At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage archaeological planning issues and collaborate with various stakeholders in a vibrant city.
- Company: Southampton City Council, a leader in preserving rich archaeological heritage.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, flexible working, excellent pension, and health support.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive environment with opportunities for training and community volunteering.
- Why this job: Dive into thousands of years of history while shaping the future of urban development.
- Qualifications: Degree in a relevant subject, field archaeology experience, and strong IT skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Southampton has a wealth of archaeological evidence and remains. Below our modern streets, evidence can be found of Palaeolithic, Mesolithic, Neolithic and Iron Age communities; The Roman settlement of Clausentum; The Middle Saxon town of Hamwic and the late Saxon medieval town and villages that laid the basis for our modern city and suburbs. Ancient walls and buildings survive above ground and this complex picture is constantly being amended and enhanced by new fieldwork and research.
This is an excellent opportunity for a candidate to experience working in a city with nationally significant archaeology derived from thousands of years of human settlement as one of Britain’s major maritime gateways. As the sole Planning Archaeologist within a busy Development Management team, you will have a varied and challenging caseload which will involve detailed and specialist discussion of archaeological matters throughout the planning process, liaising internally with Case Officers, the Historic Environment Records Officer and Historic Environment Officer and externally with developers, Historic England and monitoring of professional archaeologists on site.
About you
You will be expected to have a pragmatic approach to work with a focus on meeting targets and deadlines. You will be responsible for organising your own workload and your work will involve a wide range of planning archaeology issues across all areas of the city. You will have the necessary skills and experience to manage a range of challenging tasks, and will be competent in dealing with planning issues and members of the public. Applicants must be educated to degree level in a relevant subject, with a passion for the historic environment, have field archaeology experience, an ability to rapidly assimilate and distil large amounts of complex information into concise responses, and possess excellent IT skills and be confident in using Microsoft Office and GIS applications. Full Membership (MCIfA) of the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists is desirable as well as an understanding of Southampton’s terrestrial and maritime archaeology.
What we can offer you
- Excellent local government pension with 15.2% employer contribution
- Death in service benefit of x3 salary, and optional salary sacrifice shared cost AVC (additional voluntary contribution)
- Generous holiday 25–31 days, based on role and service
- Flexible working options (role-dependent)
- Family-friendly policies - Maternity, Paternity, Adoption, Shared/Unpaid Parental Leave, Time off for Dependents
- Training and development, including coaching and mentoring
- Health and wellbeing support - Employee Assistance Programme, Menopause Pledge, Mental Health First Aiders and access to a variety of staff networks
- Veteran-friendly employer with the Armed Forces Covenant
- Retail discounts and savings through the Southampton City Council benefits platform
- Discounted memberships at local sports and fitness centres
- Sustainable travel benefits - low emission car scheme, cycle to work, season ticket loans
- Employee volunteering scheme with 2 paid days leave to volunteer
For further information on our benefits package please visit Employee benefits (southampton.gov.uk)
Planning Archaeologist in Southampton employer: Southampton City Council
Southampton City Council is an exceptional employer for a Planning Archaeologist, offering a unique opportunity to engage with the city's rich archaeological heritage while working within a supportive and dynamic Development Management team. With a strong focus on employee growth through training and development, flexible working options, and a comprehensive benefits package including a generous pension scheme and health support, SCC fosters a collaborative work culture that values both professional and personal well-being. Additionally, the council's commitment to sustainability and community engagement through volunteering initiatives makes it an attractive workplace for those passionate about preserving history and contributing to local development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning Archaeologist in Southampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Connect with professionals in the archaeology field on LinkedIn or at local events. We can’t stress enough how important it is to build relationships; you never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Southampton’s archaeological history. Show your passion and knowledge about the city’s rich heritage during your chat. We want to see that you’re not just qualified, but genuinely excited about the role!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to planning and managing archaeological projects. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Planning Archaeologist in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Planning Archaeologist role. Highlight your relevant experience in field archaeology and any specific projects that showcase your skills in managing planning issues. We want to see how your background aligns with the rich archaeological context of Southampton!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your passion for the historic environment and why you’re excited about this role. Don’t forget to mention your understanding of Southampton’s archaeology and how you can contribute to our Development Management team.
Showcase Your IT Skills:Since you'll be using Microsoft Office and GIS applications, make sure to highlight your proficiency in these areas. We love candidates who can quickly assimilate complex information, so give examples of how you've done this in past roles or projects.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, we’re excited to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Southampton City Council
✨Know Your Archaeology
Make sure you brush up on Southampton's archaeological history. Familiarise yourself with key periods like the Palaeolithic and Iron Age, as well as significant sites like Clausentum and Hamwic. This knowledge will show your passion for the historic environment and help you engage in meaningful discussions during the interview.
✨Demonstrate Your Planning Skills
Be prepared to discuss how you would manage a varied caseload and meet deadlines. Think of examples from your past experiences where you successfully organised your workload or dealt with planning issues. This will highlight your pragmatic approach and ability to handle challenges effectively.
✨Showcase Your IT Proficiency
Since the role requires excellent IT skills, especially in Microsoft Office and GIS applications, be ready to talk about your experience with these tools. You might even want to mention specific projects where you used technology to analyse data or present findings, as this will demonstrate your competence.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
The role involves liaising with various stakeholders, so think about how you would communicate with developers and public members. Prepare examples of how you've successfully navigated similar interactions in the past, showcasing your ability to distil complex information into concise responses.
