Overview
Job Description
Suffolk County Council – Archaeology Project Officer Community Archaeologist for the Romans Unearthed Community Archaeology Project. Location: Hybrid working (Bury Resource Centre, Hollow Road, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP32 7AY). Salary: £34,434 per annum pro rata. Hours: 29.6 hours per week with flexible working options. Contract: Fixed Term until 30 April 2027 (funding).
You will be involved in
In this role you will see the direct impact of your work on the people and places that make Suffolk special. Join us and turn your passion for progress into action.
Your Role And Responsibilities
* Be a key member of a new project team to plan and develop an exciting new community archaeology project, Romans Unearthed, and contribute to a successful Stage 2 grant application from the National Lottery Heritage Fund to enable delivery of the project.
* Plan, develop and deliver community archaeology fieldwork and experimental archaeology.
* Teach and support volunteers to record skills in BAJR Archaeology Skills Passports and AQA Unit Award Scheme certification.
* Develop innovative ways of using project activities to contribute to national wellbeing, in collaboration with Historic England wellbeing team.
* Work closely with consultants, key communities, partners and the project’s Management Steering Committee to plan and deliver the project.
* Support project aims to integrate archaeological protection with environmental land management schemes; if Stage 2 is successful, work with Historic England and Suffolk Police to undertake COSMIC assessments and develop land management plans and heritage watch schemes, supported by the Project Manager and SCC’s Archaeology Archives and Projects Manager.
* Lead on researching and creating a methodology and toolkit in the development phase to measure the carbon footprint of archaeological excavations and contribute to national research.
You will need
* A degree or equivalent in archaeology or history, or equivalent experience.
* Experience of professional archaeological fieldwork and supervising fieldwork on-site.
* Knowledge of at least one of the following: archaeological periods in England, the landscape and archaeology of Suffolk, community involvement; willingness to learn more.
* A passion for making a positive difference for Suffolk’s archaeology and a commitment to connecting communities with local heritage.
* Creativity, openness to change, collaboration, and strong organisational skills with experience in delivering projects.
* Experience of working with volunteers and local communities, preferably on community archaeology projects and with young or vulnerable people.
* Good knowledge of preparing and working to specifications and delivering projects to time, quality, and budget.
You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile (Word). If you believe you can succeed in this role, apply. Even if you don’t meet all requirements, still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.
The team
The Archaeological Service is the main provider of archaeological conservation, recording and advice services in Suffolk. This is a rare opportunity to join a passionate curatorial team responsible for the protection and promotion of one of England’s richest areas of historic environment.
Empowering Everyone
We’re committed to potential and diverse ideas. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report.
For more information
Please contact Faye Minter (she/her) for a casual conversation. Call 01284 741228 or email faye.minter@suffolk.gov.uk.
If you want to apply for a secondment, read the secondment policy and obtain permission from your current manager before submitting your application.
How To Apply
Step 1 – Read the Job and Person Profile (Word).
Step 2 – Click ‘Apply Now’ to start your online application.
Step 3 – Upload a supporting statement answering the questions below (no more than 400 words per question) using the Supporting Statement template (Word).
* Describe a time you planned and delivered an archaeological fieldwork project, steps you took to ensure success, and how you involved community volunteers.
* Describe a situation where you worked as part of a small team to achieve a shared goal, your role, and how you supported colleagues.
* Provide an example of communicating complex archaeological information to a non-specialist audience (e.g., via social media, blogs, or public events).
Step 4 – Upload a CV (without name and personal details).
Please note: Without a supporting statement and CV, your interest will not be progressed. Documents must be PDF or MS Word.
We value authentic applications. Applications suspected of being generated by AI may be rejected. For adjustments in the application process, contact our Recruitment Team at recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk or call 03456 014412. If invited to the next stage, you may request adjustments for subsequent stages.
Closing date: 11.30pm, 14 October 2025. Interview date: Week commencing 20 October 2025.
This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. DBS checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.
About Us
As a modern and effective council, we offer a wide variety of careers to suit different skills and ambitions. We support flexible working and are committed to making a positive difference. Reimagine the possibilities.
Benefits
* Up to 29 days annual leave entitlement (pro rata), plus UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering days
* Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
* Travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits
* Performance-related pay progression and annual cost-of-living pay increase
* Training and opportunities for knowledge expansion
* Career development opportunities across the organisation
* Diverse staff networks
* Flexible working options with the right to request flexible working from day one
Plus more. For details on benefits, values and equality commitments, visit the Suffolk County Council careers site.
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