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?
We’re excited to offer a new opportunity to join our Terrestrial Geophysics Team, part of the Commercial Services Directorate that delivers our core fieldwork and survey services across the UK. Based in Sheffield, you’ll play a key role in leading geophysical survey teams in the field, applying a range of techniques across diverse and impactful projects nationwide. While the role is primarily field-based, you’ll also rotate regularly into office-based work, gaining hands-on experience in data processing, increase your skills in GIS, interpretation, and report writing.
We are looking for a confident, proactive individual who can manage field teams effectively, ensuring surveys are conducted safely, efficiently, and to a high standard. A strong understanding of health and safety procedures is essential, as well as the ability to motivate and inspire your team to do their best work in dynamic field environments. You’ll be expected to make informed decisions on site, with the backing of senior staff in the office.
Strong communication skills are key, particularly when liaising with landowners, clients and the rest of the geophysics team to maintain positive working relationships. You will have a broad working knowledge of geophysical survey equipment and techniques and be comfortable adapting to different technologies and field conditions. You’ll be responsible for maintaining momentum and morale within your team, ensuring that surveys progress smoothly and that any issues are addressed promptly and professionally.
In addition to fieldwork, the role includes some office-based responsibilities such as data processing and interpretation. While prior experience in these areas is beneficial, we are committed to supporting your growth and development through training and mentorship. This is a chance to grow your technical and leadership skills in a dynamic environment, working on meaningful projects that uncover the past to help build a better world.
Main responsibilities will include:
- Leading teams on site
- assisting in the delivery of a comprehensive range of geophysical surveys (gradiometer, resistivity, GPR, EM, ERT).
- Making sure that health, safety and wellbeing methodologies and policies are followed on site
- Motivating and leading teams on site to develop skills
- Monitor geophysical data collection and data transfer
- Undertake and assist other members of the team with project-specific research to support and inform the preparation of reports.
- Processing and interpretation of geophysical data using specialist software and GIS
- Help prepare client reports in accordance with relevant legislation, planning policy, and current national guidance.
About you
This will be both a challenging and rewarding role and we are looking for an ambitious individual with the aptitude and aspiration to develop the team and service. We are looking for an applicant who is:
- Educated to at least degree level in an appropriate subject or to hold demonstrable experience to an equivalent level.
- Experienced in leading teams to complete a range of survey techniques within deadlines.
- With an understanding of health & safety associated with fieldwork, preferably backed up with qualifications and accreditations.
- Experienced in processing and quality controlling geophysical data.
- Confident and self-aware.
- Works as part of a team, supports and assists others.
- Flexible in their approach, working hours and working away from home to meet project needs and the demands of the role.
Essential certification
- Full clean drivers' licence and willingness to drive company vehicles.
- A member of an appropriate accredited professional body
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.
Location
Wessex Archaeology’s Terrestrial Geophysics team operate nationwide from our regional offices in Salisbury and Sheffield. This position will be ideally based in Sheffield however other locations may be considered.
Wessex Archaeology is a truly collaborative organisation, and the successful candidate will work with our project teams in all regions on some of the most significant and challenging heritage projects across the UK and beyond. A certain level of travel to site and our other offices will be expected as part of this role.
Applications
Applicants are invited to submit a completed application form (available from the vacancies page on our website www.wessexarch.co.uk/vacancies) with a copy of their CV; and returned by e-mail to wa.applications@wessexarch.co.uk by 12 December 2025. Receipt of all applications will be acknowledged. Further details, including Role Descriptions, can be downloaded from our website.
For all queries, please contact Patricia Edwards (Commercial Services Director) p.edwards@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.