Graduate Marine Geophysicist

Wessex Archaeology is a market leader in providing archaeological marine geophysical services to both public and private sectors. We are currently conducting a range of exciting projects, and demand for our expertise is high. Consequently we are seeking to appoint one or more recently qualified people, who are at the beginning of their career, as a Marine Geophysicist.

Applicants will be required to complete the Company application form, which may be downloaded below, and supply a supporting CV. Applications should be sent to Denise Speirs: d.speirs@wessexarch.co.uk or by post to: Denise Speirs, Wessex Archaeology, Portway House, Old Sarum Park, Salisbury SP4 6EB. 

The appointment will initially be for a fixed term of 12 months and will be made within the following pay scale:
Pay Scale 4 SP18-21 (£16,954 – £18,895)

We welcome applications from people with the aptitude and aspiration to develop their career in archaeological geophysics. Relevant degrees/higher degrees for this post include geophysics, archaeology, marine geology, oceanography, hydrography and related subjects.

Wessex Archaeology’s Coastal and Marine section is based at its head office in Salisbury, but in common with all Wessex Archaeology’s investigations, a certain number of marine and coastal projects require staff to work away from the Salisbury base, sometimes for prolonged periods. In such cases, accommodation, travel and subsistence are covered by Wessex Archaeology as a matter of course. Additionally, marine and coastal investigations may require working outside the standard working day, including long and/or anti-social shifts, and weekends, for which time may be accrued as leave or paid.

‘Wessex Archaeology welcomes applications from all sections of the community and is committed to promoting equality of opportunity’

ADDITIONAL Graduate Marine Geophysicist DETAILS

Wessex Archaeology’s coastal and marine work generally falls into three main sectors: development-led investigations in respect of specific proposals; more generalised strategic investigations; and support for statutory heritage protection.

Staff appointed as Marine Geophysicists will generally work on projects on their own or as part of a team, under the overall responsibility of a Project Manager from the Coastal and Marine section. Depending on the character, size and complexity of the work, Marine Geophysicists will either lead the day to day implementation of the geophysical work, or report to a Senior Marine Geophysicist or the Geophysics Manager.

The specific role of Marine Geophysicists is to carry out the day-to-day implementation of projects, including:

• processing and interpreting geophysical and geoarchaeological data; maintaining geophysical and geoarchaeological records;
• arranging, mobilising and/or attending marine geophysical surveys carried out by WA or other contractors;
• monitoring the quality of data (geophysical, geotechnical and navigational) being acquired, including data acquired by other contractors;
• maintaining records relating to the implementation of the project, including financial records;
• compiling geophysical and geoarchaeological archives, in whole or in part; conducting projects in a successful and safe manner;
• assisting Project Managers or the Geophysics Manager in the preparation of method statements, project designs and estimates;
• preparing project reports in whole or in part, commensurate with the requirements of the project and their level of skill and experience. Authorship will be acknowledged in reports;
• carrying out such other tasks as Wessex Archaeology may determine from time to time.

Specific Requirements

For this post, relevant degrees/higher degrees include geophysics, archaeology, marine geology, oceanography, hydrography and related subjects.

Applicants should be members, or plan to become members, of the Institute for Archaeologists at MIfA, AIfA or PIfA grade, or be aiming for an equivalent professional accreditation in geophysics / geology/ hydrography.

Applicants should have demonstrable competence and aptitude commensurate with the post. Applicants should be able to demonstrate their knowledge of marine geophysical surveying, processing and interpretation – including bathymetric, sidescan, sub-bottom and magnetometer survey for archaeological purposes.

Applicants should have an understanding of UK marine geo-archaeology, including principal chronologies, processes and their implications for the archaeological potential of seabed deposits.

Experience of acquisition, post-processing and interpretation software (e.g. CODA / Triton Elics/ Fledermaus) and with survey and navigation software (e.g. Hypack /HydroPro / Columbus) is desirable but training will be given. Experience of terrestrial geophysics or a willingness to work on terrestrial geophysics projects if required would also be beneficial.

General Requirements

Staff are expected to be familiar with the specific health, safety and welfare requirements of the environment in which they are working. All coastal and marine staff must have a broad knowledge of archaeological periods, theory and practice. While geophysics staff tend to be specialised they are expected to be able to carry out a range of activities, both office- and site-based. In addition to the specific requirements for the post set out above, in recruiting staff to WA’s Coastal and Marine section, we will have particular regard to the following factors:

Essential

• Experience of preparing geophysical reports (and/or other forms of technical report).
• Writing and word-processing (MS Word) skills.
• Experience of using databases and spreadsheets (MS Access/MS Excel).
• Working knowledge of current Health, Safety and Welfare requirements relevant to working in intertidal and marine environments.
• Full driving licence.

Desirable

• Knowledge relating to the archaeology of ships and boats, the archaeology of coastal and inland waters, and/or to the archaeology of submerged prehistoric material.
• Relevant vocational qualifications (e.g. sea survival, boat handling, VHF radio). Working knowledge of current frameworks for the management of coastal and marine archaeology.
• Experience of using GIS
• Previous experience of working onboard vessels.
• Experience of working in intertidal areas.
• Experience of driving vans, minibuses and 4×4 vehicles.

Wessex Archaeology

Coastal and Marine

Location: Salisbury, UK

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