Archives Officer

Headland Archaeology is offering an excellent opportunity for a conscientious, capable and enthusiastic person to help shape our Archives 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 more than 25 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.12000 employees and c.200 environmentally lead companies.

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

The Role

Due to an expanding workload and the commencement of a large post-excavation project, Headland Archaeology is now seeking a self-motivated, enthusiastic archaeological archives officer to join our post-ex team.

The job will involve curating project archives, undertaking and co-ordinating archiving work, preparing paper, physical and digital archives to internal standards and the requirements of the relevant receiving bodies, liaising with the receiving bodies and depositing archives, maintaining Headland’s internal archives in a well-ordered state, and training and supervision of others.

The successful candidate should have an undergraduate degree in archaeology or related discipline and/or relevant fieldwork experience. They should have demonstrable specialist knowledge of archaeological archives and the archiving process relating to commercial archaeology in the UK.

They should have a track record in preparing and depositing archaeological archives and they should have the ability to manage teams and budgets. Memberships of CIfA (at least at Associate level) and of any relevant specialist bodies would also be advantageous. They will be expected to develop their own knowledge and skills and keep abreast of developments and innovations in the field, but encouragement and support will also be given to aid their development and broaden their skill and knowledge.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Undertake, supervise, co-ordinate and provide advice on preparation and deposition physical, paper and digital archives
• Liaise with relevant external bodies and follow deposition procedures to ensure efficient archiving process
• Liaise with specialists/curators with respect ensuring clearly documented retention and disposal agreements are in place
• Liaise with landowners to obtain transfer of title for recovered materials where required
• Work with other team members to ensure archives are left tidy and archive-ready and to ensure smooth workflow
• Training/supervision of others (including fieldwork teams) and potentially line managing Archives Supervisors or Archives Assistants. 
• Develop your own knowledge of archive procedures and keep abreast of developments within external bodies
• Manage time and resources to achieve goals within allocated budgets
• Provide quotes and estimates for archiving work and expenses including liaising with external bodies

Essential skills:

• Good general working knowledge of archaeological procedures, recording and artefacts
• Knowledge of legislation, regulation and guidance relevant to archives and archaeology including Health and Safety
• Adherence to safe working practices, in particular to hazards associated with artefactual work
• Good knowledge of issues surrounding finds first aid, conservation, packaging and long-term storage
• Detailed understanding of archiving legislation, procedures and standards for relevant part of the UK where post-holder is based
• Good communication skills that can be applied to negotiations surrounding assemblages
• Familiarity with relevant receiving bodies for paper, physical and digital archives
• Good IT skills, including file management, databases and MS Office
• Attention to detail and ability to accurately label and package
• Strong organisational skills and ability to schedule, co-ordinate and monitor tasks and other team members
• Ability to manage teams and budgets
• Good interpersonal and coaching skills
• Be passionate, motivated and excited about what you do!

Desired skills:

• Full clean driving license (and a willingness to drive company vehicles)
• Membership of the CIfA at Associate level
• Membership of relevant archives groups and bodies (eg CIfA Archaeological Archives Group, ARA) 

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 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
• Income Protection Policy, after a year with Headland
• Life Assurance Policy, insuring you 4 times your annual salary, after a year with Headland
• 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)
• Health support scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme (advice on finance, mental health etc)
• Paid CIfA membership
• Cycle to work scheme
• Being part of RSK Group

Headland is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

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.

Send covering letter and CV to Charlotte Self at ‘jobs@headlandarchaeology.com’ quoting reference ARCO24

Postal applications will not be accepted. Details of references should include their name, relationship to the applicant, postal address, email address and phone number.

Informal inquiries concerning the role can be made to Charlotte Self – charlotte.self@headlandarchaeology.com