Assistant Historic Environment Record Officer

About the role

Assistant Historic Environment Record Officer

Fixed Term, Full Time

Up to £26,679 per annum

Location: Chelmsford

Working Style: Anywhere worker

Closing Date: Wednesday 18th February 2026 at 11.59pm

Interview Date: Friday 27th February 2026.

Please note that this is a Fixed Term Contract opportunity to the end of March 2027.

This role is classed as an ‘Anywhere Worker’ and can be undertaken entirely remotely.

The Opportunity

Place Services is a multi-disciplinary consultancy within Essex County Council providing environmental and planning services to the Council, local authorities and other public bodies. Our purpose is to support the public sector to deliver sustainable development. The purpose of the Assistant Historic Environment Record Officer is to support the management and enhancement of the Essex Historic Environment Record (HER).

The post-holder(s) will support the transfer of data from the National Record of the Historic Environment (NRHE) to the HER, and the systematic enhancement of the Essex HER in line with national standards and best practice guidance. The role will include training and will provide an opportunity to gain significant experience in heritage data management, including the use of databases and GIS.

The post-holder will be required to clearly, rapidly, and accessibly synthesise and index information related to the historic environment. The role therefore requires a good knowledge of British archaeology of all periods and a good understanding of historic environment information management. These should be complemented by a thorough and methodical approach, excellent written English, strong ICT skills and attention to detail.

This is a great opportunity for anyone interested in a career working with Historic Environment Records.

Place Services offers a dynamic working environment, with a focus on staff welfare and personal development. To find out more about us please visit our website: https://www.placeservices.co.uk/

About the role

As an Assistant HER Officer you will be responsible for:

Creating new HER database records and GIS data from a variety of sources, ensuring that this new content meets recognised standards and is fit for purpose.
Enhancing existing HER database records and GIS data to ensure quality and consistency.
Enhancing the HER with information from the National Record of the Historic Environment and ensuring that this process is appropriately documented.
Assisting with the maintenance, storage, digitisation and indexing of the HER supporting reference collection, and enhancing its accessibility.
Supporting the review and development of HER plans, policies and protocols in line with best practice guidance.
Assisting with the development and delivery of improved access to the HER to enhance its recognition and use.

The Experience You Will Bring

Essential:

Educated to RQF level 6 (Bachelor’s degree) in a relevant subject, or equivalent by experience.
Evidence of continuing professional development, ideally working towards membership of a relevant professional organisation.
Graduate level technical practitioner with knowledge of British archaeology, historic buildings, and landscapes; historic environment information/data management, policy, legislation, standards, and guidance; and related office practices and procedures.
Able to work independently, under supervision, and as part of a team, prioritizing across a range of projects and activities, meeting deadlines, and delivering outcomes, with a methodical approach and good attention to detail.

Desirable:

Able to communicate appropriately with different audiences, including through supervised clear and concise technical data management, documents and reports for straightforward casework and projects.
Able to establish positive working relationships, with awareness of good client service.
Awareness of wellbeing and H&S, with ability to undertake simple risk assessments, and to implement safe working practices.
Able to use common software packages and, under supervision, specialist software, such as HBSMR and GIS, to record and present a range of historic environment data, and to carry out straightforward research, analysis, and interpretation.

What you should do next

If you are interested in finding out more about this role we would love to hear from you. Please apply via the Working for Essex website.

Please include a supporting statement (maximum 1000 words) which explains how your skills, knowledge and experience meet the requirements and why you think you are suitable for the role.

For a copy of the role profile, or if you have any other queries, please email daniel.warner@essex.gov.uk

To read more about our business area, please visit: Policy, Economy, Investment and Property

Why Essex?

As one of the largest and most dynamic UK local authorities, Essex offers a stimulating public service environment. Covering over 1,420 square miles and serving 1.8 million residents, we’re committed to transformational change and delivering better quality at lower cost. Recognised in the top three of the latest IMPOWER index for productivity, we ensure everyone matters in Everyone's Essex. With flexible working options and a focus on innovation, whether you are looking to develop your career or contribute to the local community, Essex is the ideal place for you.

In February 2025, Greater Essex was accepted onto the Government’s devolution priority programme, which will see local authorities in Essex work towards establishing a Mayoral Combined County Authority by May 2026. You can read more about devolution and local government reorganisation (LGR) on our careers site.

Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. We’re committed to interview all disabled applicants who choose to apply under our Job Interview Scheme if they meet the minimum requirements of the job. Please speak to our Recruiters if you require any reasonable adjustments during the process. We’re also committed to interview all veterans and care leavers, who meet the minimum requirements of the role for which they are applying.

Once you’ve secured your role within Essex County Council you will receive many great employee benefits, including support for unpaid carers and flexible working arrangements to accommodate their needs.

At Essex County Council, we value integrity and ethical behaviour. We kindly ask that you embrace our code of conduct and the Nolan principles, including throughout the recruitment process. Your commitment to these standards helps us maintain a positive and respectful workplace for everyone.

As part of employment with Essex County Council (ECC) should your role require a DBS check you will be required to register with the DBS update service. The DBS update service ensures all registered DBS certificates are kept up to date and allows authorised parties to view the status of your certificate. This is an annual subscription, and you will be responsible for ensuring this is maintained. For further information on the DBS update service please go to https://www.gov.uk/dbs-update-service

Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.

If you would like to be kept up to date on other relevant opportunities, blogs, news, events and industry related news at Essex County Council, please join The Essex Talent Community

If you have queries on this role or require anything further, please email daniel.warner@essex.gov.uk

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