Tag: marine-geoarchaeology

GEOARCHAEOLOGISTS

https://www.wessexarch.co.uk/vacancies/geoarchaeologists-0

Multiple roles including Palaeolithic/Pleistocene specialist

Geoarchaeologist £29,496 to £37,783
Senior Geoarchaeologist: £36,925 to £42,281
Principal Geoarchaeologist: £42,286 to £48,204

Based in Amesbury and Sheffield. Other offices and hybrid working considered
Permanent
Reference: GEO.09.26
Close date: 23 October 2026

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, and a market leader in the provision of geoarchaeological services across terrestrial, intertidal and marine environments. 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? 

We are looking for talented, driven and enthusiastic individuals at all grades with a desire to share and learn new skills and further develop the capacity of our established geoarchaeology team.

Geoarchaeology refers to the archaeological resource contained within geological deposits. This can include archaeology (often deeply buried artefacts and layers) and environmental remains. Assessing and interpreting these requires a collaborative and multi-disciplinary approach, combining archaeological, geological, geophysical and palaeoenvironmental techniques. Our team comprises geoarchaeologists at all stages of their career, including specialists of international standing in marine, Pleistocene/Palaeolithic and Holocene geoarchaeology. Our team comes from a variety of backgrounds in archaeology, geoarchaeology and Quaternary science, and has varied skills and specialisms, from stone tool identification through to pollen analysis. 

Due to continuing levels of demand for our specialist services, we are looking for talented, driven and enthusiastic individuals to join our established team at all grades with a desire to share and learn new skills, and further develop the capabilities and capacity of the Geoarchaeology team as part of the Commercial Services Directorate.

We are particularly keen to appoint a candidate at senior/principal level with demonstrable experience in Palaeolithic archaeology and Pleistocene stratigraphy. Investigation of Pleistocene deposits with potential for Palaeolithic archaeology forms a key element of our portfolio and we are keen to expand our specialist offering in this area.

We are also keen to hear from geoarchaeologists already working in commercial archaeology or closely related disciplines. You may be 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.

You will have the opportunity to work on a range of projects, including Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects connected to renewable and energy infrastructure, water supply, flood alleviation and coastal defence, and peatland restoration. Our works involve the monitoring of ground investigations (trial pits and boreholes), standalone geoarchaeological borehole surveys and test pitting, as well as other intrusive works alongside colleagues in archaeological fieldwork, consultancy, and marine services. Work will also involve the laboratory-based description, interpretation and sub-sampling of borehole and monolith sequences. 

Successful candidates will contribute to and lead on interpretation and reporting, including input into desk-based assessment, deposit modelling and fieldwork, and post-excavation assessment/analysis reports. Existing experience in post-excavation geoarchaeological techniques, such as deposit modelling, is not essential as opportunities will be provided to build expertise in this area through individual training and mentorship. Candidates should have a solid practical and technical skillset together with good reporting and communication skills.

Main responsibilities will include

The precise responsibilities of the roles will depend on the grade at which the successful candidates are appointed, but will include the following:

At geoarchaeologist:

  • Conduct geoarchaeological fieldwork
  • Provide interpretation and advice to projects
  • Review geotechnical data and undertake deposit modelling (training will be provided on the latter)
  • Prepare and contribute to client reports, including collating the work of other specialists
  • Prepare method statements, project designs, survey plans and risk assessments
  • Assist colleagues with technical aspects of projects
  • Act as lead geoarchaeologist on smaller projects, including supervision and supporting colleagues and undertaking quality control
  • Contribute to wider training within the team and Commercial Services Directorate within a defined area of specialism

At senior level:

  • Act as lead geoarchaeologist, including supervising and supporting colleagues, undertake interpretation and reporting, technical peer-review and quality assurance.
  • Conduct geoarchaeological fieldwork
  • Provide interpretation and advice to projects
  • Review geotechnical data and undertake deposit modelling (training will be provided on the latter)
  • Prepare risk assessments and method statements
  • Prepare client reports, including liaising with other specialists
  • Contribute to technical peer-review
  • Act as subject matter expert (SME) in defined areas of expertise
  • Contribute to tender documents under the supervision of a technical specialist and/or head of geoarchaeology
  • Contribute to wider training within the team and Commercial Services Directorate within a defined area of specialism

At principal Level:

  • Technical accountability for a component of the geoarchaeology specialist portfolio (e.g. Pleistocene and Palaeolithic; Holocene geoarchaeology)
  • Act as lead geoarchaeologist, including supervising and supporting colleagues, undertake interpretation and reporting, technical peer-review and quality assurance.
  • Prepare client reports, including liaising with other specialists
  • Ability to act as a subject matter expert (SME) and proactively engage with and advise colleagues and clients concerning technical aspects of projects
  • Contribute to project management under the direction of the head of geoarchaeology, including responsibility for input into tender costs, project budgets and timescales/delivery
  • Autonomously design, conduct and direct geoarchaeological fieldwork
  • Responsibility for approving risk assessments under head of geoarchaeology
  • Lead and/or organise on-the-job training

Essential experience

  • Hold a qualification and/or experience in geoarchaeology, archaeology, physical/Quaternary geology or closely related discipline 
  • Clear and confident communication skills, with the ability to engage with a broad range of people – from team members and senior leaders to clients and external partners
  • At senior/principal level, candidates applying to fill the role of Palaeolithic-Pleistocene specialist must have a sound knowledge of Palaeolithic archaeology and Quaternary sediments, including a PhD, post-doctoral or equivalent experience, and experience of archaeological fieldwork.
  • Confident in describing and interpreting Quaternary superficial sediments (additional training will be provided to develop skills)
  • Sound knowledge of formation processes, both on archaeological sites and wider landscapes
  • Comfortable working in a multidisciplinary environment and coordinating input from a range of disciplines
  • Solid report writing and communication skills
  • Full UK driving licence

We offer:

  • 22 days of annual leave per year plus bank holidays rising to 27 after 5 years of continuous service
  • Option to buy up to 5 days holiday per year. 
  • Salary Sacrifice Pension Scheme, Wessex Archaeology employer pension contribution 6.5%
  • Life assurance scheme of three times your basic salary

Wellbeing and family-friendly benefits 

  • Our maternity, adoption and shared parental pay is 100% for 12 weeks, 90% for 21 weeks and 6 weeks statutory, day 1 eligibility. 
  • Enhanced paternity leave, up to 4 weeks from day 1 
  • 5 days of carers leave
  • Paid sick leave from the start of a contract, with the number of days dependent on length of service
  • Hybrid and flexible working arrangements where applicable 
  • Company Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) – free and confidential service in the form of counselling and assistance in areas such as health and stress
  • AIG SmartHealth – round-the-clock support for you and your family 

Sustainability and other benefits 

  • Electric Vehicle Salary Sacrifice Scheme (subject to eligibility) 
  • Bike2Work scheme
  • 100% Professional membership costs reimbursed 
  • High-quality personal protective equipment (PPE) provided 
  • Free transport from regional offices to sites
  • Time in lieu or paid time for drivers
  • Subsistence allowance

How to apply 

Interested in working with us? 

Email your completed application form and equal opportunities monitoring form by close of business on Friday 23 October 2026 to wa.applications@wessexarch.co.uk. All applications will be acknowledged within two weeks of the closing date. Interviews will be held in November 2026. If you have questions about the role, please contact Alex Brown, Head of Geoarchaeology (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.

Maryland: Assistant State Underwater Archaeologist

https://www.jobapscloud.com/MD/sup/bulpreview.asp?b=&R1=26&R2=002587&R3=0011

The Maryland Historical Trust (MHT), an agency of the Maryland Department of Planning, is seeking to hire a State Underwater Archaeologist.  MHT is the state agency dedicated to preserving and interpreting the legacy of Maryland’s past. Through research, conservation and education, MHT assists the people of Maryland in understanding their historical and cultural heritage. Part of the Maryland Department of Planning, MHT serves as Maryland’s State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) pursuant to the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966.

The main purpose of this position is to assist the State Underwater Archaeologist to implement a statewide program to enhance Maryland’s historic sites and traditions by identifying, evaluating, protecting and studying maritime and underwater archaeological resources located within Maryland State waters; disseminating research and educational information about State submerged cultural resources to both professional and public communities, and executing authorized and mandated federal and State activities and programs as they relate to maritime and underwater archaeological resources. The position directly supports the Agency mission to enhance Maryland’s historic sites and traditions and preserve Maryland’s heritage resources.

Enforces all state and federally mandated legislation, regulations, standards and guidelines promulgated for the identification, assessment, protection and study of submerged cultural resources in Maryland, deals especially with compliance review.Reviews projects submitted for historic preservation review in compliance with state and federal historic preservation laws.Assists the State Underwater Archaeologist by managing grants, reviewing archaeology permit applications for completeness and providing data for underwater archaeology program portions of required state and federal reports and planning documents.Assists the State Underwater Archaeologist by maintaining inventory records and coordinating repair and maintenance of boats, vehicles, diving and other field equipment.Assists the State Underwater Archaeologist with maintenance of volunteer, diving, field and other records.Assists the State Underwater Archaeologist with planning, design and conduct of underwater archaeological field work, including the statewide survey and inventory program; maintains all documentation pertaining to field work including notes, photographs, drawings and final reports.Maintains diving and field abilities through skills maintenance activities and continuing education as necessary.

Provides and/or assists with educational activities and undertakes public relations efforts relating to submerged cultural resources in order to provide the historic and cultural traditions of the State.Provides appropriate information, training and technical assistance pertaining to underwater archaeological issues and the relevant legislation, regulations, standards and guidelines to government organizations, non-profits and the public.Coordinates social media, website updates, and develops and/or supports development of online resources related to the Maryland Maritime Archaeology Program and submerged cultural resources.Serves as additional staff and/or alternate representing MHT, MD SHPO, and/or the Maryland Maritime Archaeology Program at meetings, trainings, events, and/or exercises, etc., related to management and protection of submerged and intertidal cultural resources.

Education: Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate.

Experience: Five years of administrative staff or professional work.

Notes:

1. Candidates may substitute 30 credit hours from an accredited college or university for each year up to four years of the required experience.

2. Candidates may substitute the possession of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and one year of experience in administrative staff or professional work for the required experience.

3. Candidates may substitute the possession of a Master’s degree from an accredited college or university for the required experience.

4. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer involving staff work related to the administration of rules, regulations, policy, procedures and processes, or overseeing or coordinating unit operations or functioning as a staff assistant to a higher ranking commissioned officer on a year-for- year basis for the required experience.

Education and / or experience is in underwater archaeology with a specialization in marine geoarchaeology.Experience working with federal (USA) and state (Maryland) historic preservation laws and regulations including Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act.Scientific/archaeological diving experience and/or diving certifications.

MARINE GEOARCHAEOLOGIST 

https://www.wessexarch.co.uk/marine-geoarchaeologist

Senior Geoarchaeologist: £36,925 to £42,281
Principal Geoarchaeologist: £42,286 to £48,204
Based in Amesbury, other offices and hybrid working will be considered
Permanent
Reference: AMESGEO.12.25
Closing date: 30 January 2026

Wessex Archaeology is a key partner in the offshore renewables industry providing heritage sector support at all stages from EIA to Operations and Maintenance for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects. 
 

We are looking for a talented professional to the role of Marine Geoarchaeologist at a Senior Level, with a background in geoarchaeology, or geoscience, and palaeolandscape research. This role sits within our Commercial Services Directorate, which brings together our main deployed services into one coordinated structure. You will work as part of a collaborative team alongside colleagues in Marine Services, Geoarchaeology, and Post Excavation and Specialist Services on an exciting range of offshore renewable energy projects located both within UK waters and internationally.
 

You will be keen to share your passion and expertise in geoarchaeology with others, inspiring and motivating your team to do their best work. You will be experienced and confident in the description and interpretation of Quaternary sedimentary sequences, with a solid understanding of marine and terrestrial depositional environments and processes. You will be able to show how such sequences relate to changing human behaviour in response to past climate change. 
 

You will be someone who enjoys supporting and mentoring staff, as a key aspect of the role involves supervising colleagues and delivering training. You will also be required to provide advice to teams across Wessex Archaeology and our external clients. In addition, you will support with the writing of tender documents under the supervision of the Head of Geoarchaeology, contribute to technical peer review and quality assurance and act as a subject matter expert in defined areas of expertise. Previous experience of project management would be desirable, but training will be provided. Experience interpreting marine geophysical data would be advantageous. Previous experience of deposit modelling is desirable but not essential as training will be provided.
 
Main responsibilities will include: 

  • Act as lead geoarchaeologist on marine projects, including supervising and supporting colleagues, undertake interpretation and reporting technical peer-review and quality assurance.
  • Prepare client reports, including liaising with other specialists
  • Ability to act as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) and proactively engage with and advise colleagues and clients concerning technical aspects of projects.
  • Contribute to project management under the direction of the Head of Geoarchaeology, Head of Marine Services and Principal Marine Geoarchaeologist, including responsibility for tender costs, project budgets and timescales/delivery.

The precise responsibilities of the role will depend on the grade at which the successful candidate is appointed. 
 

Essential experience

  • Hold a post-graduate qualification in Geoarchaeology, Quaternary Science, Geology, Geomorphology or a closely related discipline
  • Clear and confident communication skills, with the ability to engage with a broad range of people – from team members and senior leaders to clients and external partners
  • Confident in describing and interpreting Quaternary superficial sediments
  • Sound knowledge of marine and terrestrial depositional environments and processes
  • Comfortable working in a multidisciplinary environment and coordinating input from a range of disciplines
  • 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:

  • 22 days of annual leave per year plus bank holidays rising to 27 after 5 years of continuous service.
  • Option to buy up to 5 days holiday per year.
  • Salary Sacrifice Pension Scheme, Wessex Archaeology employer pension contribution 5%.
  • Life assurance scheme of three times your basic salary. 

Wellbeing and family-friendly benefits 

  • Our maternity, adoption and shared parental pay is 100% for 12 weeks, 90% for 21 weeks and 6 weeks statutory, day 1 eligibility.
  • Enhanced paternity leave, up to 4 weeks from day 1.
  • 5 days of carers leave.
  • Paid sick leave from the start of a contract, with the number of days dependent on length of service.
  • Hybrid and flexible working arrangements where applicable.
  • Company Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) – free and confidential service in the form of counselling and assistance in areas such as health and stress.
  • AIG SmartHealth – round-the-clock support for you and your family. 
     

Sustainability and other benefits 

  • Electric Vehicle Salary Sacrifice Scheme.
  • Bike2Work scheme.
  • 100% Professional membership costs reimbursed.
  • High-quality personal protective equipment (PPE) provided.
  • Free transport from regional offices to sites.
  • Time in lieu or paid time for drivers.
  • Subsistence allowance. 
     

How to apply 

Interested in working with us?

Email your completed application form and equal opportunities monitoring form by close of business on 30 January 2026 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 2026 If you have questions about the role, then please contact Dr Alex Brown, Head of Geoarchaeology (a.brown@wessexarch.co.uk) and Dr Beccy Scott, Principal Marine Geoarchaeologist (B.Scott@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. 

MARINE GEOARCHAEOLOGIST

http://www.bajr.org/Employment/UKEmploymentDetails.asp?ID=119857

MARINE GEOARCHAEOLOGIST

Senior Geoarchaeologist: £35,167 to £40,268
Principal Geoarchaeologist: £40,272 to £45,909
Based in Salisbury, other offices and hybrid working will be considered
Permanent
Reference: SALMAR3.04.24
Closing date: 17 May 2024

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 key partner in the offshore renewables industry providing heritage sector support at all stages from EIA to Operations and Maintenance for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects.

We are seeking to employ a talented professional to the role of Marine Geoarchaeologist with a background in geoarchaeology, geosciences and palaeolandscape research to work as part of a collaborative team in supporting offshore renewable energy projects. You will work alongside colleagues in the Geoservices directorate (including Marine Geophysics and Environmental) and Coastal and Marine and Consultancy teams on an exciting range of projects located both within UK waters and Internationally.

You will be experienced and confident in the description and interpretation of Quaternary sedimentary sequences, with a solid understanding of marine and terrestrial depositional environments and processes.

A key part of the role will involve supporting, supervising, and providing training to colleagues as well as providing advice to teams across Wessex Archaeology and our external clients. In addition, you will contribute to tender documents under the supervision of the Geoarchaeology Manager, contribute to technical peer review and quality assurance and act as a subject matter expert in defined areas of expertise.

Experience interpreting marine geophysical data would be advantageous. Previous experience of deposit modelling is desirable but not essential as training will be provided.

Main responsibilities will include:

  • Technical accountability for the Marine Geoarchaeology portfolio.
  • Act as lead geoarchaeologist on marine projects, including supervising and supporting colleagues, undertaking interpretation and reporting, technical peer-review and quality assurance.
  • Prepare client reports, including liaising with other specialists.
  • Ability to act as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) and proactively engage with and advise colleagues and clients concerning technical aspects of projects.
  • Project management under the direction of the Geoarchaeology Manager, including responsibility for tender costs, project budgets and timescales/delivery.

Previous experience of project management would be desirable, but training will be provided. The precise responsibilities of the role will depend on the grade at which the successful candidate is appointed.

Essential 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 marine and 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:

  • 22 days of annual leave per year plus bank holidays rising to 27 after 5 years of continuous service.
  • Option to buy up to 5 days holiday per year.
  • Salary Sacrifice Pension Scheme, Wessex Archaeology employer pension contribution 6.5%.
  • Life assurance scheme of three times your basic salary.

Wellbeing and family-friendly benefits

  • Our maternity, adoption and shared parental pay is 100% for 12 weeks, 90% for 21 weeks and 6 weeks statutory, day 1 eligibility.
  • Enhanced paternity leave, up to 4 weeks from day 1.
  • 5 days of carers leave.
  • Paid sick leave from the start of a contract, with the number of days dependent on length of service.
  • Hybrid and flexible working arrangements where applicable.
  • Company Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) – free and confidential service in the form of counselling and assistance in areas such as health and stress.
  • AIG SmartHealth – round-the-clock support for you and your family.

Sustainability and other benefits

  • Electric Vehicle Salary Sacrifice Scheme.
  • Bike2Work scheme.
  • 100% Professional membership costs reimbursed.
  • High-quality personal protective equipment (PPE) provided.
  • Free transport from regional offices to sites.
  • Time in lieu or paid time for drivers.
  • Subsistence allowance.

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 17 May 2024 to  wa.applications@wessexarch.co.uk All applications will be acknowledged within 2 weeks of the closing date. Interviews will be held in late May / early June 2024. 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. 

Please quote BAJR in your application.