Summary

We are the public body that looks after England’s historic environment. We champion historic places, helping people understand, value and care for them.

Historic England have a fantastic opportunity for you to become our Inspector of Ancient Monuments.

The South West Development Advice Team provides Historic England’s statutory and non-statutory advice to our customers, engaging where we add most value to decision-making.

As part of the team, you will take delegated responsibility for the delivery of Historic England’s advice on proposals for change in the historic environment that fall within your area of competence, specifically scheduled monuments, archaeology and historic environment planning. Applying the ethos of ‘constructive conservation’ and making effective use of Conservation Principles in all your advisory work, you will provide advice to owners, local authorities and others, to proactively work towards the sustainable management of the historic environment. As Inspector of Ancient Monuments, you will also work closely with other teams to assist communities in looking after historic places, to further Historic England’s objectives, and contribute to specific projects where your expertise would add value.

This role will largely take responsibility for Historic England’s ongoing advice (both statutory and non-statutory) on the proposed A303 improvement scheme within the Stonehenge, Avebury and Associated Sites World Heritage Site. In delivering Historic England’s advice, you will work with a range of internal colleagues and external partners. You will have a strong track-record of building constructive relationships across the sector, recognising differing viewpoints and priorities. An archaeologist by training you will also have an understanding of structural engineering and design in relation to new development in historic places, applying that knowledge to help improve people’s lives in line with Historic England’s Corporate Plan.

This will be a two-year fixed term post. We would welcome secondment applications and enquiries.

Salary

£36,603 pro-rata

What you will be doing

You will play a key role in providing Historic England’s statutory advice on planning, scheduled monument consent and management advice in relation to Scheduled Monuments and other designated heritage assets and archaeological landscapes – particularly in relation to the proposed Stonehenge A303 improvement scheme. This will include undertaking assessments of proposals, providing and delivering advice to an agreed timescale and with excellent customer service standards. A key part of this involves comprehending the legislation and polices involved and then working collaboratively with colleagues across teams and, where necessary, drawing on advice from regional and national specialists.

To represent Historic England (or if directed the Secretary of State) in the operation of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979, the National Heritage Act 1983 or other relevant legislation including with regard to the investigation and prosecution of offences in coordination with other public agencies.

To undertake pre-application discussion with potential applicants, applying the ethos of ‘constructive conservation’ to negotiate creative solutions to problems so that proposed changes are sustainable.

To be a proactive and collaborative member of the South West team and to assist with the development and implementation of team plans and wider objectives, as articulated in the Corporate Plan, Historic England Places Strategy and Public Value Framework.

To develop constructive relationships with external partners and customers (for example, monument owners, local planning authorities or infrastructure providers) and to be an effective advocate for the benefit of heritage to successful places.

To undertake any other reasonable duties commensurate with the grade and competencies required of the post requested by line management.

Please note that:

• The role requires regular travel to sites not serviced by public transport, particularly in Wiltshire.

• The role requires visiting/inspecting sites which are likely to require climbing scaffolding and negotiating confined spaces

• The role may require occasional attendance at community or planning meetings which can be held at evenings or weekends.

• This is a description of the job as it is presently constituted and may be subject to change, and job descriptions are updated in consultation with the post-holder on a regular basis to ensure they continue to reflect the needs of the role.

• We provide equality of opportunity for all. We will consider making reasonable adjustments for disabled people where necessary, to ensure this.

What we are looking for

• Educated to degree level or equivalent in archaeology or a relevant subject

• Broad and extensive experience of managing change to ancient monuments and archaeological landscapes, including through the planning system

• A thorough knowledge of ancient monuments and archaeological landscapes in England, and the techniques of their assessment and study

• Good negotiating and influencing skills

• Ability to adapt communication styles to a variety of circumstances

• Ability to act as an authoritative and persuasive representative of Historic England at all levels including public speaking

We are an equal opportunity employer which values diversity and inclusion. If you have a disability or neurodiversity, we would be happy to discuss reasonable adjustments to the job with you. Having just won the Gold Award from MIND, we also recognise the importance of a healthy work-life balance.

We are an inclusive employer and believe that flexible working options are for everyone. We want to make sure our working arrangements don’t prevent anyone from joining us because of their personal circumstances. We also want to provide you with the best balance in your home and work life that we can.

We are open to considering options including job sharing, part-time working, compressed hours working and different working locations, including hybrid working. Please visit our jobs pages or contact us to find out more.

Provisional interview date: w/c 23rd or w/c 30th October 2023

Why work for Historic England

We offer a wide benefits package including a competitive pension scheme starting at 26% contributions, a generous 28 days holiday, corporate discounts, free entry into English Heritage sites across the country and development opportunities to ensure you achieve your goals.

We are committed to promoting equality of opportunity for everyone. Diversity helps us to perform better and attract more people to support our work. We welcome and encourage job applications from people of all backgrounds.

We particularly encourage applications from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic candidates and candidates with disabilities as they are underrepresented within Historic England at this level.

Historic England want all of our candidates to shine in the recruitment process. Please tell us what we can do to make sure you can show us your very best self. You can contact us by email at ResourcingTeam@Historicengland.org.uk if you have any recruitment queries. 

To ensure a fair and inclusive recruitment process for everyone the use of AI or automated tools is not permitted.

Please click the following link for the full Job Description;

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