Role Responsibility Kent has a rich heritage of archaeological and historical remains, which the County Council gives high priority to conserving and making accessible. The geological diversity of the county, coupled with its proximity to mainland Europe and latterly to London, has left an incomparable archaeological resource for all periods. Large numbers of archaeological small finds (or portable antiquities) are found in Kent every year. Most of these are found by people searching using metal detectors, or on the ground surface by walkers and others by chance. These objects represent a significant element of Kent’s archaeological heritage, and it is important that they are recorded. A very significant group of found objects are those qualifying as ‘Treasure’ under the Treasure Act which require legal reporting to HM Coroners Service. These finds are often significant due to intrinsic or historic value and can be numerous if found as a hoard. Kent has frequently placed within the top five counties for the number of treasure cases reported. This has previously created a significant backlog of cases. The Heritage Conservation Group has hosted a Finds Liaison Officer (FLO) for Kent, as part of the Portable Antiquities Scheme, since 1997 and has recently received funding from the British Museum to employ a Treasure Finds Liaison Assistant (TFLA) to assist with treasure processing in county. The Portable Antiquities Scheme is a voluntary scheme for the recording of archaeological finds made by members of the public and is funded by DCMS. The Scheme is headquartered at the British Museum, and with partner organisations maintains a network of locally based Finds Liaison Officers across England and Wales. Kent has about 14 metal detecting clubs, with a combined membership of over 400, together with as many independent detectorists and other finders, resulting in a high volume of significant finds available for recording as part of the Portable Antiquities Scheme. The FLO plays a very important role in improving standards of recording of metal-detecting finds, facilitating cooperation between metal detectorists and archaeological contractors, providing talks to schools and other bodies and working with Kent Police’s Rural Crime Unit to counter illicit metal-detecting. The TFLA will work with the FLO to help deliver the Portable Antiquities Scheme in Kent particularly in relation to processing treasure cases. The Heritage Conservation team (with about 13 members of staff and several volunteers) is based in the Directorate of Growth, Environment and Transport at Kent County Council. The team plays a strategic role in conserving and promoting the historic environment of Kent, maintains the Historic Environment Record for the county and provides advice on archaeological matters to the County Council, Medway Council, Ebbsfleet Development Corporation and District authorities in Kent. A dedicated and enthusiastic individual is sought to join the Heritage Conservation group to help record and protect the rich and varied historic environment of Kent. Your primary responsibility will be to assist the Finds Liaison Officer (FLO) in managing the process of treasure reporting under the Treasure Act 1996. As such, you will be integral to the recording of artefacts as part of the British Museum’s Portable Antiquities Scheme. The work will involve helping to report, process and return treasure cases, record new non-treasure finds and, where necessary, improve earlier records. The successful candidate will also assist the FLO in dealing with inquiries from members of the public, attending meetings of metal detecting clubs, undertaking occasional archaeological excavations and liaising with archaeologists and museum curators primarily in relation to processing Treasure finds. The post is offered as full time, fixed term to the end of March 2026. You will have a degree in archaeology (or a related discipline) or equivalent relevant expertise. An ability to record and identify a wide range of artefacts, good organisational skills, a disciplined approach to work and good written English are also required, together with the ability to work under pressure to tight deadlines. Previous experience of computerised databases and good communication and interpersonal skills will also be needed. An ability to undertake object photography and photo editing will also be required. Interviews are expected to take place in Maidstone on Thursday 10 th July.