Finds Liaison Officer Sussex

This job is no longer available, it expired on the Monday 15th October 2018

Salary: £ 25,000

Contract length: until 31^st March 2020
Salary: £25,000 (contract value £2,083.33 monthly)
Days per week: 4 (32 hours per week - flexible)
Location: Lewes, East Sussex
Closing date: Midday Monday 15^th October 2018

The Portable Antiquities Scheme records archaeological objects found by the public (including metal-detector users), to advance archaeological knowledge and to increase opportunities for active public involvement in archaeology. This data is made available through its online database. It is a partnership project, managed by the British Museum in England and the National Museum Wales (in Wales), working with national and local partners across England and Wales.

We are seeking a Finds Liaison Officer for East and West Sussex. The post is a freelance self-employed appointment with the British Museum, but based in Barbican House in Lewes, East Sussex, hosted by Sussex Archaeological Society. The fee is fully inclusive and you will be responsible for paying your own National Insurance, tax and pension contributions.

Key responsibilities:

• Facilitate the reporting of Treasure finds in according with the Treasure Act 1996, including taking in finds, writing reports on them, discussing acquisition with museums and couriering finds as appropriate (av. 30-40 cases p/a).

• Attend metal-detecting clubs where they are activing in recording with the Portable Antiquities Scheme (no less than quarterly) to promote finds recording (about 8 clubs in the county, some more active than others).

• Organise and support a team of volunteers (in-house volunteers and self-recorders) to record archaeological finds in Sussex; on average the Sussex FLO with volunteer help has recorded about 1,300 finds from Sussex p/a based on a full-time role.

• Attend PAS general meetings (bi-annually) and South East regional meetings (bi-annually) as appropriate, and contribute to Portable Antiquities Scheme publications.

• Promote the work of the Portable Antiquities Scheme.

• Seek opportunities for long-term sustainability, so this post might be fully integrated with the local archaeology/museum sector and full-time in due course.

Person specification:

You will have a degree in archaeology or a related discipline, or considerable relevant experience, together with experience of finds identification, recording and database entry, and public outreach work in a museum or archaeology environment.

It is essential that you have the ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of people and groups including metal-detectorists to explain the aims of the Scheme and the Treasure Act.

A high level of PC literacy is key, in particular a sound knowledge of using databases, to allow effective recording of finds on the Schemes finds database (finds.org.uk).

You will have experience of working with, training and managing small teams of volunteers.

You will be highly organised when working under pressure and to deadlines.

You must have a flexible approach and be willing to work outside normal office hours e.g. to attend metal-detecting club meetings.

For further information about the post contact Dr Michael Lewis (0207 323 8611) or Claire Costin (0207 323 8618).

To apply, please send a CV and covering letter to Claire Costin (ccostin@britishmuseum.org or Portable Antiquities Scheme, Department of Learning and National Partnerships, The British Museum, Great Russell Street, London, WC1B 3DG) by Midday Monday 15th October 2018.

Advert went live on: Friday 28th September 2018
Advert archived on: Monday 15th October 2018