Archaeological Researcher

(£14,586-£16,968 pa)

Archaeological Services WYAS

Archaeological Services WYAS is the commercial arm of West Yorkshire Archaeology Service, formed in 1986 from the West Yorkshire Metropolitan County Council Archaeology Unit. Although the organisation continues to be administered via the West Yorkshire Joint Services Committee, it is run entirely on an independent and self-financing commercial basis. The organisation is regularly contracted by the development and extraction industries in the preparation and execution of archaeological mitigation strategies, as well as providing a range of services to the heritage industry. Archaeological Services WYAS employs 40 full-time staff. The total number of employees fluctuates according to work levels, although in recent years the workforce has, at times, approached 100 staff.

Headquarters

The organisation is located in new purpose-built accommodation at Nepshaw Lane South, Morley, Leeds, close to junction 27 on the M62 motorway. Head Office accommodation consists of a fully equipped first floor suite of offices, including a research library, drawing office and laboratory facilities with faunal and botanical reference collections. A separate computer room is equipped with graphics computers, scanners and large format plotters dedicated to AutoCAD, graphics and desktop publishing work and also houses the main network and Intranet server. The ground floor includes a fully equipped dark room and photographic studio, a wet laboratory for processing soil and environmental samples, wet tanks, monitored cold and constant humidity walk-in storage facilities, and storage rooms for equipment, finds and archives. Staff facilities include a kitchen, changing rooms and showers. A new Joint Service wing within our office complex provides conference and meeting room facilities suitable for interviews, video conferencing, seminars, lectures and staff training. Within Joint Services, Wakefield MDC act as lead authority from whom Archaeological Services WYAS purchase, via service level agreements, a number of support services including health and safety, legal, insurance, personnel and financial accounting and auditing.

Overall Purpose of Post

Required to work within an established team on the research element of an ALSF project, carrying out documentary and cartographic interrogation of primary and secondary archaeological sources. Based at Archaeological Services WYAS’ offices at Morley as part of a multi-disciplinary team. Contract of 6 months in the first instance. Local Authority terms and conditions of employment apply.

Personal Requirements

1.       Training, Experience and Qualifications

Essential

Honours degree in archaeology or related subjects, or considerable relevant experience

Enthusiasm for documentary and cartographic archaeological research

A current clean driving licence

Desirable

Experience in producing client reports

Excavation experience

 

2.       Knowledge and Skills

Essential

Good knowledge of British landscape archaeology and sites of all periods

Familiarity with the different types of primary and secondary material available to archaeological researchers

Good verbal and written communication skills

Desirable

Knowledge of Photoshop software

Sound knowledge of office computer systems and the use of scanners

Proven ability in the preparation of desk-based assessments and undertaking research

Familiarity with GIS and/or CAD software packages, and digitising

 

3.       Interpersonal Skills

Essential

Excellent interpersonal skills

Well motivated and ability to work for long periods without supervision

Desirable

Ability to manage time effectively and balance conflicting demands

An enthusiastic and positive manner

Ability to work in a team

 

Salary and Working Conditions

Salary will be in the range £14,586-£16,968 per annum (SCP 16-21).

The normal working week is 37 hours, Monday to Friday. Flexible working arrangements are in place. Occasionally the post-holder may be required to work irregular hours, evenings or weekends, for which overtime payments or time in lieu arrangements will be made. From time to time the post-holder will be required to work away from home. Annual leave entitlement is 25-28 days per annum, increasing to 30 days after 5 years continuous service. Sickness payments will be made dependent upon length of service. The post is superannuable at a contributing rate (to the West Yorkshire Pension Fund) of 6%. This is a fixed term post for 6 months in the first instance.

Your Application

Application forms are not provided. A covering letter of application should be submitted detailing why you should be considered for the post. It should clearly indicate your availability and include daytime contact details, and be accompanied by two copies of a full CV, with the names, addresses and contact details of at least two referees. This should be sent to:

 

The Principal Archaeologist
Archaeological Services WYAS
PO Box 30
Nepshaw Lane South
Morley
Leeds
LS27 0UG

 

The closing date for applications is Tuesday 29th March 2005. It is anticipated that interviews will take place in the following week. The successful candidate will start work as soon as possible.

 

If you have any queries please contact Ian Roberts (0113 383 7504).