Assistant Historic Environment Record Officer

Environment Journal; Chelmsford; Hybrid; GBP 25,000 - GBP 27,000; Full time

Job summary

A government environmental consultancy in Chelmsford seeks an Assistant Historic Environment Record Officer for a full-time, fixed-term position. This role involves creating and enhancing Historic Environment Record (HER) database records and GIS data while supporting the HER management. Candidates should hold a bachelor's degree in a relevant subject and possess strong knowledge of British archaeology and historic data management. The position offers a dynamic work environment with remote working flexibility.

Benefits

26 Days Leave

Local Government Pension

Qualifications

• Educated to RQF level 6 in a relevant subject or equivalent by experience.
• Evidence of continuing professional development.
• Graduate level technical practitioner with knowledge of historic environment information management.

Responsibilities

• Create new HER database records and GIS data from various sources.
• Enhance existing HER database records and GIS data.
• Assist with the maintenance and digitisation of the HER reference collection.

Skills

Knowledge of British archaeology

Attention to detail

Excellent written English

Good ICT skills

Methodical approach

Education

Bachelor's degree in a relevant subject

Tools

GIS

HBSMR

Job description

Overview

Assistant Historic Environment Record Officer – FTC

Salary: £25 081 - £26 679 per annum + 26 Days Leave & Local Gov Pension

Location: Chelmsford, England, Essex

Job Type: Full Time, Fixed Term

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.

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.

To apply please click the Apply Now link below.

Apply for Assistant Historic Environment Record Officer – FTC

This role expires 19/02/2026.