At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the management and enhancement of the Essex Historic Environment Record.
- Company: Join a dynamic consultancy within Essex County Council focused on sustainable development.
- Benefits: Up to £26,679 per annum, remote work, and opportunities for personal development.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience in heritage data management while making a real impact.
- Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in a relevant subject or equivalent experience required.
- Other info: Flexible working environment with a focus on staff welfare.
The predicted salary is between 22600 - 26700 £ per year.
Fixed Term, Full Time
Up to £26,679 per annum
Location: Chelmsford
Closing Date: Wednesday 18th February 2026 at 11.59pm
Interview Date: Friday 27th February 2026.
Please note that this is a Fixed Term Contract opportunity to the end of March 2027.
This role is classed as an 'Anywhere Worker' and can be undertaken entirely remotely.
The Opportunity
Place Services is a multi-disciplinary consultancy within Essex County Council providing environmental and planning services to the Council, local authorities and other public bodies. Our purpose is to support the public sector to deliver sustainable development. The purpose of the Assistant Historic Environment Record Officer is to support the management and enhancement of the Essex Historic Environment Record (HER).
The post-holder(s) will support the transfer of data from the National Record of the Historic Environment (NRHE) to the HER, and the systematic enhancement of the Essex HER in line with national standards and best practice guidance. The role will include training and will provide an opportunity to gain significant experience in heritage data management, including the use of databases and GIS.
The post-holder will be required to clearly, rapidly, and accessibly synthesise and index information related to the historic environment. The role therefore requires a good knowledge of British archaeology of all periods and a good understanding of historic environment information management. These should be complemented by a thorough and methodical approach, excellent written English, strong ICT skills and attention to detail.
This is a great opportunity for anyone interested in a career working with Historic Environment Records. Place Services offers a dynamic working environment, with a focus on staff welfare and personal development.
About the role
As an Assistant HER Officer you will be responsible for:
- Creating new HER database records and GIS data from a variety of sources, ensuring that this new content meets recognised standards and is fit for purpose.
- Enhancing existing HER database records and GIS data to ensure quality and consistency.
- Enhancing the HER with information from the National Record of the Historic Environment and ensuring that this process is appropriately documented.
- Assisting with the maintenance, storage, digitisation and indexing of the HER supporting reference collection, and enhancing its accessibility.
- Supporting the review and development of HER plans, policies and protocols in line with best practice guidance.
- Assisting with the development and delivery of improved access to the HER to enhance its recognition and use.
The Experience You Will Bring
Essential:
- Educated to RQF level 6 (Bachelor's degree) in a relevant subject, or equivalent by experience.
- Evidence of continuing professional development, ideally working towards membership of a relevant professional organisation.
- Graduate level technical practitioner with knowledge of British archaeology, historic buildings, and landscapes; historic environment information/data management, policy, legislation, standards, and guidance; and related office practices and procedures.
- Able to work independently, under supervision, and as part of a team, prioritising across a range of projects and activities, meeting deadlines, and delivering outcomes, with a methodical approach and good attention to detail.
Desirable:
- Able to communicate appropriately with different audiences, including through supervised clear and concise technical data management, documents and reports for straightforward casework and projects.
- Able to establish positive working relationships, with awareness of good client service.
- Awareness of wellbeing and H&S, with ability to undertake simple risk assessments, and to implement safe working practices.
- Able to use common software packages and, under supervision, specialist software, such as HBSMR and GIS, to record and present a range of historic environment data, and to carry out straightforward research, analysis, and interpretation.
If you are interested in finding out more about this role we would love to hear from you. Please apply via the Working for Essex website. Please include a supporting statement (maximum 1000 words) which explains how your skills, knowledge and experience meet the requirements and why you think you are suitable for the role.
Assistant Historic Environment Record Officer - FTC in Chelmsford employer: Essex County Council
Contact Detail:
Essex County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Historic Environment Record Officer - FTC in Chelmsford
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Place Services and Essex County Council. Understanding their values and projects will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info about the team and the work culture, plus it might just give you an edge in the hiring process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to heritage data management and British archaeology. We recommend using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and showcase your skills effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, make sure your supporting statement highlights how your experience aligns with the role's requirements – this is your chance to shine!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Historic Environment Record Officer - FTC in Chelmsford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Supporting Statement: Make sure to customise your supporting statement to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role. Use specific examples that demonstrate your knowledge of British archaeology and historic environment information management.
Show Off Your Attention to Detail: Since this role requires a methodical approach, be sure to showcase your attention to detail in your application. Double-check for any typos or errors, and ensure your formatting is consistent throughout your documents.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, aim for clarity and conciseness. Avoid jargon unless necessary, and make sure your points are easy to understand. This will reflect your ability to synthesise and index information effectively.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through the Working for Essex website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Essex County Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of British archaeology and historic environment information management. Familiarise yourself with the Essex Historic Environment Record and the National Record of the Historic Environment. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare to discuss your technical skills, especially in data management and GIS software. Be ready to provide examples of how you've used these skills in past experiences. This will demonstrate your capability to create and enhance HER database records effectively.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice explaining complex information in a clear and concise manner. Since the role involves synthesising and indexing information, being able to communicate your thoughts clearly will be crucial. Consider doing mock interviews with friends or family to refine your delivery.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions about the team, projects, or future developments within the Essex HER. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if the company culture aligns with your values.