Archaeology Post-excavation Trainee

_Are you interested in the past and looking to break into a career in Archaeology? Headland Archaeology is offering an excellent, and rarely available training opportunity for an enthusiastic individual with an interest in Archaeology and Archives to join our new 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 20 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**

All archaeological sites generate physical and digital material that forms part of the project archive. This archive needs preparation before it can be deposited with a museum or other body, and this is where the Archives team comes in. We are looking to increase the size of our Archives team and are seeking to help an individual with a strong interest in archaeology and archives but little or no experience in it to develop their skills as a trainee.

The role will be office based, dealing predominantly with archaeological archives: this will mainly involve preparing paper, physical and digital archives to internal standards and to the requirements of the relevant receiving bodies. The role may also include basic finds, samples, data and other post-excavation tasks, all with appropriate training.

**Key responsibilities will include**:

- Preparation and deposition of project archives (physical, documentary and digital)
- Undertake packaging, storage, transportation and handling of artefacts and ecofacts
- Preparation of site paperwork and toolkits
- Undertake processing of artefacts and ecofacts (animal bone, human remains)
- Undertake processing of environmental samples (including waterlogged samples)
- Undertake finds first aid
- Maintenance of processing equipment and processing area
- Completing site data entry (including finds and environmental data)
- Develop your own knowledge and skills
- Undertake other post-excavation tasks appropriate to your skills and knowledge

**Essential skills**:

- Interest in the archaeology of the British Isles
- Adherence to safe working practices, in particular to hazards associated with artefactual and environmental work
- IT skills, including some familiarity with MS Office
- A good eye for detail and ability to accurately observe and record label, package and follow instructions
- Good communication skills and the ability to work alone or with a team
- Willingness to learn - support and training will be provided for all tasks
- Be passionate, motivated and excited about what you do

**Desired skills**:

- Knowledge and experience of archaeology, archiving or related work
- Full clean driving license (and a willingness to drive company vehicles)

**Benefits we offer you**:

- Competitive paid subsistence when applicable
- Paid accommodation when applicable
- Ongoing regular training in various areas e.g. Health & Safety, Technical areas and Transferable skills
- Time off in lieu (TOIL) for time worked above standard hours or overtime paid
- Discretionary annual profit 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 3