Suffolk County Council
Archaeology Officer
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Suffolk County Council
Address: Bury Resource Centre, Bury St Edmunds, IP32 7AY, hybrid working
Salary: £34,434 per annum (pro rata for part time)
Hours: 37 hours per week, flexible working options available
Contract: Permanent
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join Suffolk County Council's Archaeological Service as an Archaeological Officer. Based at the Bury Resource Centre in Bury St Edmunds, you will work alongside Senior Archaeological Officers to provide specialist archaeological advice that supports sustainable development and protects Suffolk's rich historic environment.
Reimagine the possibilities
This role offers an excellent opportunity for an experienced archaeologist to develop a career in curatorial archaeology while helping to conserve and promote the heritage of one of England's most archaeologically diverse counties.
Your role and responsibilities
As an Archaeological Officer, you will play an important role in helping to protect, conserve and promote Suffolk's rich historic environment. Working as part of a specialist team, you will support the provision of expert archaeological and heritage advice, ensuring that historic environment assets are appropriately considered throughout the planning process.
- Working closely with senior archaeological officers, you will review planning applications and provide recommendations to Local Planning Authorities on suitable conservation measures.
- You will prepare briefs for archaeological investigations required to discharge, or inform, planning conditions and monitor archaeological work to ensure it is carried out to the required professional standards.
- You will also review a range of technical documentation, including Written Schemes of Investigation, archaeological reports and publications, helping to maintain the quality and integrity of archaeological work across the county.
- In addition, you will build effective working relationships with colleagues across the County Council, local authorities, Historic England and other partner organisations to support the understanding, protection and promotion of Suffolk’s historic environment.
What you will need
You will have:
- A degree in Archaeology or a related subject, or equivalent relevant experience
- Sound knowledge of British archaeology and archaeological practice
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with a wide range of audiences
- Good IT skills, ideally including experience of GIS software
- The ability to manage a varied workload and prioritise competing demands
You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile (JPP), https://sccrecruit.blob.core.windows.net/assets/SCC/24364-Archaeological-Officer.docx, which you can find in the ‘How to apply’ section towards the bottom of this advert.
If you believe you can succeed in this role, apply. Even if you don't meet all requirements, still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.
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The team
The Archaeological Service forms part of Suffolk County Council's Natural and Historic Environment Team. We are a knowledgeable and supportive team responsible for maintaining the Historic Environment Record, advising planning authorities on development proposals and policy, delivering archive and finds recording services, and promoting Suffolk's heritage through public engagement and outreach activities.
We will offer you
This role provides a unique opportunity to develop specialist expertise in archaeological planning and development management, supported by experienced Senior Archaeological Officers.
Suffolk is set to deliver a number of major developments and Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs), giving you valuable experience of providing archaeological input across a wide range of projects.
You will gain an in-depth understanding of Suffolk's archaeology while working with developers, archaeological contractors, planning authorities, parish councils, statutory bodies and local communities. Through this work, you will play a direct role in protecting and enhancing the county's historic environment for future generations.
Empowering Everyone
We’re big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We’re always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report https://www.suffolk.gov.uk/council-and-democracy/our-aims-and-transformation-programmes/the-councils-equality-and-inclusion-commitment-to-you.
For more information
Please contact James Rolfe, Archaeology Planning and HER Manager, for a casual conversation. You can reach them by calling 01284 741225 or emailing james.rolfe@suffolk.gov.uk.
How to apply
Step 1 - Read the Job and Person Profile (Word). https://sccrecruit.blob.core.windows.net/assets/SCC/24364-Archaeological-Officer.docx
Step 2 - Click ‘Apply Now’ to start your online application.
Step 3 - Upload a supporting statement indicating how you meet each of the criteria in the ‘Person Profile’ section of the JPP.
- You should use the Supporting Statement template (Word) https://sccrecruit.blob.core.windows.net/assets/SCC/Other-Docs/SupportingStatementTemplate.docx.
- Please use Arial font size 11 and keep your statement to a maximum of two sides of A4.
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Please note: Without a supporting statement, your interest will not be progressed. Any supporting documents must be in either PDF or MS Word format.
For guidance on completing your application, please see our How to Apply page https://www.suffolkjobsdirect.org/#en/sites/CX_3001/pages/657088.
Planning to use Artificial Intelligence (AI)? Please ensure your application still reflects your own skills, experience and ideas. If used inappropriately, your application may not be processed. Please read our guidance for using AI https://www.suffolkjobsdirect.org/#en/sites/CX_3001/pages/764097 to understand what’s acceptable.
Do you need any reasonable adjustments to help you to apply? If you are disabled and/or have additional support needs, you can request reasonable adjustments. You can do this by contacting our Recruitment Team at recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk or 03456 014412. You can find examples of possible adjustments on our Reasonable Adjustment pages https://www.suffolkjobsdirect.org/#en/sites/CX_3001/pages/757078.
Closing date: 11.30pm, 24 September 2026.
This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts. #LI-Hybrid
As a modern and effective council, we offer a wide variety of careers to suit people with a range of skills, abilities and ambitions. We offer working options that flex to reflect the way people work today and take the time to understand and support your individual needs. We’re driven to make a positive difference to the world around us and encourage everyone with drive and focus to join us and build an influential and impactful career. Reimagine the possibilities.
In return, you’ll enjoy:
- up to 29 days annual leave entitlement (pro rata), plus UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering days
- membership of a competitive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
- travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits
- performance-related annual pay progression, in addition to an annual cost-of-living pay increase
- training and encouragement to expand your knowledge
- a variety of career development opportunities across our organisation
- diverse and active staff networks
- flexible working options, with the right to request flexible working from your first day
Plus lots more!
If you want to know more about our benefits, values and equality commitments please visit our Suffolk County Council careers website (careers.Suffolk.gov.uk) https://careers.suffolk.gov.uk/.
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