Historic Environment Advisor in Stevenage

This is an exciting opportunity to advance a career in Local Government Archaeology as we work to conserve the historic environment of the county of Hertfordshire. You will be helping to protect our known and unknown archaeological remains, historic buildings and historic landscapes. Crucially, you will also be responsible for identifying for conservation archaeological remains which are currently unknown or poorly understood and ensuring appropriate archaeological standards are maintained when investigations are carried out.

This is a unique opportunity to have a real impact on the historic environment of Hertfordshire for its communities. For the right candidate, this is also a unique opportunity to be part of the dedicated multi-disciplinary LEADS team, addressing planning holistically across Landscape, Ecology, Archaeology, Design and Sustainability in line with Hertfordshire County Council's corporate ambition to become “OneHCC”. You will be encouraged to explore innovative and creative ways to approach wider priorities, such as climate change, education, public engagement, place-making and sustainability in meeting with Hertfordshire County Council's “RISE” values.

You will be joining a team of experienced archaeologists and historic environment professionals providing high-quality information and advice to the County Council and Hertfordshire Local Planning Authorities, developers and the public. The role involves ensuring that the historic environment is a key consideration when applications for planning permissions are considered, and appropriate high quality, best practice protection, enhancement and mitigation are properly undertaken including archaeological assessment, fieldwork, reporting and publication of results.

The successful post holder should be experienced in the field of development-led archaeology and/or the historic environment in planning with at least five years professional experience. You will provide high-quality information and advice to the County Council and Hertfordshire local planning authorities, developers and the public to ensure that the historic environment is a key consideration when applications for planning permissions are considered, and ensure that site surveys and appropriate protection, enhancement and mitigation are properly undertaken.

The role is currently hybrid with a minimum of one working day per week in council offices, although this may change subject to future needs and will require the ability to undertake site visits in areas not supported by public transport. Opportunities for continued professional development and training are provided on an ad-hoc basis throughout the year. Previous examples have included attendance and presentations at conferences, including the CIFA annual conference, talks to local groups, public archaeology excavation and open days.

You will represent the interests of the historic environment when supporting pre-planning advice, master planning and policy making, playing a role in giving a sense of place, identity and belonging. Your expertise and knowledge will help planners, developers and designers to improve the health and resilience of Hertfordshire’s historic environment.

• Provide high-quality, timely archaeological advice to Hertfordshire planning authorities, developers and other stakeholders on planning applications, strategic developments, masterplans, pre-application enquiries and land-use change proposals, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation, policy and professional standards.
• Identify and prioritise development proposals with significant archaeological, social or political impact, ensuring appropriate consideration of heritage assets.
• Support planning authorities and colleagues in delivering the requirements of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), Local Plans and wider heritage conservation objectives.
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with local planning authorities and key stakeholders, helping to raise the profile of the historic environment within Hertfordshire's placemaking and design agenda.
• Contribute to performance monitoring and reporting for local authorities and external bodies, ensuring casework is accurately recorded and maintained to required standards.
• Promote opportunities for public engagement, education and long-term community benefit arising from development-led archaeology.
• Represent Hertfordshire County Council at local, regional and national forums, including professional bodies such as the Association of Local Government Archaeological Officers (ALGAO) and the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA).
• Actively engage with professional networks and research initiatives, keeping up to date with developments in the sector and sharing best practice.
• Support the ongoing development and improvement of the LEADS service, identifying opportunities to enhance efficiency, effectiveness and customer experience.
• Champion sustainability and contribute to the environmental ambitions of Hertfordshire County Council and its district partners in all aspects of your work.

Essential:

• Experience – at least 5 years in a development-led archaeology and/or the historic environment in planning.
• Recognised degree level qualification (or equivalent) in a related discipline or have appropriate work experience in a relevant discipline.
• Good working knowledge of relevant national policy and legislation covering the historic environment and spatial planning, including an understanding of heritage protection legislation and Historic Environment Records.
• The ability to communicate well with a variety of audiences verbally and in writing.
• The skills and ability to negotiate with external parties.
• Sound time management skills and the ability to work within set timeframes.
• Ability and willingness to work as part of a team.
• A full driving licence and transport.

Desirable:

• A post graduate qualification in an appropriate archaeologically related subject.
• An understanding of the roles of other environmental stakeholders.
• Experience of archaeological fieldwork and recording.
• Thorough working knowledge of the use of Arc GISPro and database packages.
• Experience in collating and analysing data, generating statistics, and producing detailed and 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.