Our diverse and welcoming working environment means the career path to a JBA isn’t always what you’d expect. Read on to discover how I swapped maintaining picture perfect putting surfaces for protecting ancient archaeological assets and artefacts.
A change of direction
After leaving school I became an apprentice greenkeeper on a golf course. I spent almost ten years in the industry working my way up to deputy head greenkeeper. Only at this point did I make the decision to attend university and study archaeology in a slightly early mid-life crisis. Fortunately, the decision ended up being the best I ever made. And I found myself working as a commercial field archaeologist across the country both during and after university.In 2020 after becoming somewhat tired of working outside in the elements for the best part of thirteen years, I was lucky enough to be offered a position as an archaeology and heritage consultant at JBA. I joined the company approximately one week before the pandemic, which was a slightly hectic start to my JBA career. Thanks to the heritage team it was still an enjoyable one.
Archaeology and heritage with JBA
Since changing roles, the learning curve has been steep and even just adapting to working in an office environment has been challenging at times. But the satisfaction I feel from working on the type of projects we undertake at JBA has more than made up for this.
I have thoroughly enjoyed the level of responsibility I’ve been given since taking up my new position. I feel lucky to be part of such a brilliant heritage team. I’ve been able to draw on skills from my previous careers on many occasions. Whether that be in client liaison or project management. On one occasion I even got to lend my expertise when it came to returning a scheduled monument. My background in field archaeology has been especially important in providing advice to clients on archaeological mitigation. I have plenty still to learn and am really looking forward to what the next stage in my career at JBA will bring.
For more information about where a career with JBA could take you, visit our careers page.
Services
Delivering transformative technology that is pioneering in the pursuit of flood, water and environmental resilience.
Find out more
Developing leading resilience strategies and solutions founded on the integrated modelling and assessment of water quantity, quality and environmental processes.
Find out more
Working within a robust and mature digital delivery environment, our engineering specialists work closely with our modelling, hydrology and environmental teams to ensure designs are developed to create efficient, low-carbon and sustainable solutions.
Find out more
Our specialists in landscape, heritage, ecology, fisheries, EIA, planning and sustainability all work collaboratively with our engineering designers, modellers and our project managers to develop resilient places.
Find out more
Our proven skills and experience make us a natural partner to help support communities and organisations to become more resilient. We support and empower our clients to manage the twin risks of flood and drought, encouraging and delivering effective water management.
Find out more
Working with communities across the world to identify and mitigate flood and environmental risks, support sustainable development and build resilience.
Find out more
