Archaeology Officer

• Suffolk County Council
• Address: Bury Resource Centre, Bury St Edmunds, IP32 7AY, hybrid working
• Salary: £34,434 per annum(pro rata for part time)
• Hours: 37 hours per week, flexible working options available
• Contract: Permanent

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join Suffolk County Council's Archaeological Service as an Archaeological Officer.

Based at the Bury Resource Centre in Bury St Edmunds, you will work alongside Senior Archaeological Officers to provide specialist archaeological advice that supports sustainable development and protects Suffolk's rich historic environment.

This role offers an excellent opportunity for an experienced archaeologist to develop a career in curatorial archaeology while helping to conserve and promote the heritage of one of England's most archaeologically diverse counties.

Your role and responsibilities

As an Archaeological Officer, you will play an important role in helping to protect, conserve and promote Suffolk's rich historic environment. Working as part of a specialist team, you will support the provision of expert archaeological and heritage advice, ensuring that historic environment assets are appropriately considered throughout the planning process.

Working closely with senior archaeological officers, you will review planning applications and provide recommendations to Local Planning Authorities on suitable conservation measures. You will prepare briefs for archaeological investigations required to discharge, or inform, planning conditions and monitor archaeological work to ensure it is carried out to the required professional standards.

You will also review a range of technical documentation, including Written Schemes of Investigation, archaeological reports and publications, helping to maintain the quality and integrity of archaeological work across the county. In addition, you will build effective working relationships with colleagues across the County Council, local authorities, Historic England and other partner organisations to support the understanding, protection and promotion of Suffolk's historic environment.

What you will need

• A degree in Archaeology or a related subject, or equivalent relevant experience
• Sound knowledge of British archaeology and archaeological practice
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with a wide range of audiences
• Good IT skills, ideally including experience of GIS software
• The ability to manage a varied workload and prioritise competing demands

The team

The Archaeological Service forms part of Suffolk County Council's Natural and Historic Environment Team. We are a knowledgeable and supportive team responsible for maintaining the Historic Environment Record, advising planning authorities on development proposals and policy, delivering archive and finds recording services, and promoting Suffolk's heritage through public engagement and outreach activities.

This role provides a unique opportunity to develop specialist expertise in archaeological planning and development management, supported by experienced Senior Archaeological Officers.

Suffolk is set to deliver a number of major developments and NSIPs (Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects), giving you valuable experience of providing archaeological input across a wide range of projects.

You will gain an in-depth understanding of Suffolk's archaeology while working with developers, archaeological contractors, planning authorities, parish councils, statutory bodies and local communities. Through this work, you will play a direct role in protecting and enhancing the county's historic environment for future generations.

Empowering Everyone

We're big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We're always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report .

For more information

Please contact James Rolfe, Archaeology Planning and HER Manager, for a casual conversation. You can reach them by calling or emailing

Closing date: 11.30 pm, 24 September 2026

Promoted as SPJ (Standard Plus Job) on Suffolk Jobs Direct.

This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.

In return, you'll enjoy:

• up to 29 days annual leave entitlement (pro rata), plus UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering days
• membership of a competitive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits
• performance-related annual pay progression, in addition to an annual cost-of-living pay increase
• training and encouragement to expand your knowledge
• a variety of career development opportunities across our organisation
• diverse and active staff networks
• flexible working options, with the right to request flexible working from your first day