About Heneb: The Trust for Welsh Archaeology
Heneb is a charitable organisation committed to preserving and promoting Wales’s rich archaeological heritage. The Advisory Services section of the organisation, funded principally by local and national government, encompasses the Historic Environment Record, heritage management and planning advice. These are structured as national services delivered on a regional basis. Due to a retirement, we are seeking an archaeological planning officer for our north-east and mid-Wales region.
Job Purpose
The core purpose of the job is to ensure the effective protection, management and promotion of the historic environment of Wales (with a specific focus on north-east and mid-Wales) within a development context. The postholder will work as part of a small, dedicated team, providing archaeological planning advice for local planning authorities and monitoring development-led archaeological practice in the region.
The day-to-day work involves providing advice at a casework level, with strategic advice on policy consultations and so on, as they arise. The postholder will be responsible for identifying when archaeological interventions are appropriate, with reference to relevant planning policy and legislation, and utilising a wide range of information resources. The role includes setting the scope of the archaeological response required, monitoring the subsequent work and ensuring that professional standards are maintained through to completion. The level of autonomy and strategic input will depend on experience, with training provided as necessary.
Key Responsibilities
Service Delivery
- To provide written and verbal archaeological advice to local planning authorities, statutory undertakers and other parties on development proposals within planning and equivalent frameworks
- To liaise with planning officers, developers, applicants, agents and consultants as well as attending in person and online meetings, as required
- To provide archaeological advice to local planning authorities in relation to Local Development Plans and similar strategic planning documents
- To specify and monitor development-led archaeological work including writing detailed briefs, reviewing written schemes of investigation and reports, undertaking field visits and attending meetings virtually or in person
- As required, provide representations/evidence at planning appeals and public inquiries
Strategic, Stakeholder and Partnership Work
- Participate as a representative of Heneb’s Planning team and Heneb’s Clwyd Powys region in an external/strategic context, for example relevant regional conservation officers’ group, ALGAO.
- To act as a point of contact for enquiries from members of the public and other interested parties, in relation to historic environment matters arising from development proposals
- To liaise closely with colleagues within the Advisory Services section to ensure consistency and ethical delivery of services, and to promote the work of the section
- Assist with the provision of training and outreach to partners, users and stakeholders
Reporting & Administration
- Maintain appropriate casework records within existing systems
- Support the national lead for planning in the preparation of reports and statistics for internal and external users
Common Responsibilities to All Staff
- Adhere to high standards of ethical and responsible behaviour in the conduct of your work as described in the CIfA Code of Conduct, and the Standard & Guidance for Archaeological Advice by Historic Environment Services
- Work within the guidelines of the staff handbook and all Heneb policies and procedures
- Deal with information with due regard to confidentiality and data protection
- Support colleagues as required and establish good working relationships, both internally and externally
- Participate in the identification of training requirements and undertake training and development in line with agreed appraisals
- Attend Heneb internal meetings, as and when required
- Adhere to Heneb administration and financial requirements
- Heneb is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment
Person Specification
Essential Qualifications and Experience
- Knowledge of the planning and legislative framework in Wales, with specific reference to the historic environment
- Good current general knowledge of UK archaeology of all periods
- Thorough working knowledge of UK archaeological methods, practice, ethics and professional standards
- Working knowledge of standard desk-based sources of archaeological information
- Familiarity with computerised databases and standard office software
- Familiarity with GIS principles and practice
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- A degree in archaeology or a related subject
- A full driving licence
Desirable Qualifications and Experience
- Experience of providing archaeological planning or heritage management advice
- Knowledge of the historic environment of north-east and mid-Wales
- The ability to communicate in Welsh
- Membership (at ACIfA level or above) of the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists and/or other relevant professional bodies (e.g. IHBC)
- Post-graduate qualification in heritage management or related subject
Key Competencies
- Communication - Postholders must be capable of providing clear and concise verbal and written advice, dealing confidently and courteously with people at all levels. Postholders will need to be consistent in decision-making and to be able to justify comments.
- Problem Solving - Postholders must be able to appraise information quickly, to identify key issues and make evidence-based decisions; to work methodically and consistently with attention to detail and minimal supervision. Postholders must be able to propose appropriate strategies and be open to new ideas and techniques.
- Applying Expertise - Postholders should apply a range of skills, knowledge and expertise; take steps to update, develop and widen knowledge and skills; apply sound professional judgement; and know when to obtain advice and specialist expertise.
- Delivery - Postholders should support delivery of a consistent quality service and seek to achieve best possible outcomes; will need the ability to work under multiple pressures, plan and manage own time to meet deadlines; help plan and define priorities; spot problems; and monitor and review own performance.
- Continuous Improvement - Postholders should respond positively and flexibly to change, make suggestions to improve working practices, learn from mistakes, share good practice, and consider the potential of technology to improve work.
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Personal Skills - Postholders should be confident, calm under pressure, motivated and reliable.
Additional Information
Although primarily office based, this role requires periodic travel within the north-east and mid-Wales region for meetings and site visits, including sites in rural locations without public transport access, and occasional travel to other parts of Wales.
Heneb is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
We encourage applications from people with a wide range of backgrounds, experiences and skills to join our teams. We particularly welcome applications from those who are from a global majority background and/or those who are disabled, as they are under-represented within our organisation.
Applicants must have the right to work in the UK without restrictions, no agencies.
If your skills or experience don’t fully match our criteria but you still feel that you’re a good match for this role, please get in touch for an informal discussion with our National Lead for Planning, Jenny Emmett on 07824 481 052.
How to Apply
Please send your CV and a covering letter outlining your suitability for the role to HR@heneb.org.uk by Monday 22nd June 2026.
Apply Here: Job Vacancies - Heneb
