Cathedral Archaeologist

OverviewAn individual will be appointed as Cathedral Archaeologist as required under the Care of Cathedrals Measure

We recognise that many archaeologists work as part of a practice which can offer additional support as and when project demands require.

Therefore, we have considered the role specification both individually and as a practice.

Please note applications from individuals will not be at a disadvantage in this process, but they should make it clear how they would call on support if required in an area outside of their expertise and / or capacity.The Practice Could Also Bring : The ability to call on other archaeologists or practitioners that will support Chapter's needs.

Be able to service the precinct, estate (including the Scheduled Ancient Monument) as well as the Cathedral on any larger projects.The Church of England is for everyone, and we want to reflect the diversity of the community the church serves across the whole country, whether through age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability and gender.

We see this appointment as an opportunity to seek to diversify and include these groups and whilst appointment will be made on the merit of the application, we would strongly encourage all to apply regardless of background.Lichfield Cathedral is a complex building and access can be challenging (including accessing spaces at height).

Lichfield Cathedral will ensure that there will be an opportunity to discuss alternative access arrangements by others and / or rationale for anyone who may have difficulty accessing any spaces within the Cathedral to allow for all applicants to apply for this role.Primarily the Cathedral archaeologist role is as set out in the Care of Cathedrals Measure

• .The Cathedral archaeologist will act as professional advisor to Chapter on all matters for which it has statutory and non-statutory archaeological responsibility.

The Cathedral Archaeologist will be concerned with archaeological remains, that is, the remains of any building, work or artefact.

They will be concerned with below-ground evidence including human remains, standing structures, the cathedral precinct, Scheduled Ancient Monument, its historical development, and artefacts associated with the cathedral.

ResponsibilitiesPrepare initial appraisals and assessments for proposed works that might destroy, reveal or conceal material of potential archaeological importance, and to advise on options for mitigating the archaeological impact of proposals, including outline costs, budget preparation and timescales of any required work in accordance with RIBA stages.Reading of the cathedral and its buildings – Being able to support, amplify or challenge statutory position as well as gaining an understanding and knowledge on periods of building(s) relevant to Lichfield and The Close.Recording of fabric types – A new approach and understanding of stone type(s), mortar type(s), tooling, marks and plastic repairs for example.Assistance in determining significance, and relative significance.Overtime to develop an authoritative understanding of the Cathedral's history – its phasing and development which will also include gaining an understanding of the cathedrals records and provenance.Play an advisory role in developing policies and plans in relation to the entire fabric and the conservation of all its buildings and surrounding land.To carry out small-scale (as and when required) programme of archaeological recording and reporting of both below and above groundplay an advisory role in the preparation of policies and required standards of repair and works, consulting in the first instance with the Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Head of Property and, when instructed, leading the archaeological work.To advise the Cathedral on its collections which will include its care and curation, storage requirements and provide advice and guidance on transportation and handling of all of its collection items.To advise on currently unlisted / not scheduled heritage landscape and building features.

For example the ancient moat that once-surrounded The Close.To advice on archaeological components of Heritage Impact Assessments.Prepare full written scope of investigations.To prepare and undertake necessary watching briefs -both ad-hoc and during general maintenance or pre-planned project work.QualificationsMembership of the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (or working towards).

Excellent knowledge of the ecclesiastical and secular legislative and planning framework as it pertains to archaeology.Proven experience in the survey and analysis of historic buildings and archaeological sites, with essential experience and competence in church archaeology.Proven experience of working successfully in an archaeological curatorial capacity.Familiarity and capability with standard and relevant specialised IT packages and a willingness to learn Cathedral systems and portals currently used.Has published academical reports, field journals and major syntheses with the Royal Archaeological Institute "The Archaeological Journal" or on any other relevant journal portal.

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