Archaeological Officer

CORNWALL AREA OF OUTSTANDING NATURAL BEAUTY

MONUMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT

ARCHAEOLOGICAL OFFICER

This is an incredible opportunity to drive the delivery of the Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’s (AONB) Monumental Improvement Project. Representing 4,000 years of Cornish history, this project will ensure that 40 Scheduled Monuments in the Cornwall AONB will be better identified, supported and enjoyed by a wide range of communities and visitors by 2024.

Some of the Scheduled Monuments predate the pyramids; Iron Age hill forts and Neolithic settlements feature alongside Medieval motte and bailey castles, whilst others have iconic associations with the writer Daphne Du Maurier, composer Richard Wagner and the legendary King Arthur, making them unrivalled for their national uniqueness. 35 of the 40 sites are currently listed on the Heritage at Risk Register, whilst the remaining 5 are identified as vulnerable, with the main threats being climate change, unchecked vegetation and erosion. The Monuments are also ecologically significant with 16 located within Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), and a further 12 are in European Designated sites which have the highest levels of environmental protection in the UK.

This two-year programme of works will seek to ensure that the 40 Scheduled Monuments in the AONB are better identified, supported and enjoyed by a wide range of people. It will focus on removing as many of the sites from the Heritage at Risk register as possible, providing training for local volunteers to help care for the Monuments in the future. Through an extensive activity programme and increased interpretation, the project will also connect more people to heritage in the AONB, provide skill development, create jobs and improve the health and wellbeing of local communities.

This project will place people at the core of our efforts to stabilise up to 40 Scheduled Monuments across ten of the 12 sections that make up the AONB, enabling you to experience some of Cornwall’s finest landscapes and know that through your commitment and drive you are helping to conserve and enhance these integral heritage features.

We are looking for someone with the passion and expertise to implement the wide-ranging management plans for each of the 40 Scheduled Monuments. You will have expert knowledge of the historic environment and a proven track record in delivering heritage projects at a high level. This will include overseeing specialist and archaeological contractors and the programme of capital works, as well as securing all relevant statutory consents. The role will also line manage an Archaeological Technician Apprentice and will be involved in supervising volunteer archaeological training as part of the projects Activity Plan.  You should be able to produce accurate narratives and interpretation of project results, manage specialist contributions, and write, compile and edit publication reports to a high standard.

You will possess excellent leadership and organisational skills, capable of managing a demanding work schedule, with the ability to lead a project team and ensure targets are met without compromising on quality. You will be a member of a professional body for the historic environment (or able to demonstrate that you meet the requirements and join if appointed) and hold a full manual driving licence.

The post is fixed for 24 months and is intended to be funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund (funding confirmation after 9 May). The project is due to launch in Spring 2022, with funding anticipated from National Lottery Heritage Fund, Cornwall Council, Historic England, National Trust, Cornwall AONB, Cornwall Heritage Trust and Kilkhampton Parish Council.

To find out more about us, please visit https://www.cornwall-aonb.gov.uk/work-for-us

If would like to discuss any aspects of either role further, or if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Cornwall AONB Unit via email monuments@cornwall-aonb.gov.uk

This position will be subject to a criminal record disclosure check.

We are open to discussion about flexible working.