Historic Environment Advisor

Job Introduction

Job Title:

Historic Environment Advisor

Starting Salary: £34,434 progressing to £37,280 per annum (pro rata for part time) - Pay award pending

Hours:

37

Location:

Stevenage - Hybrid

Contract Type:
Permanent

Directorate:
Growth & Environment

This is an exciting opportunity to advance a career in Local Government Archaeology as we work to conserve the historic environment of the county of Hertfordshire. You will be helping to protect our known and unknown archaeological remains, historic buildings and historic landscapes. Crucially, you will also be responsible for identifying for conservation archaeological remains which are currently unknown or poorly understood and ensuring appropriate archaeological standards are maintained when investigations are carried out.

This is a unique opportunity to have a real impact on the historic environment of Hertfordshire for its communities.

For the right candidate this is also unique opportunity to be part of the dedicated multi-disciplinary LEADS team, addressing planning holistically across Landscape, Ecology, Archaeology, Design and Sustainability in line with Hertfordshire County Councils cooperate ambition to become “OneHCC”. You will be encouraged to explore innovative and creative ways to approach wider priorities, such as climate change, education, public engagement, place‑making and sustainability in meeting with Hertfordshire County Councils “RISE” values.

You will be joining a team of experienced archaeologists and historic environment professionals providing high-quality information and advice to the County Council and Hertfordshire Local Planning Authorities, developers and the public. The role involves ensuring that the historic environment is a key consideration when applications for planning permissions are considered, and appropriate high quality, best practice protection, enhancement and mitigation are properly undertaken including archaeological assessment, fieldwork, reporting and publication of results.

You will be part of an incredibly friendly family of dedicated environmental professionals all working toward a common goal. You will also join the team at a very exciting time as we look to grow and embed ourselves within the forthcoming Local Government Reorganisation programme. This is a unique opportunity to have a real impact on the historic environment of Hertfordshire for the long‑term benefit of its communities, whilst also learning new cross‑over skills from our partner disciplines such as ecology and landscape.

The successful post holder should be experienced in the field of development-led archaeology and/or the historic environment in planning with at least five years professional experience. You will provide high-quality information and advice to the County Council and Hertfordshire local planning authorities, developers and the public to ensure that the historic environment is a key consideration when applications for planning permissions are considered, and ensure that site surveys and appropriate protection, enhancement and mitigation are properly undertaken.

The role is currently hybrid with a minimum of one working day per week in council offices, although this may change subject to future needs and will require the ability to undertake site visits in areas not supported by public transport. Opportunities for continued professional development and training are provided on an ad‑hoc basis throughout the year. Previous examples have included attendance and presentations at conferences, including the CIFA annual conference, talks to local groups, public archaeology excavation and open days.

In 2025 The Hertfordshire Historic Environment Team was shortlisted for a CBA National Archaeology Achievement Award for its Membership of CIFA is supported.

You will represent the interests of the historic environment when supporting pre-planning advice, master planning and policy making, playing a role in giving a sense of place, identity and belonging. Your expertise and knowledge will help planners, developers and designers to improve the health and resilience of Hertfordshire’s historic…