COTSWOLD ARCHAEOLOGY
JOB SPECIFICATION
Post Title:
Senior Finds Officer
Responsible to:
Post-Excavation Manager
Responsible for:
Finds Officer/Assistant Finds Officer/PX Supervisor
Purpose:
To take lead responsibility for the safe curation and specialist study of
finds in the care of CA, including the completion of project work to time
and budget, and the development of Finds staff and appropriate
systems of work.
Main Activities:

Ensure the successful delivery of finds work undertaken or commissioned by CA to
time and budget, through the effective programming of project work for the Finds
team and the commissioning of external contributors, as appropriate;

Ensure robust policies, procedures and practices are in place to assure the
appropriate and safe collection, retention, processing and storage of archaeological
finds in the care of CA;

Provide accurate estimates for Finds tasks and undertake specialist finds spotdating, assessment, analysis and reporting for post-excavation work, assessment
reports, typescript reports, publications and other products;

Assure the quality of specialist finds work undertaken by Finds team staff and
external contributors;

Manage and develop staff, ensuring their continuous improvement through
performance reviews and by initiating training, coaching and improved practices;

Market, procure and manage the progress and budgets of Finds Specialist Services
projects, reporting progress to Post-Excavation Managers and maintaining
appropriate liaison with Specialist Services clients;

Provide specialist finds advice to colleagues within CA, including on-site advice for
Fieldwork projects;

Proactively engage in the development of alternative and proportionate strategies for
the appropriate collection, assessment and analysis of archaeological finds to suit
available project budgets and objectives;
4 September 2012
Rev 28 July 2015

Ensure that all projects are carried out in accordance with the CA Health and Safety
policy, preparing risk assessments and other relevant documentation

Deputise for the Team Manager where appropriate;

Represent CA at appropriate meetings, and develop a greater public awareness and
appreciation of the company’s work through lectures, articles, website and marketing
contributions, etc., and to create opportunities for other members of staff to do
likewise.

Undertake specific duties commensurate with responsibilities as may be required
from time to time to ensure the success of the company as a whole.
Person Specification
Essential

Extensive knowledge and expertise in general finds identification, and in appropriate
methods for the collection, processing, analysis and storage of archaeological finds;

Specialist knowledge in one or more areas of artefact studies (preferably pottery
related), including at least 10 years’ experience of analysis and reporting within a
commercial environment

The ability to write finds reports to CA publication standard

Excellent IT skills, including MS Word, Excel and Access

Good time management, programming and budget monitoring skills, and the ability to
communicate effectively with staff and between departments and offices

Commitment to develop personal skills for the benefit of CA through learning and
training

The ability to deal efficiently and courteously with sponsors and clients of CA

Full UK/EU driving licence

Membership of Institute for Archaeologists (at MIfA grade)
Desirable

Proven track record of substantial contributions to publication or research projects
related to UK

Awareness of national standards and guidelines for finds work and specialist material

Experience of line management and the preparation of development plans.
4 September 2012
Rev 28 July 2015