At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead archaeological projects, provide expert advice, and manage complex cases across Essex.
- Company: Essex County Council, a leader in heritage and environmental protection.
- Benefits: 27 days holiday, pension scheme, wellbeing support, and discounts.
- Other info: Flexible working environment with opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on heritage conservation while leading a dynamic team.
- Qualifications: Experienced archaeologist with strong leadership and project management skills.
The predicted salary is between 55706 - 55706 € per year.
About The Role
This Permanent, Full Time Principal Archaeologist role (Internal title: Principal Historic Environment Consultant) is based at our Chelmsford office with a flexible work arrangement. You will be expected to attend the office one day per week; additional home‑working and site visits across our operational area are required. Salary: up to £55,706 per annum plus benefits. Location: Essex. Working style: Anywhere worker. Closing Date: 9th June 2026.
Responsibilities
- You will lead the delivery and commercial growth of Place Service’s traded historic environment services, ensuring they are efficient, high‑quality and financially sustainable.
- You will balance income generation with a strong commitment to sustainable development, environmental protection and the long‑term success of the Historic Environment specialism.
- You will provide expert archaeological advice across the full planning lifecycle, managing the most complex and sensitive cases.
- This includes representing the service at hearings, public or inquiry examinations, delivering high‑quality heritage assessments, and overseeing major historic environment data, records and survey work, including the development of new tools and approaches.
- You will manage complex projects and contracts with multiple stakeholders, ensuring delivery against agreed budgets, specifications and performance measures.
- You will also drive new business activity by identifying opportunities, securing new clients and leading bids and tenders for high‑value work, embedding a strong commercial mindset within the team.
- As a team lead, you will manage five line reports.
- You will lead on archaeological advice to local planning authorities throughout Essex, St Albans, Sussex and the South Downs National Park.
- As the discipline lead and subject matter expert, you will provide authoritative advice to council members, senior officers, clients and internal teams.
- You will build strong client and partner relationships, support effective team working, line‑manage consultants and contribute to skills development across the sector through training and professional learning, while supporting planning authorities in meeting their statutory duties relating to heritage assets and the wider historic environment.
- Mobile throughout an operational area is required; you must have a driving licence and access to a vehicle, or be able to meet the mobility requirements through other means.
Requirements
- Experienced archaeologist with a track record of managing complex projects and commercialising services.
- Proven leadership skills and ability to manage a multidisciplinary team.
- Strong understanding of local, national and national park planning regimes.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Eligible to drive and possess a valid driving licence.
- Willingness to work in a flexible, mobile environment.
Benefits
- Holiday entitlement of 27 days per annum (plus bank holidays), with the opportunity to buy additional leave.
- Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Employee wellbeing and counselling provision.
- Volunteering leave.
- Eye care vouchers.
- Travel discounts and season ticket loans.
- Retail and restaurant discounts and cashback on purchases.
Equal Opportunities
Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader and is committed to interview all disabled applicants, veterans and care leavers who meet the minimum requirements of the role. We also comply with safeguarding and welfare of children and vulnerable adults. All employees are expected to embrace our code of conduct and the Nolan principles.
Professional Development
Comprehensive CPD is available, including access to the annual programme of Traditional Building Skills, Conservation courses and lectures.
Principal Archaeologist in Essex employer: Essex County Council
Join Essex County Council as a Principal Archaeologist and be part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to sustainable development and heritage conservation. With a flexible working arrangement, generous holiday entitlement, and a commitment to professional development, this role offers a unique opportunity to lead complex projects while making a meaningful impact in the community. Enjoy a supportive work culture that values employee wellbeing and fosters growth through comprehensive training and development programmes.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Archaeologist in Essex
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with fellow archaeologists and industry professionals. Attend local events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Showcase Your Expertise
Create a portfolio that highlights your best work and projects. Include case studies, reports, and any innovative tools or approaches you've developed. This will help us see your skills in action and understand how you can contribute to our team.
✨Prepare for Interviews
Research the company and its projects thoroughly before your interview. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals, especially around sustainable development and heritage management. We love candidates who come prepared and show genuine interest!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we often have exclusive roles listed there that you won’t find anywhere else.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Archaeologist in Essex
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Principal Archaeologist role. Highlight your experience in managing complex projects and your leadership skills, as these are key for us at StudySmarter.
Showcase Your Expertise:Don’t hold back on demonstrating your knowledge of local and national planning regimes. We want to see how you can provide authoritative advice and manage stakeholder relationships effectively.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to see your qualifications and achievements at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates regarding the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Essex County Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your archaeological knowledge, especially regarding local and national planning regimes. Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges and opportunities in Essex and the South Downs National Park, as this will show your potential employer that you're genuinely interested and well-prepared.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Principal Archaeologist, you'll be managing a multidisciplinary team. Be ready to discuss your previous leadership experiences, how you've managed complex projects, and how you foster collaboration among team members. Use specific examples to illustrate your ability to lead effectively.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Communication is key in this role. Prepare to talk about how you've successfully engaged with various stakeholders in the past. Think of examples where you've built strong relationships or navigated challenging discussions, as this will highlight your stakeholder engagement skills.
✨Demonstrate Your Commercial Mindset
This position requires a strong focus on commercial growth. Be prepared to discuss how you've identified new business opportunities or led successful bids in your previous roles. Show that you understand the balance between income generation and sustainable development, which is crucial for this job.
