GEOARCHAEOLOGIST
Geoarchaeologist (Supervisor) £28,066 to £31,453
Geoarchaeologist (Project Officer) £31,019 to £35,984
Based in Salisbury, other offices and hybrid working will be considered
Permanent
Reference: SALGEO.03.25
Close date: Friday 18 April 2025
Why join us?
Bringing together leading minds and practitioners in the sector, Wessex Archaeology is a trusted archaeology and heritage service provider and educational charity. From our network of international offices, we work in partnership with our clients to deliver sustainable solutions to manage the historic environment - above ground, below ground and underwater. We are committed to our social impact. This means using the knowledge and connections we make through our commercial activities as a catalyst to engage the communities in which we work.
Join us and you’ll be part of a collaborative team committed to shaping a better future for our staff, the sector, and the world. As well as having knowledgeable and dedicated colleagues, you’ll have an opportunity to access a variety of fascinating and high-profile projects and develop your skills and knowledge along the way.
The role – what’s involved?
Are you passionate about geoarchaeology and uncovering history through the study of past landscapes? We're looking for enthusiastic, curious individuals to join our growing team amidst rising demand for our specialist services. We're keen to hear from geoarchaeologists already working in commercial archaeology, as well as archaeologists who have some initial experience in geoarchaeology and a desire to develop a career path in this direction.
You can expect to be involved in a wide range of specialist-led projects relating to terrestrial, near-shore and offshore environments, which will include specialist desk-based assessments, borehole surveys and monitoring of Ground Investigation works, Pleistocene and Palaeolithic evaluation and mitigation works, palaeoenvironmental assessments, submerged palaeolandscape assessments and much more. Wessex Archaeology is a market leader in the provision of geoarchaeological services across terrestrial, intertidal and marine environments, and current team comprises geoarchaeologists at all stages of their career, including specialists of international standing in Marine, Pleistocene/Palaeolithic and Holocene geoarchaeology.
You will have the opportunity to work closely with other technical experts across Geoservices, Marine Geophysics, Terrestrial Geophysics, Environmental and Geomatics), Fieldwork, Coastal and Marine and Heritage teams on some of the most exciting and high-profile archaeological sites and projects in the UK.
Main responsibilities will include:
The precise responsibilities of the role will depend on the grade at which the successful candidate is appointed (Supervisor or Project Officer). Further details are provided in the role specification.
Candidates will ideally have a degree/post-graduate degree in geoarchaeology, archaeology, Quaternary science, or a closely related Earth Science subject. You will be confident in the description and interpretation of Quaternary sedimentary sequences with a solid understanding of depositional environments and processes. You will have strong reporting and communication skills, along with a willingness to learn and expand your knowledge. Previous experience of working in a commercial environment, including fieldwork, is desirable but not essential as training will be provided. Existing experience in British archaeology and deposit modelling is not essential as you will be given the chance to build your expertise in this area through training and mentorship.
Desirable certification
- Hold a post-graduate qualification in Geoarchaeology, Archaeology, Quaternary Science or a closely related discipline
- Confident in describing and interpreting Quaternary sediments in both an archaeological and geoarchaeological context
- Experience working in a commercial environment, including fieldwork experience
- Sound knowledge of terrestrial depositional environments and processes
- Excellent report writing and communication skills
We offer:
- 22 days of annual leave per year plus bank holidays rising to 27 after 5 years of continuous service.
- Option to buy up to 5 days holiday per year.
- Salary Sacrifice Pension Scheme, Wessex Archaeology employer pension contribution 6.5%.
- Life assurance scheme of three times your basic salary.
Wellbeing and family-friendly benefits
- Our maternity, adoption and shared parental pay is 100% for 12 weeks, 90% for 21 weeks and 6 weeks statutory, day 1 eligibility.
- Enhanced paternity leave, up to 4 weeks from day 1.
- 5 days of carers leave.
- Paid sick leave from the start of a contract, with the number of days dependent on length of service.
- Hybrid and flexible working arrangements where applicable.
- Company Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) - free and confidential service in the form of counselling and assistance in areas such as health and stress.
- AIG SmartHealth – round-the-clock support for you and your family.
Sustainability and other benefits
- Electric Vehicle Salary Sacrifice Scheme.
- Bike2Work scheme.
- 100% Professional membership costs reimbursed.
- High-quality personal protective equipment (PPE) provided.
- Free transport from regional offices to sites.
- Time in lieu or paid time for drivers.
- Subsistence allowance.
How to apply
Interested in working with us?
Email your completed application form and equal opportunities monitoring form by close of business on Friday 18 April 2025 to wa.applications@wessexarch.co.uk. All applications will be acknowledged within 2 weeks of the closing date. Interviews will be held in late April/early May 2025. If you have questions about the role, then please contact Alex Brown, Geoarchaeology Manager (a.brown@wessexarch.co.uk).
We welcome applications from people with disabilities and aim to be supportive in our recruitment and employment practices. Please let us know if you need any special arrangements or adjustments in the application or interview process.
Successful candidates must have proof of identity and eligibility to work in the UK by the start of their employment.