Historic Environment Consultant
Permanent, Full Time
£36,169 to £42,551 per annum
Location: Chelmsford*
Working Style:
Closing Date: 6th April 2026
*You will work from the Chelmsford office at least one day a week and across our operational area on other days, depending on business need.
Place Services is a multi-disciplinary consultancy within Essex County Council (ECC) providing environmental and planning services to the Council, local authorities and other public bodies. Our purpose is to support the public sector to deliver its role in sustainable development. The purpose of the Historic Environment Consultant is to provide effective delivery of historic environment services to our clients across Essex and England. This is typically in the role of a development management archaeologist.
The Historic Environment Consultant will advise on historic environment matters, including: providing development management and policy advice to local authorities; evaluating and carrying out heritage assessments and historic area appraisal; completing field survey and historic environment record management, and undertaking specialist tasks as part of multi-disciplinary projects.
The role requires a qualified, experienced and capable subject matter expert with good technical expertise, practical knowledge and understanding of historic environment issues and relevant legislation, policy, standards and guidance, as well as good client relationship, communication and information management skills.
Accountabilities
Accountable for the effective delivery of a range of services including: managing a demanding caseload of minor and major development management consultations at all stages of the planning/consent process (pre-application, application and post consent); evaluating and carrying out heritage assessments (HIA, DBA, EIA), historic area and conservation area appraisals of limited scope and complexity, advising on or undertaking medium and large scale simple, or small scale complex Historic Environment Record projects, designing and undertaking standard field surveys, including data capture, analysis and presentation; and completing specialists tasks as part of multi-disciplinary projects.
Responsible for maintaining effective working relationships with internal and external clients and partners to ensure successful business outcomes, by seeking feedback to identify opportunities for continuous improvement and maintaining a client-focused culture across Place services.
Enhance the recognition and reputation of Place Services through promotional events and activities, and by building internal and external networks.
Responsible for tendering for low-value opportunities; management of low-value projects and contracts, against approved budgets, specifications and indicators.
Contributes to the review and development of legislation, plans, policy and standards, collecting, presenting and preserving evidence including case work documents (including for planning appeals and enforcement) to recognised standards, reviewing outcomes, and assessing third party compliance.
Contributes to the execution of ECC and client’s responsibilities and duties of care in relation to heritage assets and the wider historic environment.
Contributes to the implementation of changes to improve effectiveness and efficiency of technical service delivery.
Contributes to increasing the skills base across the environmental and planning sectors through development and delivery of straight forward training activities and events and preparation of learning materials.
Specific individual and shared targets and objectives are defined annually within the performance management framework.
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
Demonstrable experience in archaeological development management. This would include the review of planning applications and providing responses which outline any required archaeological mitigation, this would be based on any relevant policy and guidance.
Educated to RQF level 6 (Bachelor’s degree) in a relevant subject, and evidence of post qualification experience.
Good evidence of continuing professional development with Practitioner Membership of, or working towards Associate Membership of, relevant professional body. CIFA
Capable technical and subject matter expert, with knowledge and experience of: development management processes; planning policy, legislation, and enforcement standards and guidance, heritage assessment (DBA, HIA, EIA), historic area and conservation area appraisal, historic building record management, field survey and related office and site-based practices and procedures.
Able to work confidently and consistently across a range of activities and, as part of a multi-disciplinary team, use a range of tools to effectively manage simple projects from concept through to completion.
Demonstrable awareness of wellbeing and H&S, experienced producing and implementing standard risk assessments and able to identify and implement safe working practices for self and others.
Able to communicate and negotiate confidently and clearly, including the independent preparation of written technical advice and at public consultations.
Able to engage, influence and inform contractors, volunteers, clients and their customers, maintaining effective client relationships with demonstrable understanding of client needs and drivers and good public interface skills.
Ability to confidently use a range of common and bespoke software packages, including all Microsoft applications, HBSMR, GIS and/or other information technology tools, to collect and present a range of evidence and data, and to independently carry out straightforward analyse and interpretation, with ability to interpret and analyse more complex data.
Please note that the job role requires you to be mobile throughout an operational area. Therefore, the post holder will need to have a driving licence and access to a vehicle, or the ability to meet the mobility requirements of the role through other means.
Comprehensive CPD is available with the role, including access to our annual programme of Traditional Building Skills, Conservation courses and lectures:
Your benefits package
Benefits include:
1. Holiday entitlement of 27 days per annum (plus bank holidays), with the opportunity to buy additional annual leave
2. Local Government Pension Scheme
3. Life assurance of three times annual salary
4. Learning and Development Opportunities
5. Employee Wellbeing and Counselling provision
6. Employee Networks
7. Volunteering leave
8. Eye care vouchers, travel discounts, season ticket loans and much more!
There is also an employee Rewards Scheme available for all permanent/FTC employees, which includes:
9. Retail and restaurant discounts
10. Cashback on purchases
11. Private health and dental care plans
Why Essex?
As one of the largest and most dynamic UK local authorities, Essex offers a stimulating public service environment. Covering over 1,420 square miles and serving 1.8 million residents, we’re committed to transformational change and delivering better quality at lower cost. Recognised in the top three of the latest IMPOWER index for productivity, we ensure everyone matters in. With flexible working options and a focus on innovation, whether you are looking to develop your career or contribute to the local community, Essex is the ideal place for you.
In February 2025, Greater Essex was accepted onto the Government’s devolution priority programme, which will see local authorities in Essex work towards establishing a Mayoral Combined County Authority by May 2026. You can read more about
, including throughout the recruitment process. Your commitment to these standards helps us maintain a positive and respectful workplace for everyone.
Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.
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