GEOARCHAEOLOGIST

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?

Wessex Archaeology is a market leader in the provision of geoarchaeological services across terrestrial, intertidal and marine environments. Our current team comprises geoarchaeologists at all stages of their career, including specialists of international standing in Marine, Pleistocene/Palaeolithic and Holocene geoarchaeology.

Due to continuing levels of demand for our specialist services, we are looking for talented, driven and enthusiastic people to join our established team at all grades and further support and develop our capabilities and capacity. We are looking for candidates with experience in Geoarchaeology or a related earth science discipline including Quaternary Science and Physical Geography to take on roles at all grades, depending on skills and experience.

We are keen to hear from geoarchaeologists already working in commercial archaeology or with experience working in a closely related discipline. Or perhaps you are an archaeologist who has some experience of geoarchaeology, has a willingness to learn and a desire to develop a career path in geoarchaeology? We are also interested in recent graduates or postgraduates in relevant subjects who want to start their career in geoarchaeology.

Main responsibilities will include:

The precise responsibilities of the role will depend on the grade at which the successful candidate is appointed. Further details are provided in the role specification.

Candidates will ideally have a degree/post-graduate degree an experience in Geoarchaeology, Archaeology, Quaternary Science, Physical Geography 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. Candidates should have a solid skillset together with good reporting and communication skills. Previous experience of working in a commercial environment is desirable but not essential as training will be provided. Previous experience of project management would be desirable for roles at Senior and Principal Geoarchaeologist, but training will be provided. Existing experience in deposit modelling is desirable but not essential as opportunities will be provided to build expertise in this area through individual training and mentorship.

Desirable certification 

• Hold a post-graduate qualification in Geoarchaeology, Quaternary Science, Geology, Geomorphology or a closely related discipline
• Confident in describing and interpreting Quaternary superficial sediments
• Sound knowledge of terrestrial depositional environments and processes
• Excellent report writing and communication skills

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:

Full details of our benefits package are available on our website.

How to apply 

Interested in working with us? For all the details about how to apply visit Vacancies | Wessex Archaeology

Email your completed application form and equal opportunities monitoring form by close of business on Friday 24 January 2025 to wa.applications@wessexarch.co.uk. All applications will be acknowledged within 2 weeks of the closing date. Interviews will be held in early February 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.