Middleton: Paradise Regained - Appointment of Consultant Landscape Archaeologist

Descriptions

DRAFT BRIEF: Consultant Landscape Archaeologist (CLA )The CLA must be an established archaeologist with extensive evidenced delivery, peer-reviewed publication and qualifications in landscape history and archaeology, field survey and excavation, particularly of the periods from the medieval to the 19th century within Wales. Within this, knowledge of the archaeology and history of designed landscapes and gardens is essential, as is experience in working with a broad range of documentary sources. It is important also that the CLA has an extensive, proven track record of leading, supporting and encouraging project teams both in the field and in the office.The CLA will, at all times throughout the project have supervisory responsibility and oversight of all archaeological and historical work being undertaken, reporting to the Garden’s Head of Development and being responsible to the Director and Trustees of the National Botanic Garden of Wales for its management, quality and full completion.The CLA will also be actively engaged in the conduct of fieldwork, data retrieval, research and analysis, offering advice and knowledge to other project personnel in all the archaeological and historical processes. In this role, the CLA will be giving collaborative leadership to the whole archaeological and historical programme.The CLA will be responsible for signing off all reports prepared by other team members and giving advice on the structures and content of knowledge required for the creation of the GIS Historic Landscape Database. The CLA will also be responsible for the collation, editing and production of a final, peer-reviewed monograph on the archaeological aspects of the whole project.The CLA will also be responsible for the completion of the final, academic, archaeological monograph, detailing all aspects of this element of the project within one calendar year of the completion of the field and archive programmes. This time period may be altered, but only following discussions with, and the agreement of, the Director and Trustees of the National Botanic Garden of Wales.In conducting this work, due and careful regard for the site context of the National Botanic Garden and the Charity’s core mission purposes is expected. The work will take place within an area that is a National Nature Reserve, which is environmentally and ecologically sensitive and has a high public visitor profile and open visitor access. The CLA is expected to work closely with the Garden’s senior team and in compliance with the specifications, terms, and conditions of the funding award, and as instructed. It is essential that the CLA is able to work effectively and collaboratively within a multi-disciplined team of professionals.Heritage outcomes, volunteering, learning/education, and outreach are integral and key expectations of the project. The CLA will be expected to evidence a track record of experience, and empathy of working with a very diverse and broadly-based Project team to support delivery of these outcomes. Evidence of commitment to working in this context through the process of restoration from design to implementation, in ways designed to engage the visitor to the Garden is essential. Pro-active contribution from the CLA to the educational, volunteering, training and interpretational opportunities on offer to the visitor including children as well as adults is an inherent requirement.