Lead Geophysicist (Ireland)

Lead Geophysicist (Ireland)

Application Deadline: 12 August 2026

Department: Geophysics

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Republic of Ireland

Compensation: €41,763 - €43,614 / year

Description

Locations: Based in Tallaght, Dublin although travel through the EU and the UK will be required
Contract Type: Permanent (with 6 month probationary period)
Closing Date: 12th August 2026

Following the creation of a new Geophysics and Exploration section, Headland is expanding its geophysical survey team and recruiting experienced staff in Ireland to meet its increasing project portfolio.

Do you ever wonder how archaeological sites are located and identified in the first place? Do you want to be at the forefront of the development of geophysical survey techniques in the commercial field? Do you want to join a large team with a range of experience working on nationally important and interesting projects throughout Ireland, the EU and the United Kingdom?

Why Should You Apply?

We are a privately owned archaeological business, part of the RSK Group, a leader in integrated environmental, engineering, and technical services. We provide heritage services to the development and construction sectors in Ireland, the UK and across the world. With one office in Ireland, four offices in England and one in Scotland, we offer our employees:

• Unique knowledge and expertise. For nearly 30 years, Headland has provided not only business-focused archaeology but also people-focused business. We are highly respected within our industry for our achievements in innovation, tailor-made development coaching and training, and our expertise in commercial archaeology.
• Strong pioneering spirit. Our corporate culture is characterised by a healthy appetite for originality and development.
• Stable company with excellent growth. Over the years, we have demonstrated steady, positive economic development and formed successful partnerships.
• Good work environment. You will be surrounded by colleagues who are pleasant, professional, and enthusiastic about their work.
• Opportunity to influence. You get to work in an open climate, close to decision makers and with the possibility of making a difference.
• Part of RSK group. You will have further opportunities to become involved in nationally and internationally prominent projects with exciting prospects for career development. The group has c.17000 employees and c.230 environmentally lead companies.

The Role

We are looking for candidates who are self-driven with a positive outlook and excellent understanding of archaeological geophysics and Irish archaeology. The Lead Geophysicist role involves being in sole charge of small to medium sized projects. The role also involves working within a wider team structure on some projects. This may involve direct responsibility for a small team of archaeologists and/or discrete area of the site. The role also encompasses office-based tasks associated with reporting, processing or other activities relating to your own and other's projects. You will provide supervisory support and mentorship to teams of geophysicists involved with surveying.

As part of the geophysical survey team you will get involved in several large and exciting projects across Ireland, the EU and the UK. We have many large-scale infrastructure projects throughout 2026, which include landscape wide 1000+ha sites and linear schemes. Working away and travelling in new places is a normal part of this role.

In Headland we are proud of our people. We will support you to your meet your goals and train you in specific archaeological and other skills to feel confident and succeed in your role.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

Essential Key Skills

• At least 12-18 months experience in commercial archaeological geophysics,
• Exhibit an aptitude for geophysical survey and willingness to learn and lead others
• Understand the principles of archaeological geophysics, surveying and leading small teams
• Understand key policies and laws applicable to role
• Proficient in use and understanding of MS Office suite,
• A relevant degree, or proven experience,
• Full, valid driving licence and willingness to travel,
• Sound knowledge of safe working practices for typical geophysical survey projects, competent at assessing and managing risk,
• A willingness to travel, work on projects across Ireland, the EU and the UK and when required stay on site and/or occasionally work weekends on geographically distant projects,
• Experience in the use of commercially available survey processing and graphics packages such as QGIS.
• Good time and pressure management skills, ability to use your own initiative within the company structure
• Good written and oral communication skills

Desirable Skills

• Membership of the CIfA/AIA
• Ability to motivate and help coordinate teams
• An ability to carry out prolonged manual work in an outdoor environment
• Ability to work under pressure and use your own initiative
• SHEQ Accreditations (Safe Pass, First aid, Asbestos Awareness, Lantra Sit Astride)

Benefits

• Being part of RSK Group, a well-established global leader in the delivery of environmental and engineering solutions.
• Competitive paid subsistence when applicable
• Paid accommodation when working away
• Use of cutting-edge technology on site, e.g. paperless systems, iPads, cart/drone-based Magnetometers etc.
• Ongoing regular training in various areas e.g. Health & Safety, Technical areas and transferable skills
• Time off in lieu of time worked above standard hours or overtime paid
• Annual profit discretionary bonus & performance-related bonus schemes, T&Cs apply
• Annual pay review
• Monthly clothing allowance
• 30 days annual leave, rising based on service length
• Extra annual leave purchase scheme
• 5%-6% employer contribution to pension scheme
• Income Protection Policy, after a year with Headland
• Life Assurance Policy, insuring you 4 times your annual salary, after a year with Headland
• Regular performance, wellbeing & professional development check-ins
• Referral scheme with generous fee
• A support group of 30+ Mental Health First Aiders
• Regular offers through RSK Group (e.g. Tastecard, Gym membership discount, Holidays and Entertainment)
• Employee Assistance Programme (advice on finance, mental health etc)
• Paid professional membership (IAI or CIfA)
• Cycle to work scheme

How to apply
To apply for this role, please click the Web/Apply button above and submit your application through the Headland Archaeology Applicant Tracking System.

As part of our commitment to fair and inclusive recruitment, our Applicant Tracking System removes certain identifying information from applications during the initial screening stage. This allows hiring managers to focus on candidates' skills, experience and suitability for the role, helping to reduce the potential for unconscious bias and ensuring a more objective recruitment process.

You must have the right to work in the EU without restrictions. Proof of eligibility will be required prior to your commencement. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and we may fill existing vacancies before the closing date, so you are advised to submit your application as early as possible.

Headland is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Headland Archaeology is committed to creating an inclusive recruitment process. If you have a disability or need any adjustments to enable you to take part in the interview, please contact us at [email protected] so we can make suitable arrangements.