Career Opportunity for Project Officer and Licensed Archaeologist

Licence Eligible Project Archaeologist - £30500 - £34500 p.a (pro rata) depending upon experience.  Four month probationary period.

We are currently seeking a project archaeologist to assist with the successful delivery of projects throughout Northern Ireland.  Working as part of a small but dedicated team reporting to senior management, the Project Officer will be required to have previous experience in the delivery of small to medium sized archaeological projects from planning stage through to completion.  

What the Role Entails

The project officer job focuses on managing archaeological projects throughout Northern Ireland. You will work within a small, dedicated team and report directly to senior management. The role requires hands-on experience in all phases of archaeological work, including planning, excavation, monitoring, and reporting.

Key responsibilities include:

• Planning and managing field projects: Organizing teams, scheduling work, and ensuring all activities comply with health and safety standards.

• Conducting excavations: Leading excavations to professional standards, devising excavation strategies, and managing resources efficiently.

• Producing reports: Writing and reviewing impact assessments, watching briefs, evaluation reports, and post-excavation interpretative reports.

• Client and stakeholder liaison: Maintaining professional communication to ensure project goals align with client expectations.

  
  

This position demands a balance of fieldwork expertise and administrative skills, making it perfect for archaeologists who enjoy both hands-on and leadership roles.

Essential Skills and Experience

To succeed as a licenced archaeologist in this project officer job, you need a proven track record in several areas:

• Impact Assessments and Written Schemes of Investigation/ Programme of Works: Ability to compile and critically review these documents to guide project planning.

• Monitoring and Evaluation: Experience conducting and reviewing watching briefs and evaluation reports to ensure compliance and quality.

• Excavation Leadership: Management of archaeological teams and logistics including but not limited to;

  • Managing site Health and Safety

  • Staff Inductions and orientation

  • Submission of timesheets in a timely manner to HR

  • Ensuring all excavation works are carried out to professional standards

  • Ensuring all excavation archives are collected / collated and stored in an appropriate manner and to professional standards

  • Devising appropriate on site excavation strategies, resourcing and scheduling and ensuring compliance with agreed timescales and deadlines.

  • Excellent team leading and motivation skills

  • Compiling regular excavation schedule updates and summary reports

  • Liaison with senior management to ensure excavations are appropriately resourced and managed

• Post-Excavation Reporting: Ability to organize and implement post excavation strategies including but not limited to;

  • Production of PEAR / Post Excavation summary reports and post excavation schedules

  • Organisation paper and digital archive for reporting and for deposition with statutory repositories

  • Liaison with post excavation specialists

  • Liaison with post excavation staff to ensure quality data and report outputs

  • Ensuring fulfilment of post excavation work to agreed timescales and deadlines

  • Accomplished research and report writing skills

• Communication: Liaising effectively with senior management, clients, and stakeholders to keep projects on track with good written and verbal communication skills

• Ability to work to tight deadlines

• Critical thinking and problem solving

• Proven experience in the delivery of professional standard reports will be required

• The ability to work independently and on their own initiative  is also essential as is good client relation skills.

Desireable Skills and Experience

• A working knowledge of  Northern Ireland heritage and planning legislation (training will be provided)

• Competent in use of office software (Word, Excel, etc)

• Competent in use of CAD & GIS software

• Licence eligibility in Republic of Ireland

• Member of CiFA / IAI or working towards membership

Qualifications

• Degree in Archaeology

• Full UK Driving licence

• CSR Card

Working Conditions

This project officer job offers a competitive salary ranging from £30,500 to £34,500 per annum (pro rata), depending on experience, with a four-month probationary period.

• 37.5hr week

• Flexible Working arrangements

• 20 Days Holiday Pay (pro rata)  + Statutory Holiday

• Company Pension Scheme

• PPE provided as standard.

• Travel expenses

• Assistance with continuing professional development & job training

  
  

  Beyond the financial package, the role provides:

• Diverse Project Experience: Work on a variety of archaeological sites across Northern Ireland, gaining exposure to different types of heritage and excavation challenges.

• Professional Growth: Collaborate with senior management and a skilled team, enhancing your leadership and project management skills.

• Impactful Work: Contribute directly to preserving Northern Ireland’s archaeological heritage through careful excavation and reporting.

• Supportive Environment: Join a small but dedicated team where your expertise will be valued and your contributions recognized.

  
  

For archaeologists eager to take on more responsibility and lead projects, this role offers a clear path to career advancement.

Please download the application form - and send to ciara@farrimondmacmanus.co.uk

FMM_Employment_Application_Form_Project Officer_2026.docx

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