About The Role
Public Archaeologist (Project Supervisor/Project Officer): Edinburgh
About AOC
Salary range £28,031– £35,996 (depending on experience)
AOC is one of the leading, and fastest growing, heritage companies in the UK. We pride ourselves on our commitment to working on interesting and ground-breaking projects, and we are proud of our highly skilled, dynamic staff. We offer a full range of fieldwork, consultancy, survey, post-excavation, conservation and public archaeology services. We are a CIfA Registered Organisation with ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015 & ISO 45001:2018 certification. We actively encourage our team members to grow their skillsets during their time at AOC, with their ambitions matching ours.
Role
We are seeking an archaeologist with a passion for outreach and engagement, to lead on delivery of our commitment to 'Sharing Our Heritage'.
If you are already working as a field archaeologist with demonstrable experience of public outreach, or if you are working as an outreach officer, particularly with young people, with sound knowledge of the principles of archaeological fieldwork then this is an excellent opportunity to further your career in public archaeology, delivering social value and outreach.
The position is based in our Edinburgh office and involves working with our national team on a broad range of projects from sites across the UK. Projects will entail both in-house desk-based work at our Edinburgh office and on-site archaeological fieldwork, as well as design of training workshops and outreach delivery. You will liaise with our in-house teams as well as external specialists, organisations and members of the public, working as part of a team to design and deliver innovative and engaging activities. The delivery element of the post will involve working on location, across the UK as required, wherever projects are based. We currently have a large number of projects based in Scotland and in the North of England and are developing projects across our southern offices.
The work for this role will be varied, combining delivery of on-site excavations, schools outreach, adult skills training workshops and reporting on projects. Reporting tasks will include creation of accessible data in the form of social media content, press releases and web-based content reporting on project results as well as technical outputs such as site reports. A significant part of the role will be public-facing, training and supervising volunteers and participants of all ages, creating a supported and friendly environment during project delivery. Other significant elements of the role will include facilitating social value on development-led projects including publicising project results, coordinating open days and outreach events. The role may occasionally involve some weekend and evening work as required for certain projects – ensuring we are delivering projects that are accessible to members of the public available at different times of day; time off in lieu (TOIL) will always be given in these circumstances, and we encourage flexible working arrangements to accommodate public archaeology project schedules. You will work as part of AOC's Public Archaeology team on a daily basis and regularly alongside our fieldwork, survey and post-excavations teams on different projects.
About You
You will be an enthusiastic and committed team member, with strong communication skills and a creative and positive approach to outreach initiatives, including training. Drive, initiative and a methodical working approach with an attention to detail, and ability to work with minimal supervision both on site during excavations/workshop delivery and off site are essential. Past experience working with young people is desirable. Demonstrable experience preparing communications and marketing material e.g. social media, press releases and web-based content and site reports is very desirable, and you will be comfortable drafting public-friendly texts for social media and website use. You will be comfortable talking to members of the public and have a passion for engaging and communicating with diverse audiences.
A full UK driving licence is essential for this role as regular travel to remote and rural locations not serviced by public transport will be required.
Essential
About you
Degree level qualification in Archaeology
Dynamic individual able to work in a fast-paced public-facing environment who will be central to the reputation and future growth of social value at AOC
A track-record of working on archaeological fieldwork and with members of the public
Experience working with young people
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage confidently with a wide variety of audiences.
A positive and enthusiastic professional interested in an exciting career opportunity with a forward-thinking company.
Excellent team member.
Desirable
A willingness to work towards CIfA membership
Full and current driving licence entitling you to drive in the UK
A background in archaeology field techniques and heritage outreach
A background producing accessible high quality written content for archaeological projects
Benefits
Salary: Competitive and reviewed regularly, based on ability and experience.
Annual Bonus: Ring-fenced Scheme based on performance.
Welfare & Support: Comprehensive Employee Assistance Programmes, occupational health support, Medicash Health Insurance and generous sick leave.
Pension Scheme: Company pension scheme included.
Accommodation & Subsistence: Provided when working away from home, including weekend stays when required.
Training & Development: Access to training budgets, conference allowances, and career progression via AOC's bespoke Job Aspiration Matrix.
Training and support offered for a range of HSE programmes including, First Aid, manual handling, CSCS, SSSTS where relevant to your role.
CIfA Membership: 100% paid membership
Inclusive Environment: We foster an inclusive, tolerant, and supportive workplace with staff-led committees (Employee Representative, HSQE, Social).
Flexible Working: We offer a flexible working policy to reflect both the business needs and staff preferences.
Other Benefits: Cycle to work scheme, paid travel for all staff, and time off in lieu (TOIL) policy.
Applying
We are currently hiring for one role and welcome applications for either Project Supervisor or Project Officer dependant on your experience.
Applications via CV and cover letter should be sent to The overall closing date for applications is Friday 13th March. If you would like any further information on this post, please contact Cathy for an informal discussion. Your enquiry will be treated in confidence.
Two references will be required. Referees will not be approached without the candidate's permission.
AOC Archaeology Group is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
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