Salary Range:

Researcher - £28,111 - £29,512 per annum.

Consultant - £30,987 - £36,750 per annum.

Oxford Archaeology is one of the largest independent archaeological practices in Europe. Since our foundation in 1973, we have worked throughout the UK and on many international projects. We have offices in Oxford, Cambridge, and Lancaster. We are a registered Educational Charity. 

We have one or more exciting opportunities for enthusiastic and driven individuals to join our growing Heritage Management Service (HMS). Roles are available at either a Historic Environment Researcher or Historic Environment Consultant (Project Officer) level depending on experience.

As a member of the Heritage Management Service you would work with a team of experienced historic environment professionals to provide specialist advice and consultancy services (including desk-based assessments, heritage statements, and environmental impact assessments) for a varied range of projects including large scale infrastructure projects, residential developments, renewable energy schemes and much more. In addition, you would also have an opportunity to develop your existing skill set by working on some of the exciting heritage management and research projects that we carry out every year. More information about Oxford Archaeology’s Heritage Management Service and the type of work we carry out can be found via our website: HMS blog | Oxford Archaeology.

If you are looking for a new challenge and the chance to progress and grow a career in historic environment consultancy, this could be the job for you!  This is a great opportunity to work on a variety of exciting projects and be part of a dynamic and passionate team.

While the role would be primarily based out of our Oxford office, we carry out work across the UK and there may also be opportunities to work on consultancy/research projects abroad.

Duties will include:

• Researching and contributing to a range of archaeology and heritage assessments, including Historic Environment and Archaeological Desk-based Assessments, Heritage Statements and Cultural Heritage Environmental Statements.
• Archival research at Records Office and Aerial Photograph Archives.
• Carrying out site walkover surveys and setting assessments.
• Making recommendations for archaeological works and designing mitigation strategies.
• Carrying out Client and Stakeholder liaison and providing specialist heritage planning advice.
• Contributing to research projects and conservation management plans.
• Providing mentoring and training to junior colleagues (Historic Environment Consultant Level).

Skills and Experience

Essential criteria for both the Historic Environment Researcher and Consultant positions

• Thorough knowledge and understanding of British Archaeology including the range of procedures carried out as part of both on-and off-site investigations.
• Good understanding of commercial archaeology in the UK and the legislation and planning policies relating to it.
• Understands the purpose of desk-based assessments and heritage statements and how they fit within the Planning System.
• Has a good understanding of commercial fieldwork practices and when they might be required.
• Has the ability to conduct general academic research on relevant subjects.
• Excellent communication, organisational and time management skills.
• Strong report writing skills.
• Good IT skills

Additional essential criterial for the Historic Environment Consultant Post

• Commercial awareness and an ability to build and maintain client relationships.
• Experience of producing desk-based assessments and/or heritage statements from inception to report production.
• Has experience liaising with clients and curators.
• Enjoys the challenge of research projects and developing relevant methodologies.
• Ability to characterise and assess the archaeological resource and make recommendations for mitigation strategies ahead of development

Desirable

• Membership of the CIFA at either a PCIFA or ACIFA level. Experience producing environmental impact assessments and/or carrying out setting assessments.
• Ability to use ArcGIS or ArcMapProFull
• UK Driving Licence

Additional experience of carrying out other types of heritage assessment i.e. historic landscape characterisation, conservation management plans, community engagement would be considered an advantage.

In return, we offer a range of employee benefits:

• Competitive, constantly benchmarked, salary range- Researcher £28,111 - £29,512, Consultant £30,987 - £36,750. Appointments will be made based on demonstrated ability, previous experience and CIfA membership if appropriate.
• A company pension scheme with 6% employer contributions. Employees with 10 years of employment or in project management roles gain access to the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), which is one of the few remaining defined benefit schemes in the UK.
• Continued professional development is strongly encouraged through a very supportive approach to further training and education, attendance of and contribution to conferences, and involvement with academic institutions.
• Generous annual leave; 21 days for Consultant, 24 days for Researcher  (depending on years of service) plus concessionary days at Christmas and Bank Holidays.
• A generous hybrid working policy is in place, dependant on role, and a considerate approach is taken to flexible and part-time working where appropriate to the role, individuals' personal circumstances, and the needs of the business.
• We pay 100% of CIfA subscription fees.
• Comprehensive care for employees welfare through a number of policies, including: the AXA Health Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) Premier, generous paid sick leave, a network of mental health first aiders, and personal accident insurance.
• Cycle to work scheme.

For further information about the role, please contact: Ianto Wain (Head of Heritage management Services) ianto.wain@oxfordarchaeology.com. 

If you would like to be part of a respected and established organisation, please apply by completing the application form.

Please enclose a CV and covering letter with your application.

Closing date: 06/12/2023

Oxford Archaeology is an Equal Opportunities employer. All applications are judged on the relevant skills and experience of the candidate, and not by gender, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, belief, age, nationality (other than where work permits may be required), or ethnicity. You must meet the requirements to live and work in the UK, as set out by UK Visa and Immigration - see https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-visas-and-immigration 

Registered Charity No. 285627; Company Registration No. 1618597