At a Glance
- Tasks: Champion our area's archaeological legacy and support development projects.
- Company: Join Central Bedfordshire Council, committed to quality and growth.
- Benefits: Flexible working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with opportunities for career growth and public engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on preserving history while shaping future developments.
- Qualifications: Honours degree in Archaeology or related field; experience in the field is essential.
The predicted salary is between 34811 - 40069 £ per year.
Team: PND - Archaeology
Job Family: Enabling - CBG9/CBG10
Salary: £34,811 - £40,069 per annum pro rata
Hours: 37 hours a week
Location: You will be expected to attend a CBC Office as often as is necessary to carry out your role, to undertake site visits and attend meetings as required. As travel is required across Central Bedfordshire and Luton, a driving licence and unrestricted access to a car for work are essential.
Contract: Hybrid – Permanent
Closing Date: 11th June 2026
Interview Date: 22nd June 2026
About the Role
The Council’s vision and values are integral to everything we do. Our aim is to make Central Bedfordshire ‘A great place to live and work’. As an Authority, we are always looking to deliver high-quality developments which consider our important historic and natural environments. As a member of a small team of specialists, you’ll find your greatness by acting as a champion of our area’s unique archaeological legacy.
The Council has an ambitious growth agenda; over the next 20 years we plan to build 39,000 homes and create 24,000 jobs. We have also recently commenced a new Local Plan for Central Bedfordshire which will likely see further growth planned in the years to come. We need an enthusiastic Archaeological Officer to help us deliver this. You will be part of our multi-disciplinary Technical Skills Team in Strategic Growth and work closely with our Forward Planning and Planning Teams to help the Council meet its visions for the area.
You will support our Archaeologist in giving advice on the impact of development and other land use changes on the area’s archaeological resource and help set the standards for archaeological research by working with archaeological consultants and contractors to ensure that fieldwork, publication, and dissemination is carried out to the highest standards. You will also contribute to the development of historic environment policies for inclusion in statutory and other strategic plans and will work with a wide range of customers and organisations giving advice on the management of archaeological sites and improving public engagement with our historic environment.
Your qualifications, skills and experience
We are looking for a passionate, highly motivated Archaeological Officer, with an honours degree (or equivalent) in Archaeology or a closely related subject, a solid understanding of British Archaeology and preferably membership of the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA) at Associate level or above. You will have excellent communication skills whether conveying information in writing or verbally, be highly organised and have the ability to work as an individual as well as part of a team.
You will have worked as a professional archaeologist and be able to demonstrate that you have experience of working in the field. You will have knowledge of archaeological field techniques, and an understanding of the processes involved in ensuring successful post-excavation analysis, publication and dissemination. You may have some experience of providing archaeological planning advice, and ideally, but not essentially, experience of contributing to the development of historic environment policies for strategic plans. You will have a good understanding of planning legislation and guidance as it applies to archaeological resource management in the UK. The role involves site visits in rural areas sometimes for lengthy periods of time, in various weather conditions and at locations which might require non-vehicular access. Additionally, the Team generally spend a minimum of one day a week in the main Council office at Chicksands, Shefford. You should take both these items into account when applying for the role.
Our Offer
We have a number of rewards and benefits available to our staff. Our aspiration is to be a truly flexible employer. We welcome discussion on location, hours and working pattern as part of the application process.
You will be expected to demonstrate how you meet the key accountabilities and competencies in this Recruitment Pack. Our Competency Framework and Qualification Guidance are to be read in conjunction with our Recruitment Pack.
For an informal discussion about this position, please contact: Hannah Firth at Hannah.Firth@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk or call 0300 300 6603 or Siobhan Vincent at Siobhan.Vincent@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk or call 0300 300 4346.
To maintain a fair and consistent approach for applicants, it is Central Bedfordshire Council's policy to only consider applications made via our online application system and we therefore thank you for not submitting your application offline.
Our National Careers Service team offer a free monthly workshop covering CV writing and how to complete the statement sections of the Central Bedfordshire Council online application form. This MS Teams workshop is open to anyone from the UK and lasts around 1.5 hours.
Career opportunities Archaeological Officer employer: Central Bedfordshire Council
Central Bedfordshire Council is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With a strong commitment to preserving the region's archaeological heritage, employees in the Archaeological Officer role will have the unique opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects that shape the future of Central Bedfordshire while enjoying flexible working arrangements and a supportive team culture.
Contact Details:
Central Bedfordshire Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Career opportunities Archaeological Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the Council's vision and values inside out. When you’re chatting with them, drop in how your passion for archaeology aligns with their goals. It shows you’re not just another candidate; you’re someone who genuinely cares about making Central Bedfordshire a great place to live and work.
✨Tip Number 2
Don’t underestimate the power of networking! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for the interview. Plus, it’s a great way to get insider info that could give you an edge.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those site visit scenarios! Think about how you’d handle various weather conditions and locations. During the interview, share examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your adaptability and problem-solving skills in the field.
✨Tip Number 4
Finally, make sure to apply through our website! It’s the only way to be considered, and it keeps everything fair. Plus, you’ll find all the resources you need to ace your application and get ready for that interview.
We think you need these skills to ace Career opportunities Archaeological Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for archaeology shine through! We want to see how much you care about preserving our area's unique archaeological legacy and how that aligns with our vision at Central Bedfordshire.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in archaeology, especially any fieldwork or planning advice you've provided. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your skills and knowledge, so don’t hold back!
Be Clear and Concise:We appreciate clear communication, so keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to see how you meet the key accountabilities and competencies outlined in the recruitment pack.
Apply Online:Remember, we only accept applications through our online system, so make sure you submit yours there. It’s super easy, and you’ll find all the details you need on our website. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Central Bedfordshire Council
✨Know Your Archaeology
Brush up on your knowledge of British archaeology and the specific archaeological practices relevant to Central Bedfordshire. Be ready to discuss recent developments in the field and how they relate to the role, as this will show your passion and expertise.
✨Understand the Council's Vision
Familiarise yourself with the Council’s vision and values. Think about how your skills and experiences align with their goal of making Central Bedfordshire a great place to live and work. This will help you articulate why you're the right fit for the team.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios. Prepare examples from your past experience where you've successfully managed archaeological projects or provided planning advice, highlighting your communication and organisational skills.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask at the end of your interview. Inquire about the Council's upcoming projects or how they engage with the community regarding archaeological heritage. This shows your interest in the role and your proactive approach to contributing to the team.
