COTSWOLD ARCHAEOLOGY
JOB SPECIFICATION
Post Title:
Publications Officer
Responsible to:
Post-Excavation Manager
Responsible for:
Project Supervisors, Archaeologists
Purpose:
Ensure the successful completion of post-excavation project work to
appropriate standards, deadlines and budgets.
Main Activities:

Ensure the successful completion and undertake a programme of post-excavation
project work, including research designs, post-excavation assessments, updated
project designs, stratigraphic analysis, and the writing for and compilation of
Excavation Reports and publication texts;

Liaise with and programme CA project staff and commission external subcontractors
to facilitate the successful completion of project work within established project
parameters, including review of specialist and subcontractor reports to assure
technical validity and adherence to commission;

Assure the quality of archaeological understanding and site records, stratigraphic
accounts and fieldwork summaries; and oversee the compilation of archaeological
archives to required standards;

Undertake fieldwork projects as and when required;

Manage personal workload effectively, as required, with appropriate escalation when
conflicts of prioritisation arise;

Ensure that all projects are carried out in accordance with the CA Health and Safety
policy, preparing risk assessments and other relevant documentation;

Contribute to departmental processes and working practices via Learning Reports,
feedback to Committee Representatives and suggestions for new and improved
practices;

Actively promote and develop a greater public awareness and appreciation of the
work of CA through displays, publications, contributions to the website, media liaison,
lectures, etc.

Carry out any other duties commensurate with responsibilities as CA may determine
from time to time.
November 2014
Person Specification:
Essential
(a) Knowledge of current archaeological developer-led practice, and familiarity with the
archaeology of all periods in Britain;
(b) Experience of post-excavation procedures and practices, including analysis of site
records and writing archaeological reports to publication standard;
(c) Proven team leadership skills, ensuring that project staff are able to work effectively and
efficiently to overall project parameters;
(d) Organisational, time-management and problem-solving skills, with the ability to
programme work schedules and to anticipate and resolve/escalate programme conflicts;
(e) Ability to work under pressure to deliver projects to a high standard within tight
deadlines;
(f) Six months of commercial fieldwork experience;
(g) Committed to keeping abreast of new developments, approaches and procedures in all
aspects of post-excavation, publication and archiving;
(h) The ability to deal efficiently and courteously with clients of the company, officers of other
bodies including English Heritage and Local Planning Authorities, and members of the
public;
(i) Good administrative ability in the keeping of records and accounts and the submission of
reports;
(j) A full manual driving licence;
(k) Good word processing and database skills;
(l) Membership of the Institute of Archaeologists at least AIFA, and preferably MIFA, level (or
able to demonstrate that you meet the requirements for membership). Candidates who
are not already a member of the Institute must be prepared to join immediately upon
appointment.
Desirable
a)
Experience/expertise in computer generated graphics packages and/or databases;
b)
Demonstrable ability to write authoritative academic discussions for archaeological
publications;
c)
Fieldwork experience as Project Leader on small to medium field projects.
November 2014