Surrey County Council is seeking to appoint a Senior Archaeologist to join its Historic Environment Planning Team. Based in Woking, this role will offer an exciting opportunity for a suitably qualified archaeological specialist to utilise, develop and grow their skills in the assessment, understanding and management of archaeological sites and project work within the context of the planning process.
Our team operates Monday to Friday and flexible working is supported where possible, including working from home or from one of the dedicated facilities at a number of County Council sites.
Our Offer to You
26 days' holiday, rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 31 days after 5 years' service
Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
A generous local government salary related pension
Up to 5 days of carer's leave and 2 paid volunteering days per year
Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
Wellbeing and lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, and shopping
A chance to make a real difference to the lives of our residents
About the Role
Surrey County Council is a County Planning Authority responsible for dealing with planning applications for minerals and waste development, and for the County Council's own development proposals, which include Education and Highways Management. The Historic Environment Planning Team is part of the Place directorate and provides advice, guidance and heritage-related planning advice to a number of organisations, as well as to the general public.
You will be working with a busy team managing a varied and challenging caseload which could involve in depth and specialist discussion relating to any period of British archaeology at any given time. You will both contribute to and lead on the development of strategies, briefs, and schemes of investigation to guide archaeological sites through the planning process, as well as provide a wide spectrum of professional advice and support to all archaeological practitioners within Surrey, whether they be involved in large-scale commercial regeneration projects, or local society research.
This is an exciting challenge for a highly motivated and skilled heritage professional who has both an eye for detail and an ability to appreciate the wider context that surrounds it and is looking to build on their existing expertise in the field to develop their skills in the management of planning-related archaeological projects and heritage engagement.
Shortlisting Criteria
To be shortlisted for interview your application and personal statement must clearly evidence the following as a minimum requirement:
Educated to degree level in a relevant subject, with a demonstrable passion for the historic environment
Full Membership (MCIfA) of the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists
Have a thorough knowledge of British Archaeology, and a detailed understanding of the planning process
An ability to rapidly assimilate and distil large amounts of information into concise responses
Excellent IT skills and be confident at using Microsoft Office and GIS applications
Full UK driving licence
The job advert closes at 23:59 on 17/05/2026 with interviews planned to follow.
Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)
Surrey County Council is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation, moving from a two-tier system to two new unitary councils in April 2027. If you are employed by Surrey on 1st April 2027, your role will transfer with current terms and conditions to one of the new organisations, supporting local devolution and greater powers for our communities.
Join our dynamic team and shape the future of local government. Make a lasting impact with innovative solutions and improved services for our community. Help us build a brighter future for our residents!
Our Commitment
We are a disability confident employer which means if you have shared a disability on your application form and have evidenced you meet the minimum criteria, we guarantee you an interview.
Your skills and experience truly matter to us. From application to your first day, we're committed to supporting you with any adjustments you need, we value inclusion and warmly welcome you to join and help build a workplace where everyone belongs
Salary description
£47142.00 - £51175.00 per year