Archaeology Officer


Company:	Reading Borough Council
Salary:	£34,811 to £40,444 a year
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	Reading, RG1 2LU
Working pattern:	Hybrid - 3 days remote
Job type:	Permanent
Posting date:	12 Oct 2026
Closing date:	25 Oct 2026

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Summary

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.

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Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme

About Disability Confident

Disability Confident is a government scheme. It encourages employers to recruit and retain disabled people and those with long term health conditions.