TRAINEE ASSISTANT GEOPHYSICIST

Salary: £25,036.53 and generous benefits package

Hours: Full time, 37.5h/week

Locations: Cleckheaton, West Yorkshire or Boxworth, Cambridgeshire but working on sites across the UK

Contract Type: 18 month fixed-term contract with a view to extension

Closing Date: January 8th 2026.

Do you ever wonder how archaeological sites are located and identified in the first place? Do you want to be at the forefront of the development of geophysical survey techniques in the commercial field? Do you want to join a large team with a range of experience working on nationally important and interesting projects throughout the United Kingdom and the EU?

If so, we are keen to develop and/or expand your knowledge and skills in archaeological geophysics, whilst gaining a nationally recognised qualification 'Level 3 Award in Archaeological Practice' alongside our specialist geophysicists. The Level 3 Certificate in Archaeological Practice is the only vocational qualification currently available for archaeologists. It provides the skills and knowledge required for a career in the historic environment sector.

This qualification is suitable for:

• Learners with no prior experience
• Learners in employment who wish to enhance their career prospects
• Learners not in employment who wish to enhance their career prospects
• School leavers
• Adults returning to education
• Degree level academics who wish to acquire the vocational skills and knowledge required by employers in the sector
• Would be archaeologists who are unable, or do not wish, to study at university
• Volunteers within an archaeological environment who wish to achieve the qualification in order to enhance your employment prospects.

Entry

Although there are no formal entry requirements for this qualification, it is likely that learners will either already be working or volunteering in the archaeology sector. Alternatively, learners should have an appropriate level of knowledge and communication skills to meet the requirements of the qualification.

Please be aware that applicants enrolled into the Headland Archaeology funded Level 3 Award in Archaeological Practice, will be expected to opt in to a 18 month commitment agreement with the company, whereby a repayment of costs would be expected should you leave before the agreed completed level of service. Full details would be outlined alongside Contract terms & conditions.

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 more than 27 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.15000 employees and c.230 environmentally lead companies.

The Role

We are looking to recruit two Trainee Geophysicists, who are committed, results driven individuals, enthusiastic to learn available to start our geophysical survey training programme immediately. You will be based in our offices in Cleckheaton, West Yorkshire.

The aim of the role is to assist the post holder to achieve the knowledge, understanding and basic level of competency that allows them to step onto the associated career pathway within Headland (in this case geophysical assistant). As a geophysics role it is predominantly field based, involving the undertaking of geophysical surveys through hand carried, cart based and towed equipment arrays; some office based work may also be required either at our offices or elsewhere. You may also experience other aspects of work undertaken by the company and applications of geophysics during excavation. Headland is a Registered Organisation with CIfA, and you must adhere to our systems and processes which are in line with CIfA Standards and Ethics.

As part of the geophysics and fieldwork team you will get involved in large and exciting projects across all parts of the United Kingdom and the EU. Working away and travelling to new places is a normal part of this role; therefore, willingness to travel is essential.

The nature of the surveys varies from small scale projects which may be completed in a day or two to major infrastructure projects which may take several weeks. Virtually all the surveys will involve working away from your office base in West Yorkshire and travelling to new places is a normal part of this role. Weekend working may occasionally be required.

In Headland we are proud of our people. We will support you to your meet your goals and throughout the training programme.

Essential Skills and Qualities:

• Willingness to work away from home
• Willing to work outdoors in all weather
• A "Can do" attitude and willingness to learn
• Good organisational & communication skills
• High level of use of English language
• Full UK manual driving licence and willingness to drive company vehicles
• Knowledge of MS Office

Benefits we offer you:

• Competitive paid subsistence when applicable
• Paid accommodation when applicable
• Use of cutting edge technology on site, e.g. paperless systems, iPads, Cart based Magnetometers etc.
• Ongoing regular training in various areas e.g. Health & Safety, Technical areas and Transferable skills
• Time off in lieu for time worked above standard hours or overtime paid
• Annual profit discretionary bonus & performance related bonus schemes
• Monthly clothing allowance
• 28 days annual leave, rising based on service length
• Extra annual leave purchase scheme
• 5%-6% employer contribution to pension scheme
• Life Assurance Policy, insuring you 4 times your annual salary, after a year with Headland
• 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)
• Employee Assistance Programme (advice on finance, mental health etc)
• Paid CIfA membership
• Cycle to work scheme
• Being part of RSK Group

How to apply

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 so we can make suitable arrangements.