Landscape Heritage Officer

Beacons of the Past – Hillforts in the Chilterns Landscape

Job DescriptionJob title: Landscape Heritage Officer

Location: Chilterns Conservation Board Office, Chinnor, Oxfordshire

Grade: Grade 2 - £27,000

Hours: 22.5 hours Fixed term contract for 3.5 years Part time (0.6 FTE)

Reports to: Project Manager (Beacons of the Past)

Responsible for: Contractors, volunteers

Job purpose: Deliver key archaeological and heritage outputs of the Beacons of the Past Project. Lead on the visualisations, interpretation and ground truthing of LiDAR and survey findings. Develop displays, exhibitions and digital interpretation resources. Recruit, support and manage volunteers on archaeological elements of project delivery.

Principal contacts: ArchaeologistsVolunteersCommunity groupsProject partners and stakeholdersLandowners and land managers

Key accountabilities:

1. Manage and deliver key archaeological and historic environment elements of the Beacons of the Past project, including planning and oversight of new archaeological research, investigation and survey.

2. Work with consultants and partners to turn LiDAR and other archaeological survey outputs into displays and information that will help to tell the story of the Iron Age Chilterns.

3. Recruit, co-ordinate, train, support and manage volunteers, and oversee ground-truthing of archaeological data from LiDAR.

4. Secure all necessary statutory consents required to complete practical enhancement and conservation work on hillfort sites.

5. Provide management advice to landowners.

6. Support the Project Manager in delivering the public events programme.

7. Manage the delivery of Conservation and Activity Plans, according to project objectives as agreed with Heritage Lottery Fund.

8. Promote and raise awareness of the Beacons of the Past project by producing publicity materials, press releases, website content, and project newsletters.

9. Organise and lead workshops and training for volunteers and community groups, as per Activity Plan.

10. Assist Project Manager in the development of teaching resources and other web-based activities and learning resources to meet the project’s educational objectives.

11. Work with the Project Manager to commission, source and develop Iron Age resource boxes for staff and volunteer use at events, walks, talks and other activities required as part of the Activity Plan.

12. Develop and deliver inspiring presentations for partner organisations, community groups and the public.

13. Support the project’s monitoring and evaluation systems.

14. Work flexibly and responsively, taking on other responsibilities as requested by the Project Manager, in line with organisational requirements appropriate to the post.

NB All employees will be expected to comply with CCBs terms and conditions, rules, policies, procedures, codes of conduct, values, quality standards, authorisation processes, risk management policies etc. and relevant external regulations.

This job description does not constitute a ‘term and condition of employment’/ It is provided only as a guide to assist the employee in the performance of their job. The job description is not intended to be an inflexible or finite list of tasks and may be varied from time to time after consultation / discussion with the post holder

Person Specification

Experience and knowledgeEssential

Minimum of 3 years’ experience of working as a professional archaeologist in the landscape archaeology and heritage sector

Able to demonstrate a wide range of archaeological knowledge. Demonstrable experience of training volunteers in field archaeology skills such as

ground surveys and geophysical surveys Experience of partnership working on a heritage or landscape archaeology project

Desirable

Good working understanding of management of historic assets in designated landscapes

Working knowledge of ecology and habitat management Experience of working with urban communities in landscape heritage project Experience of designing interpretation and promotional materials Experience of working with hillforts or other prehistoric sites Experience and knowledge of LiDAR capturing, analysis and digital outputs Successful track record of working on HLF-funded projects Knowledge of the Chilterns AONB

Skills and abilitiesEssential

Skilled user of Geographical Information Systems (ArcView), capable of creating, using and manipulating GIS data.

Ability to interpret and manipulate data output from LiDAR survey, LiDAR processing and geophysical surveys.

Ability to lead volunteers in the field, ensuring health & safety, that tasks are completed satisfactorily and that volunteers are engaged in a meaningful and enjoyable experience

Ability to produce / commission digital and other interpretation from archaeological surveys

Excellent organisational skills Ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines Ability to engage effectively with a wide range of audiences, those new to archaeology. Ability to make effective presentations to a wide variety of audiences

Desirable

Ability to prepare detailed reports, project proposals and project plans Ability to create and edit webpages, working with other web-based communications and

social media platforms

Education and QualificationsEssential

Degree or equivalent in relevant subject such as landscape archaeology, prehistory, historical geography

Current driving licenseDesirable

Membership of the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists

Personal QualitiesEssential

Well organised and a self-starter Highly collaborative, team player Able to complete tasks on budget and on time

Flexible attitude to work

OtherEssential

Ability to access all parts of the Chilterns and participate in a variety of relevant activities

Ability to work outside normal working hours, including evenings and weekends.

Summary of Terms and Conditions of Employment

1. The post is based in the Chilterns Conservation Board Office, 90 Station Road, Chinnor, Oxfordshire, OX39 4HA.

2. The post is offered as a fixed term contract for 3.5 years.

3. Working hours are 22.5 hours per week. In addition, attendance will be required at occasional evening meetings and at week-ends. No overtime is payable but time off in lieu can be taken.

4. The post holder must be able to visit sites across all parts of the Chilterns, and will be entitled to reclaim travelling or subsistence expenses incurred in the course of their work in accordance with CCB ‘s policy.

5. The basic leave entitlement will be 26 days pro rata plus public / bank holidays.

6. The Board is a member of the Buckinghamshire County Council Local Government Pension Scheme (www.buckscc.gov.uk/pension)

This summary is for information only and does not constitute a contractual agreement

Further information and how to apply

Application is by CV and covering letter, emailed to office@chilternsaonb.org by Monday 5th February 2018. The interview date will be on Monday 19th February.

For informal discussion about the post contact Annette Venters on 01844 355508