Archaeology Officer

Reading Borough Council; Reading; Hybrid; GBP 34,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous holiday entitlement

Flexible working opportunities

Life Assurance - three times salary

On-site day nursery

Season Ticket Loan

Lease car salary sacrifice

Job summary

Reading Borough Council seeks an Archaeology Officer to provide planning and development archaeological advice across five Berkshire authorities, including Reading, Wokingham, Slough, Bracknell Forest and Windsor & Maidenhead. You will work with developers and archaeological practices to ensure high-standard mitigation and monitor works for planning authorities.

You will contribute to the Historic Environment Record, support externally funded projects and engage local communities in

Responsibilities

• Provide archaeological advice on planning and development proposals and implement effective policy across five Berkshire authorities.
• Work with developers and archaeological practices to ensure appropriate mitigation is delivered to the highest standard and monitor works on behalf of planning authorities.
• Contribute to the development of the Historic Environment Record, support externally funded projects and engage with local communities for outreach.

Job description

The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required for this job have also been included.

Are you passionate about protecting and promoting our historic environment? Do you have the archaeological knowledge, professional experience and communication skills to help shape how archaeology is managed across five Berkshire authorities?

We are looking for an enthusiastic and knowledgeable Archaeology Officer to join the Berkshire Archaeology team.

Working across Reading, Wokingham, Slough, Bracknell Forest and Windsor & Maidenhead, you will play an important role in providing archaeological development management and conservation advice. You’ll contribute to the protection of archaeological sites and historic landscapes, working closely with planning authorities, developers, contractors and historic environment colleagues.

We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity and inclusion is the key to our success. Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities.

We support hybrid working; it’s important to us that working arrangements are designed to enable our employees to excel and within this role you’ll have the opportunity to work in a way that suits your lifestyle.

About The Role:

As Archaeology Officer, you will provide archaeological advice on planning and development proposals, helping to implement effective archaeological policy across the five authorities through consultation responses and ongoing liaison.

You’ll work with developers and archaeological practices to ensure appropriate mitigation is delivered to the highest standard, and monitor works on behalf of the planning authorities.

Other key tasks include working collaboratively to contribute to the development of the Historic Environment Record, supporting the delivery of externally funded projects, and engaging with local communities to promote archaeological research and outreach.

About You:

We are looking for someone with a degree, or equivalent qualification, in archaeology or a related discipline, together with at least two years’ appropriate professional archaeology experience in Britain.

You will have a strong understanding of British archaeology and historic landscapes, heritage resource management, archaeological fieldwork techniques, and the planning system. Experience of Historic Environment Records or other archaeological data resources would also be valuable.

You will also bring:

• Associate or Full Membership of the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists, or equivalent skills and experience.
• Knowledge of national planning policy and local planning procedures.
• Strong ICT skills, including databases, standard software and GIS.
• The ability to make sound professional and technical decisions.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.

A driving licence and the ability to travel to sites within the five authorities is required . You should also be confident accessing and moving around archaeological and construction sites.

You’ll be part of a team that relies on each individual to play their part to the best of their ability. As well as the colleagues that you work closely with every day, you’ll also be part of Team Reading, playing your personal part in making Reading a successful and vibrant place.

Our values and behaviours guide how we will achieve this:

• Work Together as one team - work collaboratively, with each other and with our partners, and demonstrate the Team Reading values in everything we do
• Drive Efficiency - show initiative, be adaptable to change and put forward ideas to help improve delivery and efficiency. Take responsibility for our own learning and development and for reaching our potential.
• Be Ambitious - be demanding of our own performance – striving to be even better – and be prepared to engage with and challenge leaders in a constructive and positive way.
• Make a Difference to Reading - maintain the highest levels of customer service and be flexible and willing to provide the services needed at the time they are needed.

Our offer:

We offer a supportive environment to grow and develop your career with the opportunity to put your ideas across. Innovation and ambition are strongly encouraged, and you’ll get a great feel for that working in our friendly and collaborative environment.

A competitive salary alongside a range of benefits including:

• Generous holiday entitlement - 25 days holiday each year plus bank holidays - rising to 30 days after 5 years and 33 days after 10 years' service, with the option to buy additional leave
• A wide range of flexible working opportunities
• Modern working environment at the Royal Berkshire Archives in Reading
• Life Assurance - three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS)
• On-site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) rated outstanding by Ofsted
• Season Ticket Loan - a loan to help with the cost of your rail or bus journey, to and from work
• Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand new, greener car for three years. The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax

[e-mail]

Closing Date: 25