A Project Archaeologist (PA) is responsible for the design and management of the cultural heritage aspects of a project(s) they are engaged in. Their remit includes archaeology, standing buildings and historic landscapes. Their primary objectives are to facilitate the smooth running of heritage-related activities and ensure completion of all archaeological works, including site excavations, within agreed budgets and timeframes and preferably in advance of the commencement of construction. Their goals are to minimise the contracting authority’s exposure to archaeological risk and consequential costs, and to maximise the value-for-money of services delivered by archaeological consultants.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities:

The tasks accompanying the role of PA are wide-ranging and include:

• ensuring robust consideration of cultural heritage issues from project inception, through design, procurement and construction;
• advising the contracting authority on all aspects of the potential archaeological impacts of a project, including risk management in relation to previously unknown archaeological sites and delays to the programme that could arise from cultural heritage issues or progress on site;
• determining the level of cultural heritage input required on a project, from archaeological investigations and onsite monitoring, toexcavations and planning condition compliance;
• advising on the costs that may be incurred in complying with cultural heritage requirements;
• designing and managing archaeological assessment and mitigation strategies, including providing advice on the scope of post-excavation analysis, reporting and archiving required for each project;
• consulting and liaising with statutory bodies such as the National Monuments Service (NMS) and National Museum of Ireland (NMI) and local authorities on all aspects of project design, procurement and construction, including seeking agreement on Method Statements for excavation strategies;
• preparing and submitting applications for approvals (consents or licences) from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage;
• supporting the contracting authority in the procurement of qualified and competent archaeological contractors to perform the required archaeological services, including preparing archaeological contracts and specifications and managing the tender process, completing tender appraisal reports and recommending suitable tenderers;
• managing and supervising the archaeological works on behalf of the contracting authority post contractor appointment, ensuring that published NMS, NMI and IAI (Institute of Archaeologists of Ireland) guidelines, industry norms and planning conditions are adhered to;
• certifying archaeological costs to guarantee that mitigation measures deliver value-for-money to the contracting authority;
• ensuring that the archaeological consultant provides all appropriate reports on their work in accordance with contract conditions, and that relevant reports are up to standard and submitted to the appropriate bodies in a timely fashion;
• overseeing the post-excavation works and certifying post-excavation costs; and
• assisting the contracting authority in maximising the value and community benefit of archaeological activities in terms of communications strategies, outreach and dissemination of findings, including ensuring that the findings of the work are brought to publication.

Key Role Requirements:

In order to be successful, the Project Archaeologist requirements include:

• Preferably licence-eligible and fully qualified archaeologist, having a Level 8 qualification recognised by the Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI), or other Academic equivalent qualification, in Archaeology or equivalent discipline or have
• Have a sound knowledge of the role of archaeology within the planning process;
• knowledge of National Monuments and planning legislation, industry guidelines and implications for the management of archaeology and other aspects of cultural heritage on large infrastructural schemes;
• have a proven track record in project-managing and directing archaeological excavations and post-excavation works on large-scale development projects in rural and urban environments;
• have contract management experience (desirable);
• have experience writing and reviewing archaeological reports;
• have a publication record;
• have excellent interpersonal and communication skills;
• have technical skills in survey, GIS and CAD; and
• have the ability to work collaboratively as part of a wider project team.

Salary:

Salary will be €45,760 – €50,960, depending on experience. This is a full-time position.

Other Information:

AMS provides training and CPD for all staff.

The successful candidate will be part of a team of Project Archaeologists working nationally.

AMS supports employees working from home. We also have offices in Kilkenny and Kilrush.

We are an Equal Opportunities employer.

To Apply:

Please send your cover letter and CV to: jointheteam@ams-consultancy.com.