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 seeking a Finds Liaison Project Assistant (intern) to work alongside and assist the existing PAS team in the Northeast region of England to advance understanding of the historic environment. The post is being funded by a grant from the Headley Trust, and is being hosted by the Archaeology Section in Durham County Council, with the opportunity also to work within the Great North Museum: Hancock in Newcastle. This post is temporary for 6 months. WHAT IS INVOLVED? You will, after training, work on the identification and recording of archaeological finds reported to the Scheme by members of the public. In addition, you will work on a specific project: the identification and recording of an assemblage of early medieval material recently discovered by a local metal detecting club. The material was found across a wide area in the topsoil, and may indicate the presence of a previously unknown early medieval site. You will bring this project to completion through the full recording, interpretation, and dissemination of this important local data. The post will be based within the Archaeology Section of Durham County Council, in their Spennymoor offices, and at the Great North Museum: Hancock in Newcastle with our colleagues there working in the Portable Antiquities Scheme. We encourage you to contact Benjamin Westwood, Finds Liaison Officer on 03000 627011 via email at benjamin.westwood@durham.gov.uk to arrange an informal discussion about the role or Andrew Agate on 07813 409416 email andrew.agate@twmuseums.org.uk. WHAT WILL I NEED? Ideally educated to degree level or higher, or with considerable relevant experience, the successful candidate will have an interest and enthusiasm for research and archaeology, with some knowledge of archaeological objects from the British Isles, and ideally be seeking to follow a career in identifying and recording archaeological small finds. You will be highly motivated, and possess excellent communication skills, enabling them to assist in the promotion of the Scheme and its aims. Experience of working with a computer database is desirable, as is an awareness of issues relating to metal-detecting, Treasure legislation and archaeology. We particularly welcome applications from people from disadvantaged social or economic backgrounds that may have faced barriers to careers or employment in the heritage sector. Please refer to the attached person specification for the full criteria. BENEFITS AND REWARDS We offer generous rewards and benefits that are designed to help you perform at your best: Competitive salaries and 27 days holiday per year rising to 32 days after five years continuous local government service. Option to purchase up to 10 additional days annual leave per year. Excellent work/life balance through schemes including job sharing, compressed hours and flexi-time (allowing up to 13 flexi days per year). Hybrid working (home and office working). Excellent contributory career average Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS). Plus, top up options - Salary Sacrifice Shared Cost AVC scheme and standard AVC scheme for members of the LGPS. Wellbeing Portal and access to an Employee Assist Scheme. Wide range of learning and development opportunities including professional qualifications, coaching and mentoring. Employee Benefits Portal and Lifestyle Savings Scheme (discounts across a host of major retailers). Discounted DCC gym membership. Staff networks run by staff for our staff, including Race Equality and Diversity, Disability, LGBT, Armed Forces, Carers, Menopause. Trade Union membership. A range of other salary sacrifice schemes such as car leasing. Rewards and benefits are subject to individual terms and conditions. Take a closer look: https://www.durham.gov.uk/article/26895/Rewards-and-benefits SOCIAL MEDIA Don’t see the perfect role for you right now? Keep an eye on our social media channels for updates on new opportunities at Durham County Council! Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dccjobsandcareers/ Like us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/durhamcountycounciljobsandcareers HYBRID WORKING Durham County Council currently operates a hybrid working policy where a model of 2 days in the workplace and 3 days at home/remote will apply. This model is pro-rated for part time roles and arrangements are at managers discretion, alternatively you can work all of your contracted hours within the workplace if you prefer. EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION We are a proud equal opportunities employer and recognise that a diverse, talented workforce brings new ideas and new perspectives, which will facilitate growth and improvements to services. We are committed to ensuring that our employment policies and processes are fair and equitable to all. We welcome job applications from everyone, and successful candidates are considered only on their skills and ability to do the job. As a Disability Confident Leader, we encourage applications from disabled people and provide support throughout the recruitment process. Take a closer look: https://www.durham.gov.uk/article/26899/Equality-diversity-and-inclusion-in-our-workforce INTERVIEWS Interviews will be held week commencing 6 October 2025. 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. HOW TO APPLY In line with the County Council's Recruitment and Selection Policy, please note that we are unable to accept CVs. Applications must be submitted on-line via the Northeast Jobs portal. Please use the ‘Person Specification’ section of your application form to demonstrate that you have the essential and where possible, desirable experience, skills, and knowledge. Candidates who do not evidence that they meet the essential qualifications and experience listed on the person specification will not be short-listed. If you have any support needs or require assistance when applying for this role, please contact the Recruitment Team via email on RecruitmentNE@durham.gov.uk or t elephone 03000 262727 – Option 4. 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