Environmental Archaeologist (Archaeobotany)
£31,019 - £35,984 (Officer Grade) - Salary Commensurate with skills and experience
Based in Amesbury
Permanent
Ref: AMENV.12.24
Close date: Monday 20th January 2025
Why join us?
Bringing together leading minds and practitioners in the sector, Wessex Archaeology 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 high-profile projects and develop your skills and knowledge along the way.
The role – what’s involved?
Are you passionate about uncovering the past through the lens of environmental archaeology? We are looking for an enthusiastic, curious individual to support our ever-expanding portfolio of environmental archaeology work and join our Environmental Team at our Amesbury premises. You will work closely with our fieldwork, post-excavation and geoarchaeological teams to carry out assessment and analysis of palaeoenvironmental samples, along with subsequent reporting and publication.
Due to the wide range of project work we undertake at Wessex Archaeology, we welcome applications from candidates with experience in plant macrofossil identification (carbonised and waterlogged), and any further specialisms would be advantageous. Wessex Archaeology has offices nationwide, so you can expect to work on materials from across the UK and from all time periods. This is a great opportunity for someone looking to pivot in their career or expand their knowledge.
You will work alongside a dedicated team of passionate Environmental Archaeologists, supporting our processing teams and assisting your fellow specialists, as well as providing advice to our fieldwork teams. The role is predominantly office-based, but we are open to flexible working arrangements. This position is offered on a permanent, full-time basis. Part-time working will be considered for the right candidate.
About you
You will have a solid palaeoenvironmental skillset and knowledge base, together with strong reporting and communication skills, and a familiarity with commercial practice. You will ideally have a post-graduate qualification in Environmental Archaeology or a related discipline. A publication record would be an advantage, but there will be opportunity to further build your bibliography while in post. You will be happy working in a team and independently, as well as someone who promotes a safe and inclusive working environmental for all. You will be organised and able to manage your own workload and timekeeping.
Location
Wessex Archaeology’s Geoservices team operate nationwide from our regional offices. This role is based in our new Amesbury office, but flexible working will be considered. Some projects will require staff to work away from their base from time to time; in such cases, a good quality of accommodation, travel and subsistence are covered by Wessex Archaeology as a matter of course.
What can you look forward to?
Our focus is on creating a collaborative culture where people can thrive, develop and where safety and wellbeing come first. From anonymising candidate data in our recruitment process to continuous improvements in our benefits, we’re committed to creating a safe, fair and inclusive working environment.
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 20/01/2025 to wa.applications@wessexarch.co.uk. All applications will be acknowledged within 2 weeks of the closing date.
If you have any questions about the role then please contact Sander Aerts, Manager of Environmental Archaeology (s.aerts@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.