Careers in heritage – what could you do at Historic England?

Historic England is a Youth Friendly Employer with lots of routes into heritage careers matching your background, skills and interests. Can you picture yourself in one of these career areas?

Archaeology

If you’re looking for an archaeology role at the leading-edge of the heritage sector, look no further. Share your expert advice as you promote the protection, conservation management and interpretation of the archaeological heritage of our special places, spaces and artefacts.

Example roles:

• Finds Specialist
• Marine Archaeologist
• Maritime Archaeologist
• Zooarchaeologist
• Archaeological Conservator

Architecture

You’ll work at the leading-edge of the heritage sector, surrounded by some of the most passionate people in your field. You might find yourself advising on sustainable proposals for the repair of traditional and listed buildings. Or you could have your say on change proposals for historic townscapes and landscapes. You’ll create your legacy as you build a career you love.

Example roles:

• Assistant Inspector of Historic Buildings and Areas
• Landscape Architect
• Architectural Investigator

Business and administration

Keeping the organisation running smoothly, as part of the administrative and support teams you are key to Historic England’s success – with plenty of support, and room to grow and move throughout the organisation.

Example roles:

• Executive Assistant
• Personal Assistant
• Senior Business Coordinator
• Business Support Officer
• Project Officer
• Project Co-ordinator

Engineering and surveying

Whether you’re giving technical knowhow and support, or delivering strategies on the care, repair, maintenance and adaption of the historic built environment, your influence will shape the future of England’s special places and spaces.

Example roles:

• Building Services Engineer
• Geospatial Survey Analyst
• Building Surveyor
• Quantity Surveyor

Facilities management

You’ll play a key role in ensuring Historic England’s offices, are safe, clean and comfortable at all times. Here, every property – and every day – is different. Supported every step of the way, this is your opportunity to build a career you love knowing you are making a difference to working and historic environments.

Example roles:

• Facilities Manager
• Facilities Assistant

Finance

No two days are the same as teams provide the full range of financial services to the Historic England organisation, as well as a range of services to external clients. Join them and you’ll be surrounded by passionate experts in an interesting and varied environment.

Example roles:

• Finance Assistant
• Finance Business Partner

Human resources (HR)

From recruiting top talent to developing diversity and inclusion policies, the HR department provides advice and guidance across Historic England. You’ll play a vital role in helping the organisation look after people, so they can focus on caring for some of England’s most important historic places and spaces. You’ll help to make sure Historic England remains an incredible place to work, improving people’s lives for years to come.

Example roles:

• HR Shared Service Administrator
• HR Adviser

Information Management Technology (IMT)

From ‘business as usual’ service delivery to maintaining IT tools, applications and networks, you’ll play a key role in identifying and implementing the technology which will enable Historic England to care for some of England’s most important historic places for years to come. Supported every step of the way, this is a unique opportunity to build a career you love while ensuring Historic England continues to lead the way in the heritage sector.

Example roles:

• Change and Communications Manager
• Learning Management System Manager
• Business Services Manager

Legal and governance

Be surrounded by passionate, progressive people as you provide expert support in accordance with Historic England’s principles, practices and risk management.

Example roles:

• Solicitor
• Governance Officer

Planning and conservation

Planners and conservators help to make sure that the government’s planning, growth and housing policies take account of the historic environment. Collaborate with other passionate people across the organisation as you influence how Historic England thinks about policy and action. Your work will make a real impact on the lives of communities up and down the country – for generations to come.

Example roles:

• Environmental Planning Adviser
• Planning Adviser – Historic Environment
• Listing Adviser

Policy and data

At Historic England, you can help to make sure the necessary guidance is in place to support consistent advice and recommendations to Government on Listing, Scheduling and Protected Wrecks.

Example roles:

• Economic Analyst
• Listing Policy Officer
• Guidance Development Adviser
• Social Analyst

Public engagement

Engage diverse communities to inspire people to get involved with historic places they care about. Work with others to improve understanding of heritage through inspirational stories, innovative content, digital engagement, cultural events and learning programmes.

Example roles:

• Media Manager
• Social Media and Content Officer
• Cultural Programme Curator
• Archive Conservation Assistant
• Heritage Schools Manager
• Photographer

Historic England has one permanent conservator. This conservation apprenticeship can also be undertaken with multiple organisations with scope for progressing your career. You can find out more with the Institute for Conservation (ICON) and Institute for Archaeologists (CIFA).

Project management

Collaborate with experts at the top of their game to help Historic England deliver internationally recognised and renowned projects that engage people from all walks of life.

Example roles:

• Heritage at Risk Project Officer
• Grants Team Project Coordinator
• Project Manager

Science and research

It’s down to scientists and researchers to improve the application and quality of the scientific methods Historic England uses to investigate and manage the historic environment. They act as a local source of information to teams across the organisation and beyond.

Example roles:

• Science Adviser
• Research Coordinator
• Research Assistant