Historic Environment Advisor

This is an exciting opportunity to advance a career in Local Government Archaeology as we work to conserve the historic environment of Hertfordshire. You will be joining a dedicated, multi-disciplinary LEADS team (Landscape, Ecology, Archaeology, Design and Sustainability), addressing planning holistically in line with Hertfordshire County Council’s OneHCC ambition and RISE values. We are an experienced group of archaeologists and historic environment professionals providing high-quality information and advice to the County Council, Hertfordshire Local Planning Authorities, developers, and the public. You will be part of an incredibly friendly family of environmental professionals working toward a common goal, joining at an exciting time as we grow and embed ourselves within the forthcoming Local Government Reorganisation programme.

You will ensure the historic environment is a key consideration within planning, with appropriate, high-quality protection, enhancement and mitigation, including archaeological assessment, fieldwork, reporting and the publication of results.

• Provide high-quality, timely professional archaeological advice to Hertfordshire planning authorities and developers on strategic planning, masterplanning, planning proposals, and pre-application consultations.
• Identify and prioritise proposals with high archaeological impact and/or high social or political importance.
• Support colleagues to implement the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), Local Plans and appropriate heritage conservation in relevant planning applications.
• Maintain and strengthen partnerships with local planning authorities and raise the prominence of the historic environment in Hertfordshire’s placemaking and design agenda.
• Contribute to monitoring reports for local authorities and external bodies, recording casework information to the required standard.
• Embed opportunities for long-term public benefit and outreach within development-led archaeology.
• Proactively engage with local, regional and national networks and research frameworks; represent HCC at meetings and forums (e.g., ALGAO and CIfA).
• Assist in the development of the LEADS service, improving the efficiency and effectiveness of Historic Environment advice and support.
• Embed sustainability aspirations of the County and District councils in everything we do.
• Represent the historic environment in pre-planning advice, masterplanning and policy-making, helping to give a sense of place, identity and belonging.

About You

Essential

• Extensive experience in development-led archaeology and/or historic environment planning.
• Recognised degree-level qualification (or equivalent) in a related discipline, or appropriate relevant work experience.
• Good working knowledge of national policy and legislation covering the historic environment and spatial planning, including heritage protection legislation and Historic Environment Records.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written (formal reports, letters, social media/web content, presentations, and talks).
• Strong negotiation skills with a justified and pragmatic approach to achieve appropriate outcomes.
• Sound time management, able to work under pressure while managing and prioritising own workload.
• Ability and willingness to work as part of a team across multiple organisations and disciplines (Historic Environment and wider LEADS team).
• Personal enthusiasm and drive to raise understanding of the historic environment’s benefits in placemaking and planning.
• Ability to tackle complex problems methodically using own initiative, while also working positively within a team to implement change.
• Commitment to demonstrating HCC’s values (RISE).
• Full driving licence and transport.

Desirable

• Postgraduate qualification in an appropriate archaeologically related subject (or willingness to work towards one).
• Understanding of roles of other environmental stakeholders (e.g., Historic England, ALGAO, academics, local archaeological groups).
• Experience of archaeological fieldwork and recording, and understanding of how archaeological projects function (including post-excavation and reporting).
• Thorough working knowledge of ArcGIS Pro and database packages.
• Experience in collating and analysing data, generating statistics, and producing detailed, accurate reports.

We welcome applications from candidates who currently reside in the UK with established proof of right to work documentation. We are not able to offer sponsorship at this time for this role. This job role is within the Technical Services, level TEC9 job profile.

To hear more about this opportunity please contact daniel.phillips@hertfordshire.gov.uk for an informal discussion about the role.

Interview Date: week commencing 9th March 2026

How to Apply

As part of your application, please upload your most recent CV. Ensure your CV is up to date with your employment history (including any employment gaps), and including any training/qualifications. We encourage you to include examples of where you have demonstrated the requirements/criteria in the advert/job profile to allow the panel to fully recognise your skills and abilities. You will have the opportunity to include a short covering paragraph within your application to give us a little more information about your skills, knowledge, and experiences.

Disability Confident

We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and guarantee an interview to anyone disclosing a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.

Driving Required

You’ll need to have the ability to drive and/or travel around Hertfordshire, either using your own mode of transport or a company car to travel to other locations.

English Fluency

The ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post.