Job: Head of Stonehenge
A job posting for “Head of Stonehenge” at English Heritage has prompted debate over salaries and quality of life in the UK’s heritage and public sectors. Commenters note the role’s pay—around £64k with good vacation, pension, and flexible hours—is high by UK and conservation-sector standards but low compared to US tech and private-sector compensation, sparking broader comparisons of wage levels, inequality, and cost of living between countries. Many also highlight the prestige and uniqueness of overseeing such an iconic site, arguing that non-monetary factors like cultural significance and work-life balance partly offset the modest pay.
Role appeal and prestige
- Many commenters find “Head of Stonehenge” intrinsically cool or a “dream job,” independent of pay.
- Prestige and CV value are seen as major non-monetary benefits; some say they would take it briefly just for the title.
- Others note it’s essentially a leadership role at one of English Heritage’s flagship sites, comparable in status to heads of major monuments elsewhere.
Salary level and UK job-market context
- Listed salary (~£64k) is debated heavily.
- Some consider it “wildly underpaid” for a key national monument and for leadership responsibilities.
- Others argue it is strong by UK standards:
- Around 90th percentile income and roughly double UK median pay cited in the thread.
- In line with or better than many heritage, conservation, charity, and even some government tech roles.
- Several point out the broader “wage squeeze” in the UK and that heritage/charity sectors are generally poorly paid.
International comparisons and cost-of-living
- Comparisons to US and Canadian salaries:
- £64k converts to mid–high US five figures, which is seen as mediocre for senior US professionals but high percentile in Canada.
- US tech pay is repeatedly described as an outlier; multiple people warn Americans may be in for a “rude awakening” if pay normalizes or AI reduces demand.
- Disagreement over whether the UK is “poor”:
- One side calls it a relatively poor, stagnant economy.
- Others counter that while it lags the US and has inequality issues, it remains a wealthy country by global standards.
Working conditions and benefits
- Role is 36 hours/week with 25–28 days leave plus bank holidays, pension contributions, and flexible/hybrid work for some similar EH roles.
- Some see this total package as attractive versus pure salary, especially compared with US norms of longer hours and less vacation.
- Others emphasize effective tax rates and note that UK residents still “pay” for healthcare via taxation and, in some cases, long wait times.
DEI / “ideology” exchange
- The job listing’s references to EDI/DEI networks (ethnic diversity, LGBTQ+, disability, age, etc.) spark a short argument.
- One commenter labels this “ideology” and objects to identity-focused language.
- Others push back, framing inclusion language as neutral or aligned with liberal democracy, and criticize anti-DEI sentiment as the real ideology.
Tourism experience and alternative sites
- Experiences at Stonehenge vary:
- Some describe crowding, limited access, and strict closing times.
- Others strongly recommend special “Inner Stones” tours or summer solstice access, describing them as profound.
- Nearby or analogous sites are recommended:
- Avebury and West Kennet Longbarrow in England, Newgrange in Ireland.
- These are praised for more open access, atmosphere, and sometimes fewer crowds.
Humor and cultural references
- Thread is rich in jokes about “rock star” leaders, “Stonehenge architect,” “megalithic codebases,” and WFH (“Work From Henge”).
- Multiple references to Spinal Tap, druids, sacrifices, and wizard/ritual stereotypes.
- Some note they’d take the job just for the fun of saying they run Stonehenge.