FIELDWORK ARCHAEOLOGIST PROJECT OFFICER

Wessex Archaeology is one of the UK’s largest and most comprehensive heritage service providers, and a market leader in the provision of fieldwork archaeological services in the UK.

We are looking to recruit an experienced fieldwork archaeologist to join our Sheffield-based team for work on a range of projects in the North of England. We have an extremely exciting programme planned throughout 2022 and beyond and we are confident that we can offer you a challenging and rewarding role with excellent scope for career progression.

All contracts offered are on a permanent contract basis, and as an Equal Opportunities employer, we welcome applications from all sections of the community and are committed to promoting equality of opportunity.

You will be joining an inclusive, supportive, busy and growing team where you will have an opportunity to develop your fieldwork excavation and technical skills, your commercial awareness and your people skills. We support peer to peer learning and commit to providing you with a development review during the initial term of the contract and regularly thereafter.

Position requirements:

The ideal candidate will be an experienced heritage professional with demonstrable fieldwork experience, in a professional commercial archaeological environment. Applicants for the position must have a proven track record in directing medium to large teams in the field and must provide evidence of good report writing skills. A publication portfolio would be beneficial. You will be expected to be able to work independently when required and demonstrate a professional approach to work, colleagues, other professionals and clients.

Key attributes:

Essential skills for all successful applicants will be:

• To have a valid CSCS card – we can provide help and advice on obtaining these;
• A full clean Driving Licence;
• To have the ability to work with self-awareness and the confidence to ask questions; and
• Able to manage their own time and work to deadlines.

Highly desirable attributes will include:

• SMSTS/SSSTS or other H&S qualifications;
• Valid First Aid at Work, CAT & Genny and Plant Marshalling (banksmen) certification; and
• Membership of the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists or another appropriate professional body.

Whilst having a good degree in archaeology or a related subject will certainly be of benefit, at Wessex Archaeology we also recognise that there are many very capable archaeologists both within our Company, and across the sector as a whole, who do not have university qualifications. We will therefore welcome applications from all who wish to join our North Region fieldwork team, graduates and non-graduates alike.

What we offer:

In addition to our highly competitive salaries, we are also able to offer a host of additional benefits to working for Wessex, not least including:

• Competitive salary range in line with CIfA salary guidelines (appointments will be made on the basis of demonstrated ability, previous experience and CIfA membership as appropriate).
• CIfA subscription fees reimbursed.
• A Company Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) – confidential external advice on health and wellbeing;
• 22 days p.a. holiday entitlement (plus bank holidays)
• Paid sick leave from start of contract;
• Immediate eligibility for inclusion in the group salary sacrifice pension plan with an employer contribution of 5%;
• Individual training and development, mentoring, annual appraisal, personal development plans and career progression maps;
• Life assurance scheme;
• Bike2Work scheme;

What you must do:

If you think you’re the right person for us, please submit a completed application form, which is available from the vacancies page on our website https://www.wessexarch.co.uk/vacancies, together with a copy of your CV and any other information that will support your application. The deadline for return of applications via e-mail to wa.applications@wessexarch.co.uk is close of business on 10^th June 2022. Receipt of all applications will be acknowledged.

Potential applicants are welcome to contact Richard O’Neill, Regional Fieldwork Manager North (03303 133502 or r.oneill@wessexarch.co.uk  with any queries or an informal discussion regarding the role.

Whilst Wessex Archaeology welcomes applications from all sections of the community and is committed to promoting equality of opportunity, it is essential that the successful candidate must by the start of their employment have permission to work in the UK. Proof of identity and eligibility to work in the UK will be required prior to commencement of employment.