Supervisor/Fieldwork Project Officer - Archaeology

Are you an experienced and motivated archaeologist looking to take the next step in your career? Join Wardell Armstrong LLP, a leading multi-disciplinary consultancy with over 500 staff and a proud 25-year track record in archaeological services.

With purpose-built post-excavation centres in Carlisle and Bury St Edmunds, we offer an exceptional environment to develop your skills — from fieldwork through to specialist analysis.

This is your opportunity to take ownership of exciting projects, work on fascinating sites, and grow within a supportive, people-first culture.

Following its recent acquisition by SLR, Wardell Armstrong forms part of a leading global environmental and sustainability consultancy working on projects across the world from over 100 offices. Starting as a UK business in 1994, SLR now operates as a global company with more than 3,500 people, delivering client-focused solutions across Europe, North America, Pacific Asia and Africa.

The Role: Lead, Discover, Thrive

As a Senior (Supervisor) or Principal Archaeologist (Fieldwork Project Officer), you’ll play a vital role from watching briefs to leading field teams on a variety of investigations including evaluations and excavations. Your expertise in team leadership and report writing will be essential, as you oversee both site work and office-based assessments.

Our portfolio spans multi-period landscapes, quarry sites, and large-scale infrastructure projects, offering variety and rewarding challenges. Whilst this role is local to the North West, occasional travel may be required, supported by generous subsistence, travel allowances, and single occupancy accommodation.

We are passionate about keeping archaeologists working on sites close to home, recognising both the archaeological and personal benefits of local expertise.

What We’re Looking For:

• Proven experience managing small field teams and running archaeological projects
• A collaborative, people-centred approach to leadership
• Strong organisational skills and practical problem-solving ability
• Confidence supervising plant operations for archaeological purposes
• High-quality proven report writing skills
• Willingness to undertake manual work in challenging outdoor conditions — and motivate your team to do the same
• A full, clean driving licence with willingness to drive company vehicles (including transporting colleagues)
• Willingness to work away from home when required
• Experience using dGPS survey equipment

Desirable Skills & Qualifications:

• Degree in Archaeology or a related discipline
• CIfA membership (we cover your professional fees)
• SSSTS/SMSTS qualification and First Aid training
• Experience with geophysical survey and GIS software

Why Join Wardell Armstrong?

At Wardell Armstrong, you’ll be part of a close-knit team within an independent, employee-focused business. Our working directors are hands-on and invested in your success. We value your safety, wellbeing, and career aspirations.

With robust health & safety protocols, a dedicated HR team, mental health support, and personalised development plans, we ensure you feel supported in every aspect of your role.

The Benefits:

• 5% employer contribution to Group Personal Pension Plan
• Payment of relevant professional subscriptions (CIfA)
• 24 days annual leave, increasing with service
• Private Health Care Scheme & Critical Illness Cover
• Life Assurance (3x annual salary)
• Company mobile phone with personal usage included
• Generous accommodation & subsistence allowance for away work
• Paid travel time to site
• Flexi-Time arrangements (where applicable)
• Employee Assistance Programme & wellbeing support
• Long service awards, Cycle to Work Scheme & Travel Loans
• Hybrid home/office working (in applicable roles)
• Recruitment Bounty Scheme for employee referrals