Principal Archaeologist (Fieldwork Project Officer), you will play a vital role from watching briefs to leading field teams on evaluations and excavations. Your expertise in team leadership and report writing will be essential, overseeing both site work and office-based assessments.

Our portfolio includes multi-period landscapes, quarry sites, and large-scale infrastructure projects, offering variety and rewarding challenges. While this role is primarily based in the North West, occasional travel may be required, supported by generous subsistence, travel allowances, and single occupancy accommodation.

We are committed to keeping archaeologists working on sites close to home, recognizing the archaeological and personal benefits of local expertise.

About us

SLR is a global leader in Sustainability Solutions, helping clients achieve their sustainability goals. With over 4,000 employees across 6 regions in more than 125 countries, our ‘one team’ culture fosters collaboration and professional development. Our staff enjoy competitive salaries, a comprehensive benefits package including a pension, healthcare, travel and life insurance, and a structured career framework with regular reviews for progression. We offer 25 days of annual leave plus flexible bank holidays, and support flexible, agile, and hybrid working arrangements to balance professional and home life.

About you

• Degree in Archaeology or a related discipline
• Proven experience managing small field teams and archaeological projects
• A collaborative, people-centered leadership approach
• Strong organizational skills and practical problem-solving abilities
• Confidence supervising plant operations for archaeological purposes
• High-quality report writing skills
• Willingness to work manually in challenging outdoor conditions and motivate your team
• A full, clean driving license and willingness to drive company vehicles
• Willingness to work away from home when required
• Experience using dGPS survey equipment

Culture & Inclusion at SLR

We are committed to being an equal opportunities employer, fostering an inclusive environment where all individuals can thrive. We welcome applications from diverse backgrounds, including under-represented groups such as 2SLGBTQI+, Indigenous peoples, ethnic minorities, women, and persons with disabilities or neurodivergence. If you require adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know. As a Disability Confident employer, we ensure equitable support for all applicants.