MARINE 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 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:

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 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.