Assistant Historic Environment Officer

Assistant Historic Environment Officer; Exeter; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Devon County Council is seeking an Assistant Historic Environment Officer to support the conservation and understanding of Devon's remarkable historic environment. You will help maintain the Historic Environment Record and assist with planning, land management and infrastructure casework.

The role requires an archaeology degree or relevant experience, good digital skills, and the ability to communicate clearly with diverse audiences.

Qualifications

• Degree in Archaeology or related discipline or equivalent relevant experience.
• Some experience researching, analysing or interpreting archaeological, historic environment or heritage.
• Interest in working with archaeological or historic environment records, datasets and evidence sources.
• Good digital skills, including confidence using Office 365 applications, with some experience of GIS or databases.
• Good communication skills and the ability to explain information clearly to different audiences.

Responsibilities

• Help maintain and develop the Devon Historic Environment Record by adding, checking and updating archaeological and historic environment data.
• Assist in managing and processing the backlog of data and input into the Historic Environment Record.
• Support historic environment advice by researching sites and assisting senior officers with planning and land management casework.
• Assist with agri-environment and land management schemes, identifying heritage interests and supporting management of historic landscapes.
• Respond to enquiries from developers, consultants, researchers and the public; refer complex matters to colleagues.
• Collaborate with Historic England, National Parks, museums, universities and community groups.
• Support outreach and public engagement to enhance understanding and enjoyment of Devon's archaeology and heritage.

Skills

Research experience

Digital skills

Communication skills

Education

Degree in Archaeology or related discipline

Tools

Geographic Information Systems

Databases

Office 365

Job description

Permanent
Full time 37 hours per week
Help Protect Devon's Extraordinary Heritage
Are you passionate about archaeology, heritage and the historic environment? Do you want to work in one of the most archaeologically rich counties in England, helping to safeguard recorded heritage that spans from the Ice Age to the Cold War?
Devon County Council is looking for an Assistant Historic Environment Officer to join our Historic Environment Team and support the conservation, enhancement and understanding of Devon's remarkable historic environment.
Devon is home to an exceptional concentration of heritage assets. The Devon Historic Environment Record contains information on around 111,000 archaeological sites, historic buildings and landscapes, ranging from prehistoric monuments and Roman settlements to industrial heritage and military remains. The county contains nearly 1,700 Scheduled Monuments, more than 21,600 Listed Buildings, 50 Registered Historic Parks and Gardens, and 10 Protected Wreck Sites. More than 500 heritage assets are currently identified as being at risk, creating both challenges and opportunities for conservation and positive management. The county's heritage includes internationally important sites and landscapes: Dartmoor contains one of Britain's most significant prehistoric landscapes, with extensive stone rows, circles, settlements and field systems; the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape World Heritage Site recognises the global importance of Devon's mining heritage; and Exeter's Roman and medieval archaeology has led to its designation as one of only six Areas of Archaeological Importance in England.
As part of Devon County Council's Environmental Sustainability Group, you’ll support work to ensure that this rich and distinctive heritage is understood, protected and celebrated for future generations. The team manages the Devon Historic Environment Record, provides historic environment advice to Devon County Council and other planning authorities, supports developers and landowners, contributes to infrastructure and land management projects, and works with partners to improve public access to and understanding of Devon's heritage.
About the Role
You will:

• Help maintain and develop the Devon Historic Environment Record by adding, checking and updating archaeological and historic environment.
• Assist in managing and processing the backlog of data that currently exists and input into the Historic Environment Record.
• Support the provision of historic environment advice by researching sites, preparing information and assisting more senior officers with planning, land management and infrastructure casework.
• Assist with work linked to agri-environment and land management schemes, helping to identify heritage interests and support the positive management of historic landscapes and assets.
• Respond to straightforward enquiries from developers, consultants, researchers and members of the public, referring more complex matters to colleagues where needed.
• Work with colleagues and partners including Historic England, National Parks, National Landscapes, museums, universities and community groups.
• Support activities that increase public understanding and enjoyment of Devon's archaeology and heritage, including outreach, events and engagement work.
• Assist with projects that improve the condition, management and understanding of Devon's heritage assets.

We're Looking For
We're seeking someone with:

• A degree in Archaeology or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant experience.
• Some experience of researching, analysing or interpreting archaeological, historic environment or heritage.
• An interest in working with archaeological or historic environment records, datasets and evidence sources.
• Good digital skills, including confidence using Office 365 applications, with some experience of Geographic Information Systems or databases.
• Good communication skills and the ability to explain information clearly to different.

Ideally, you'll also have an awareness of the planning system, land management or agri-environment schemes, and an interest in how the historic environment contributes to wider environmental objectives.
Why Devon?
This role offers the opportunity to work across an extraordinary range of heritage interests:

• One of England's largest and most complex Historic Environment Records.
• Internationally important archaeological landscapes.
• Opportunities to support work connected to major infrastructure and development projects generating nationally significant archaeological discoveries.
• Community archaeology, Monument Management Schemes and heritage outreach programmes where you can contribute to practical projects and public engagement.

We offer flexible working, a supportive team environment, and the opportunity to make a real difference.
Interviews are expected to be the 6th November 2026.
For an informal discussion, contact Bill Horner, Historic Environment Manager, on 01392 382494 or [e-mail].

• DCC embraces the positive benefits of a diverse workforce and is committed to providing an environment that is inclusive and safe. We welcome applications from people who share our commitment to stop discrimination, challenge inequality and promote diversity across Devon. More information can be found on our Equality and Diversity webpages.
• For details on the use of AI in applications and Devon County Council’s use of AI in Recruitment please see Use of AI in Our Recruitment Processes - Working for Devon | Devon County Council.
• Happy to Talk Flexible Working -The Council offers flexible working arrangements in terms of when and where people work e.g. hybrid working, part-time, condensed hours etc.
• We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
• This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English.
• Personal data we collect from you will be processed in accordance with the Applicant privacy notice.
• For more information about Working for Devon please visit our Working for Devon page.
• We cannot consider visa sponsorship at this time.UK Right to Work is required. For further guidance on right to work in the UK, please visit Work in the UK - GOV.UK (www.g