Survey Supervisor

Headland Archaeology; Greater London; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

Headland Archaeology is seeking a Survey Supervisor for a 12-month field-based contract in East Anglia. You will lead GPS and total station surveys, support field teams, and ensure QA-checked outputs for project spatial data.

The role requires experience in British or European commercial archaeology, strong problem-solving and training ability, and a clean UK driving licence. Occasional remote site work may be involved.

Qualifications

• GPS and total station surveying experience.
• Understanding of archaeological recording; data tidying and presentation.
• Ability to troubleshoot technical survey issues and challenging working conditions.
• Clear, friendly communication in person, phone, email or messaging.
• Full clean UK driving licence.

Responsibilities

• Carrying out routine survey work.
• Processing survey and site data as required.
• Presenting survey and site data to the requirements of the Contracting division.
• Application of surveying and data management procedures.
• Carrying out specialist survey work when required.
• Delivering survey training.
• Contributing to research and development into new or alternate survey methods and processes.
• Delivering survey technical support.
• Communicating regularly with the Senior Survey Officer.
• Supporting the other activities of the department.
• Ensuring survey and site data is secure, and regularly transferred between sites and offices.
• Responding quickly to survey data quality issues with feedback and other suitable measures.
• Care for and provide logistics support for our survey fleet, including hire equipment.

Skills

GPS surveying

Total station experience

Archaeological recording understanding

Troubleshooting survey issues

Clear communication

Full UK driving licence

Tools

GIS software

Photogrammetry

Laser scanning

Drone authorisation

Job description

Survey Supervisor

Application Deadline: 18 September 2026

Department: Technical Services

Employment Type: Fixed Term - Full Time

Location: Field Based

Compensation: £29,953 - £31,458 / year

Description

Location: East Anglia, project specific contract

Contract Type: 12 Month Contract

Closing Date: 18th September 2026.

Are you fascinated by the past and looking for a career in commercial archaeology? Do you want to be part of big infrastructure schemes and work on interesting projects? This is an excellent opportunity, if you are looking to expand your knowledge, improve your skills and be part of an excellent team.

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

Headland Archaeology is about to undertake a large, long running project in East Anglia and are looking to recruit survey supervisors to join the team. The role of the survey team is to ensure the smooth flow of project spatial information through the company. We build systems, promote skills and provide resources to make this happen. The Survey Supervisor will play an integral part in implementing Headland’s survey strategy across the project.

Ideally you would have reasonable experience in British commercial archaeology, or relevant European commercial experience.

Your work will primarily involve GPS and total station survey of archaeological sites, including staking out, detailed survey of archaeological remains, data processing with QA checks and creating your own outputs. You will be expected to work directly with field teams on project work, but will be supported by experienced surveyors in our Technical Services team. Other activities will include training our fieldwork team in the use of GPS’s, as well as office-based research, analysis, and reporting.

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

Key Responsibilities

Project Work

• Carrying out routine survey work
• Processing survey and site data as required
• Presenting survey and site data to the requirements of the Contracting division
• Application of surveying and data management procedures
• Carrying out specialist survey work when required

Development and Support

• Delivering survey training
• Contributing to research and development into new or alternate survey methods and processes
• Delivering survey technical support

People

• Communicating regularly with the Senior Survey Officer
• Supporting the other activities of the department

Safety, Health, Environment and Quality

• Ensuring survey and site data is secure, and regularly transferred between sites and offices
• Responding quickly to survey data quality issues with feedback and other suitable measures

Equipment

• Care for and provide logistics support for our survey fleet, including hire equipment.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

Essential Key Skills

• GPS and total station surveying experience
• An understanding of archaeological recording; data tidying and presentation.
• Ability to troubleshoot technical survey issues and challenging working conditions
• Clear, friendly communication in person, phone, email or messaging
• Full clean UK driving licence

Desirable Skills

• Survey data processing using appropriate software
• Survey data presentation using GIS software
• Working knowledge of Photogrammetry
• Working knowledge of Laser Scanning
• CAA Drone authorisation and/or experience

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
• 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

You must have the right to work in the UK without restrictions. Proof of eligibility will be required prior to your commencement. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and we may fill existing vacancies before the closing date, so you are advised to submit your application as early as possible.

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.