At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead archaeological projects, provide expert advice, and manage complex cases across Essex and beyond.
- Company: Join a dynamic team focused on sustainable development and heritage preservation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £55,706, flexible working, and professional growth opportunities.
- Other info: Mobile role with site visits; driving licence needed.
- Why this job: Elevate your archaeology career while making a real impact on historic environments.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in archaeology and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 55706 - 55706 £ per year.
Location: Hybrid. Whilst contractually based at our Chelmsford office, with attendance expected one day per week, there is flexibility for home‑working alongside site visits across our operational area as required.
Contract: Permanent - Full‑time
Salary: up to £55,706 per annum + benefits
About the Role
This is a fantastic opportunity to take your archaeology career to the next level and combine technical expertise with leadership. You will lead the delivery and commercial growth of Place Services’ 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 life cycle, managing the most complex and sensitive cases. This includes representing the service at hearings, examinations in public and inquiries, 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 involving 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.
Please note that the job role requires you to be mobile throughout an operational area. Therefore, the post holder will need to have a driving licence and access to a vehicle, or the ability to meet the mobility requirements of the role through other means.
Principal Archaeologist in Chelmsford employer: Place Services
Join a forward-thinking organisation that values your expertise and offers a supportive work culture, where flexibility is key. As a Principal Archaeologist based in Chelmsford, you will benefit from a hybrid working model, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth while contributing to sustainable development and the preservation of our historic environment. With a focus on collaboration and innovation, this role allows you to make a meaningful impact in the field of archaeology.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Archaeologist in Chelmsford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with fellow archaeologists and industry professionals. Attend conferences, workshops, or local meet-ups to make those valuable connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio that highlights your best work, including reports, assessments, and any innovative tools you've developed. This will help you stand out when chatting with potential employers or clients.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t shy away from social media! Use platforms like LinkedIn to share your insights on archaeology and engage with others in the field. It’s a great way to demonstrate your knowledge and passion while also keeping an eye on job openings.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got some fantastic roles waiting for you, and applying directly can give you a better chance of getting noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Archaeologist in Chelmsford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Principal Archaeologist role. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant projects you've managed, as we want to see how you can contribute to our team.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about archaeology and how your expertise can help us grow our historic environment services. Be sure to mention specific examples of your work that demonstrate your capabilities.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:As a Principal Archaeologist, you'll need to communicate effectively with various stakeholders. In your application, make sure to showcase your ability to convey complex information clearly, whether through your writing or by mentioning past experiences where this was key.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. This way, you can ensure all your documents are submitted correctly and you’ll be kept in the loop about your application status!
How to prepare for a job interview at Place Services
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your archaeological knowledge, especially regarding the planning life cycle and heritage assessments. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on and how they relate to the role.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
As a Principal Archaeologist, you'll be leading a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed projects or teams in the past. Highlight your ability to balance commercial growth with sustainable practices.
✨Understand the Business Side
Familiarise yourself with the commercial aspects of the role, such as income generation and client relationships. Think about how you can contribute to securing new clients and leading bids for high-value work.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills, especially in complex cases. Prepare to discuss how you would handle sensitive archaeological issues or manage multiple stakeholders effectively.
