Archaeological Planning Officer

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Posted on
Heneb
Contract
Permanent/ Full-time 37 hours per week
Salary
£33,082-£37,370 per annum depending on experience
Location
Baglan, Neath Port Talbot (hybrid/home working flexible)
Deadline

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, historic environment advice and planning advice. These are structured as national services delivered on a regional basis. Following a staffing change, we are seeking an archaeological planning officer for our south-east 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 primary focus on south-east 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 opportunity for strategic input on policy and guidance consultations 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 the planning system 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 Glamorgan Gwent region in external and strategic contexts, 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

This Job Description reflects the current situation. It does not preclude change or development that might be required in the future.

 

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 south-east 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 ahead 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.

  • Personal Skills 

    Postholders should be confident, calm under pressure, motivated and reliable.

 

Location

The postholder will be based in the Baglan office, but we are happy to consider hybrid/home working through agreement with the line manager. 

 

Additional Information

Although primarily office based, this role requires periodic travel within the south-east Wales region for meetings and site visits, including active construction sites and sites in rural locations without public transport access, with occasional travel to other parts of Wales.

 

Additional benefits

  • Annual Leave: 38 days annual leave per year (including bank holidays)
  • CIfA Membership: Membership fees paid in full
  • Mileage Policy: Mileage paid for all work conducted away from your office base
  • Training and Development: Allocated training allowance and bespoke continuing professional development and training plans
  • Research and Outreach: Allocated allowance for research and outreach work including opportunity to participate in Heneb’s wide-ranging community projects
  • Flexible working: We operate a Flexitime and Time Off In Lieu (TOIL) policy

How to Apply

Please send your CV and a covering letter outlining your suitability for the role to HR@heneb.org.uk  by 21 September 2026.

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, marital status, trade union membership, disability or age. 

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 work authorisation for the UK.  No agencies.

If your skills 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 481052.