Marine Geophysicist/Geologist

Wessex Archaeology work in Marine Geophysics supports the UK and international offshore renewables industry. We are one of the largest independent archaeological practices in the UK and is a registered Charity whose aims are to promote the advancement of education and the advancement of the arts, culture, heritage and science. We have offices in Salisbury, Sheffield, Meopham, Bristol and Edinburgh.

Wessex Archaeology is seeking to appoint a Marine Geophysicist / Geologist (Officer/Senior Officer grade) to join our Marine Geophysics team under the Geoservices directorate, to be based in Salisbury, Bristol or Edinburgh and exceptionally at other regional offices. This opportunity offers the chance to work as part of the dynamic Geoservices team, which together employs technical experts from a wide range of science disciplines to provide specialist input into projects and deliver a range of services to our clients by applying Earth Science techniques to a wide range of archaeological projects. The role would suit an early or mid-career professional with prior experience in marine shallow early geophysical and geological assessment or palaeolandscape interpretation, especially experience gained in an academic or research capacity. Our standard working hours are 37 hours per week, however we are happy to discuss part-time or other flexible working arrangements with the right candidate.

While the Marine Geophysics team specialises in support of the offshore renewables industry, we support many other offshore developments and with a wide range of stakeholders support marine Cultural Heritage in the UK and worldwide. The successful applicants would assist in the production and delivery of a range of marine geophysical projects, at Officer grade capability to lead on smaller such projects. Senior Officers grades are expected to lead projects and contribute to the wider team leadership. The primary responsibilities of the role include:

• Processing and archaeological interpretation of a range of marine geophysical data sets (sidescan sonar, magnetometer and multibeam bathymetry);
• Interpretation of 2D and 3D shallow seismic data for quaternary geological classification.
• Ensuring all work and resulting reporting is carried out in accordance with relevant standards and guidance;
• Acquisition and quality control of marine geophysical survey data.

Further essential and desirable skills for the role include:

Essential

• A good degree in a relevant subject (e.g. Archaeology or Earth Sciences);
• Experience in marine geophysical data processing and interpretation;
• Shallow geological interpretation from seismic or Sub-Bottom Profiler data;
• The ability to interrogate, interpret and integrate data from numerous sources;
• Good organisation skills, and prior experience working to deadlines;
• The ability to write and communicate clearly, and experience in producing technical reports;
• Flexibility with working hours, including occasional work away from home;
• The ability to work as part of a team and the willingness to support and assist others;
• A full, clean UK driving licence.

Desirable:

• Prior experience in the offshore survey industry;
• Extension of shallow geological interpretation to geoarchaeological and or palaeolandscape assessments;
• Experience of software development in python and other languages;
• Membership of the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (or another appropriate professional body);
• Current offshore sea survival (Personal Survival Techniques) and offshore medical certificates

Applications

Applicants are invited to submit a completed application form (available from the vacancies page on our website (http://www.wessexarch.co.uk/vacancies) with a copy of their CV; and returned by e-mail to wa.applications@wessexarch.co.uk by the 30^th April 2023. Receipt of all applications will be acknowledged.

Further details, including Job Descriptions can be downloaded from our website. For all queries, please contact Tim Marples (Marine Geophysics Manager) t.marples@wessexarch.co.uk.

Whilst Wessex Archaeology welcomes applications from all sections of the community and is committed to promoting equality of opportunity, it is essential that the successful candidate must by the start of their employment have permission to work in the UK. Proof of identity and eligibility to work in the UK will be required prior to commencement of employment.