Senior Archaeological Officer (Internal)

• Suffolk County Council
• Address:  Bury Resource Centre, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP32 7AY, Hybrid Working
• Salary: £40,777 per annum (pro rata for part time)
• Hours: 37 hours per week, Flexible working options available
• Contract:  Permanent

 

This advert is open to current Suffolk County Council staff only

At Suffolk County Council, every role is a chance to create positive change. As a Senior Archaeological Officer in the Natural and Historic Environment Team you’ll see the direct impact of your work in the understanding, promotion and conservation of the historic environment, for the benefit for the people of Suffolk.

Join us and turn your passion for progress into action. 

Reimagine the possibilities.

 

Your role and responsibilities 

The main role of this position is to provide archaeological planning advice to the LPA (Local Planning Authority), developers, archaeological consultants and contractors on NSIPs (Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects) and other large developments schemes throughout Suffolk.

• The role will involve assessing the archaeological potential of a development site, the impacts that the development will have on the archaeological resource and providing recommendations for archaeological works to the LPA.
• Producing briefs for all stages of archaeological work to mitigate the impact of the development on the archaeological resource. 
• Monitoring in the field, the implementation of specifications and project designs and other archaeological requirements imposed through the planning process to ensure the appropriate professional standards are met and to recommend discharge of conditions when work is completed.
• Monitor the archiving, post excavation and dissemination of projects generated through the planning process.  

 

You will need 

• a degree in Archaeology or related subject or equivalent level of knowledge and experience – essential
• relevant post-graduate degree - desirable 
• demonstrable good general knowledge of archaeology and the history of the British landscape
• knowledge of practical excavation skills in order to monitor the competent running of excavations by others
• knowledge of Archaeological law, policy and guidance
• proven experience in providing planning advice on large scale developments and Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects
• ability to negotiate with and influence developers and their agents, archaeological contractors and landowners
• highly developed report writing skills with the ability to communicate complex issues clearly and concisely
• experience of understanding complex reports and summarising the key points on which action is required
• good knowledge of Suffolk’s archaeology and history
• ability to work in a small team.

 

You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile. 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. 

 

The team 

• This is a rare opportunity to join a small, well-respected team with responsibility for providing conservation advice for one of England’s richest areas of historic environment.
• The archaeology team is passionate about the archaeology and history of Suffolk and as the main provider of archaeological advice in Suffolk, we aim to promote the conservation, enhancement and understanding of Suffolk's distinctive historic environment. 

 

What we do

• Maintain a record of archaeology and heritage assets, the Historic Environment Record
• Provide advice to planners, developers and farmers
• Identify and record finds made by members of the public
• Curate an archive for fieldwork projects carried out in the county
• Publish the results of fieldwork and other research into Suffolk's past.

 

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.

 

For more information 

Please contact James Rolfe (he/him) for a casual conversation. You can contact him by calling 01284 741225 or emailing james.rolfe@suffolk.gov.uk  

 

How to apply

Step 1 - Read the Job and Person Profile (Word).

Step 2 - Click ‘Apply Now’ to start your online application.

Step 3 - Upload a supporting statement answering the following questions below (no more than 400 words per question). You should use the Supporting Statement template (Word).

1. Describe a time when you provided specialist archaeological or historic environment advice that influenced a planning or development decision.

2. Give an example of how you have managed a caseload of planning consultations while balancing competing deadlines and priorities, with a focus on Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects.

3. Describe your experience of assessing archaeological reports or specifications and making recommendations based on their findings.

4. Explain how you have monitored archaeological fieldwork or compliance with agreed specifications and ensured professional standards were met.

 

Step 4 - Upload a CV (without name and personal details).

Please note: Without a supporting statement and CV, 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.

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 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.
 

Closing date: 11.30 pm, 30 April 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).