Archaeology Officer

Are you passionate about protecting and promoting our historic environment? Do you have the archaeological knowledge, professional experience and communication skills to help shape how archaeology is managed across five Berkshire authorities?

We are looking for an enthusiastic and knowledgeable Archaeology Officer to join the Berkshire Archaeology team.

Working across Reading, Wokingham, Slough, Bracknell Forest and Windsor & Maidenhead, you will play an important role in providing archaeological development management and conservation advice. You’ll contribute to the protection of archaeological sites and historic landscapes, working closely with planning authorities, developers, contractors and historic environment colleagues.

We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity and inclusion is the key to our success. Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities.

We support hybrid working; it’s important to us that working arrangements are designed to enable our employees to excel and within this role you’ll have the opportunity to work in a way that suits your lifestyle.

About The Role:
As Archaeology Officer, you will provide archaeological advice on planning and development proposals, helping to implement effective archaeological policy across the five authorities through consultation responses and ongoing liaison.

You’ll work with developers and archaeological practices to ensure appropriate mitigation is delivered to the highest standard, and monitor works on behalf of the planning authorities.

Other key tasks include working collaboratively to contribute to the development of the Historic Environment Record, supporting the delivery of externally funded projects, and engaging with local communities to promote archaeological research and outreach.

About You:
We are looking for someone with a degree, or equivalent qualification, in archaeology or a related discipline, together with at least two years’ appropriate professional archaeology experience in Britain.

You will have a strong understanding of British archaeology and historic landscapes, heritage resource management, archaeological fieldwork techniques, and the planning system. Experience of Historic Environment Records or other archaeological data resources would also be valuable.

You will also bring:

• Associate or Full Membership of the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists, or equivalent skills and experience.
• Knowledge of national planning policy and local planning procedures.
• Strong ICT skills, including databases, standard software and GIS.
• The ability to make sound professional and technical decisions.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.

A driving licence and the ability to travel to sites within the five authorities is required. You should also be confident accessing and moving around archaeological and construction sites.

You’ll be part of a team that relies on each individual to play their part to the best of their ability. As well as the colleagues that you work closely with every day, you’ll also be part of Team Reading, playing your personal part in making Reading a successful and vibrant place.

Our vision is to ensure that Reading realises its potential as a great place to live, work and play, and that everyone shares the benefits of this success. Our values and behaviours guide how we will achieve this:
Work Together as one team - work collaboratively, with each other and with our partners, and demonstrate the Team Reading values in everything we do
Drive Efficiency - show initiative, be adaptable to change and put forward ideas to help improve delivery and efficiency. Take responsibility for our own learning and development and for reaching our potential.
Be Ambitious - be demanding of our own performance – striving to be even better – and be prepared to engage with and challenge leaders in a constructive and positive way.
Make a Difference to Reading - maintain the highest levels of customer service and be flexible and willing to provide the services needed at the time they are needed.

Our offer:
We offer a supportive environment to grow and develop your career with the opportunity to put your ideas across. Innovation and ambition are strongly encouraged, and you’ll get a great feel for that working in our friendly and collaborative environment.

A competitive salary alongside a range of benefits including:

• Generous holiday entitlement - 25 days holiday each year plus bank holidays - rising to 30 days after 5 years and 33 days after 10 years' service, with the option to buy additional leave
• A wide range of flexible working opportunities
• Modern working environment at the Royal Berkshire Archives in Reading
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• Life Assurance - three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS)
• On-site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) rated outstanding by Ofsted
• Season Ticket Loan - a loan to help with the cost of your rail or bus journey, to and from work
• Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand new, greener car for three years. The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax

For more information on this position please contact Fiona Macdonald, Principal Archaeologist – fiona.macdonald@reading.gov.uk

Closing Date: 25th October 2026
Interview Date: Online interviews 2nd/3rd November, to be followed by a second round of in-person interviews mid-November in Reading