We are seeking a Finds Liaison Assistant (FLA) to work alongside and under the operational oversight of the Senior Finds Liaison Officer (SFLO) for the Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) in the Northeast region at Durham County Council (DCC). The Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) is a voluntary scheme to record archaeological objects found by the public, including metal detector users, to advance archaeological knowledge and to increase opportunities for active public involvement in heritage. We are offering a part-time role which equates to 30 hours per week until March 2027, with the potential for extension subject to continued external funding. This role is being recruited alongside a similar role based at the Great North Museum: Hancock (working for Newcastle City Council). Candidates are welcome to apply for both posts. To apply for the Newcastle based post please follow this link WHAT IS INVOLVED? You will be involved in the operation of the PAS across County Durham and Teesside, working together with SFLO, and the FLA based in the Great North Museum in Newcastle, pursuant to the overall aim of advancing the understanding and knowledge of the historic environment in the North East England. You will achieve this through encouraging participation in the PAS and facilitating the administration of the Treasure Act (1996), identifying and recording archaeological objects found by members of the public and making the results accessible to all through the PAS national database, and by making information available to the relevant local authority’s Historic Environment Record. You will engage in outreach activities designed to raise awareness of the importance of recording finds and the value of the information collected at the local, regional, and national level. The nature of the job means it will be necessary to attend events and/or meetings that may be held in the evening and at weekends at other sites and venues. We encourage you to contact Caroline Smith, Senior Finds Liaison Officer via email at caroline.smith@durham.gov.uk to arrange an informal discussion about the role. WHAT WILL I NEED? Ideally educated to degree level or higher, or with considerable relevant experience. A keen interest and enthusiasm for research and archaeology. Highly motivated and possess excellent communication skills enabling them to work across the region in the promotion of the Scheme. Knowledge and experience of processes and issues relating to metal-detecting, Treasure legislation and archaeology (in particular material culture), enabling them to manage the day-to-day work of the PAS in the Durham office, under the overall direction of the SFLO. Please refer to the attached Person Specification for the full criteria. INTERVIEWS Interviews will be held on week commencing 13th July 2026. We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that can show they meet all the essential criteria and have indicated they have a disability, are a looked after young person, care leaver or a veteran. OUR OFFER TO YOU We offer a competitive rewards package that includes attractive salaries, a generous annual leave entitlement of 27 days (rising to 32 after five years’ continuous local government service), membership of the excellent contributory career average Local Government Pension Scheme, and a range of flexible working arrangements including hybrid working (home and office) where applicable. Explore the full range of rewards and benefits on our website Rewards and benefits are subject to individual terms and conditions. EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION We are a proud equal opportunities employer and believe a diverse workforce brings fresh ideas and drives service improvement. We welcome applications from everyone and make employment decisions based on skills and ability. As a Disability Confident Leader, we actively encourage applications from disabled and neurodivergent people and offer support throughout the recruitment process. HOW TO APPLY Please note, we do not accept CVs. All applications must be submitted online via the Northeast Jobs portal. Use the ‘Person Specification’ section of the form to clearly demonstrate how you meet the essential (and where possible, desirable) criteria. Applications that do not evidence the essential requirements will not be shortlisted. Please visit our website to understand our position on using AI to support your application and for guidance on completing your application. If you require assistance when applying for this role, please contact our Recruitment Helpdesk on 03000 26 27 27, or via email RecruitmentNE@durham.gov.uk All correspondence relating to your application will be sent from donotreply@northeastjobs.org.uk. Kindly check your spam/junk folder regularly to ensure you don’t miss any updates. CONNECT WITH US Follow us on Instagram Like us on Facebook Visit our website VPRS/161