At South West Water we believe that the strongest businesses are built on solid, stable foundations - with a vision and a culture that gives them the freedom to change, improve and innovate.

We’re proud to be responsible for providing reliable, efficient and high-quality drinking water and wastewater services for the beautiful South West area. And we have huge ambitions.

Not only are we committed to reaching net-zero by 2030, but we’ve also partnered with wildlife charities, National Parks and local partners to help ensure a better future for generations to come.

So, if you want to be part of a diverse team where opportunities flow and fresh ideas are welcomed, #JustAddWater.

Do you have experience in land management and archaeological field surveying? Do you want to work for the South Wests largest employer?

On behalf of the South West Peatland Partnership, South West Water are delighted that we have successfully secured funding from Natural England’s Nature for Climate Peatlands Restoration scheme which is made up of regional and local organisations to restore 2,634 hectares of damaged peatland in Cornwall, Devon and Somerset, saving a total of 652,625 tonnes of CO2 equivalent. As we move into this exciting new phase, you’ll be joining us as we enter a time of innovation, creativity and vision. This is a tremendous opportunity and the projects you will be working on can only add value and help preserve the future of our natural environment.

We currently have an opportunity available for a Historic Environment Officer to join our team working in Okehampton or Cornwall Council offices, with a hybrid working arrangement. You will join us on a full-time, fixed term contract until 2025, and in return, you will receive a salary of £28,000 - £30,000 per annum plus benefits.

About the role:

As part of the team, you will play an integral role by working on restoration plans and ensuring that significant archaeology has been identified, mitigation is embedded accordingly, and the compilation of these plans are met within the strict timelines set. You will be providing specialist advice and guidance to stakeholders to ensure the historic environment is valued and help enhance our understanding on the restoration sites. Using your strong communication and diplomatic skills, you will work with a variety of stakeholders to negotiate over the future management of their land and act as the lead point of contact for all contractors. 

What you’ll be doing:

Restoration Plans, ensuring that significant archaeology has been identified and mitigation is embedded as appropriate and compilation of these plans to strict timelines based on field survey, desk-based analysis and in collaboration with the SWPP Restoration Manager , Mires Team and Cornwall Council.

• Carrying out desk-based assessment of the significance of the archaeology of individual sites and of the constraints this imposes
• Undertaking fieldwork aimed in support of desk-based assessment aimed at identifying previously unrecorded features and assessing the condition of the archaeology of individual sites
• Working with the team to produce specifications and tender documents for the implementation of works relating to the historic environment and manage relevant contracts.
• Promoting and advocating the project to a range of audiences through different media and ensuring the partnership communications team has useful and up to date information to effectively communicate the outputs of the restoration programme
• Managing software and hardware required for in-field data collection including GNSS receivers, mobile GIS software (Qfield or similar), and resulting synchronization of field-collected data with SWPP team members and partner organisation
• Monitoring, implementing identified HE site monitoring and commission contracts as required. Assistance with project research programmes, including those run by the University of Exeter
• Assisting in training provision for students and volunteers in relevant aspects of Mires and the HE
• Assisting with administration of project and organisation of project events and activities
• Working in collaboration with other Project Officers and the whole Mires Team in order to achieve effective liaisons with moorland landowners/tenants/ users
• Working with partner organisations and funders to achieve their objectives
• Working with the SWW Natural Resources team and Upstream Thinking teams in the delivery of SWW’s catchment management and Water conservation responsibilities as set out in the 2020-2025 business plans

What we are looking for:

• An environmental advocate who is naturally passionate about sustainable land management.
• Degree in an archaeological subject, or relevant vocational qualifications and relevant work experience
• Significant archaeological experience, ideally from the uplands
• Experience of archaeological field survey work
• Development and implementation of HE management plans
• Management of contracts and supervision of contractors carrying out conservation works
• Database and GIS management and use
• Working with land managers and other practitioners
• Experience of land management particularly upland, peatland or wetlands
• Communication of peatland ecosystem services and the historic environment messages to a wide audience

What's in it for you:

We know that the support and commitment of our staff is key to our success so you will receive the opportunity for ongoing development and training for a long-term career with us. We’re one of the largest companies in the South West and are proud to have been awarded Investors in People recognition.

In return, we offer an excellent range of benefits including:

• Generous holiday allowance plus bank holidays
• A discretionary Bonus
• Competitive Contributory Pension
• Share save Scheme
• Various health benefits
• Wellbeing support programmes
• A range of Group Discounts
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Financial Support services

Closing Date: Thursday 30th June

Please note, interviews for this role will be on Thursday 14th July 2022. When applying for this role, please ensure that you are able to attend an interview on the above date.

Be yourself, we like it that way. Together, we will build a culture of belonging, where inclusion is instinctive. Diversity is our strength and a reflection of our communities. We care, we value everyone, we celebrate uniqueness.

Our core values which are essential to our success are:

• Trusted - We do the right thing for our customers and stakeholders.
• Collaborative - We forge strong relationships working together to make a positive impact.
• Responsible - We keep our promises to our customers, communities, and each other.
• Progressive - We are always looking for new ways to improve and make life better.