Archaeologist – Marine Historic Environment Project

Location: Portrush Coastal Zone
Contract: Temporary agency assignment – 5 October 2026 to 31 March 2027
Hours: 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 9.00am-5.00pm
Pay Rate: £19.59 per hour
Grade: Curatorial E / Staff Officer equivalent

JDR Recruitment is recruiting an Archaeologist to support the delivery of a high-profile project relating to Northern Ireland’s marine historic environment.

Based at the Portrush Coastal Zone, the successful candidate will support the delivery of the Maritime Environment and Fisheries Fund (MEFF) SHIELD Project through research, data gathering, GIS and spatial data analysis, stakeholder engagement and the preparation of project outputs.

This is an excellent opportunity for an archaeology, geography, environmental or marine science graduate with strong GIS skills to contribute to work involving Northern Ireland’s marine cultural heritage.

The Role

You will contribute to the identification, assessment, management and dissemination of information relating to marine cultural heritage assets.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Undertaking desk-based research relating to Northern Ireland’s marine historic environment and cultural heritage assets.

• Compiling, maintaining and analysing datasets, records and project documentation.

• Assisting with the identification, assessment and mapping of marine heritage assets, including wreck sites and submerged archaeological remains.

• Using GIS and spatial information to support project research and analysis.

• Supporting the preparation of reports, briefing papers, guidance documents and other project outputs.

• Liaising with government bodies, academic institutions, heritage organisations and other stakeholders.

• Assisting with stakeholder meetings, workshops and project outreach activities.

• Contributing to the dissemination of project findings through presentations, publications and digital platforms.

• Maintaining accurate project records in accordance with departmental governance and information-management requirements.

• Undertaking other appropriate project-related duties.

Essential Criteria

Applicants must have:

• An honours degree in Archaeology or a relevant subject, such as Geography, Environmental Science or Marine Science.

• A full driving licence.

• Demonstrable GIS experience, including the ability to manipulate, interpret or analyse spatial datasets.

Desirable Experience

It would be advantageous to have:

• At least two years’ postgraduate experience working with environmental or heritage datasets using GIS.

• Experience digitising or editing spatial datasets.

• Familiarity with topographic data.

• Exposure to multibeam or other marine remote-sensing data.

Additional Information

The assignment is expected to run from 5 October 2026 until 31 March 2027.

The successful candidate will be required to complete the relevant pre-employment and eligibility checks and obtain the required Basic security clearance.

Travel and subsistence provisions may apply where relevant to the duties of the assignment. Fully remote working is also an option.

Interested?

Apply with an up-to-date CV clearly demonstrating how you meet the essential qualification and GIS requirements.

JDRBelfast