SUMMARY

We are the public body that looks after England’s historic environment. We champion historic places, helping people understand, value and care for them.
Historic England have a fantastic opportunity for you to join us as our Dendrochronologist.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• Significant experience of the application of dendrochronology to historic buildings and/or archaeological sites.
• Proven experience of writing reports and articles to professional standards.
• Ability to provide advice on use of dendrochronology and suitability for complementary scientific dating techniques.
• Rigorous attention to detail.

WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING

The Scientific Dating Team provide research, support and advice to Historic England and the wider sector on the appropriate use of scientific dating techniques and the chronological modelling of archaeological sites, buildings and sediments.
You will work closely with other parts of the Investigative Science Team (Fort Cumberland Laboratories and Science Advisors), as well as Historic England’s Archaeological Investigation Team, Regions Group staff and the wider sector. Our purpose is to understand the character, date and condition of historic places, objects and materials. We develop and promote evidence-based technical policy, standards and best practice. We also provide specialist advice and analysis to all Historic England colleagues, the English Heritage Trust (through a Shared Service agreement) and the wider heritage sector.

OVERALL PURPOSE OF THE JOB:

• To maintain dendrochronological expertise and standards in England, including developing and enabling the implementation of best practice in the wider sector.
• To act as an intelligent client for Historic England, providing technical direction of the programme of dendrochronology work we fund.
• To advise, devise, and deliver programmes of dendrochronological research in support of our corporate priorities, ensuring that the techniques applied are appropriate, cost-effective, and that the highest standard of work is maintained.
• To provide advice and training on the use of dendrochronology in England.
• To sustain and enhance Historic England’s status and reputation as an expert organisation internationally.

AT HISTORIC ENGLAND WE USE A HIRING SYSTEM CALLED APPLIED. APPLIED IS A BEHAVIOURAL SCIENCE-BACKED RECRUITMENT PLATFORM THAT REDUCES BIAS, IMPROVES QUALITY OF HIRE AND INCREASES DIVERSITY. WE DO NOT USE CV APPLICATION FOR THE MAJORITY OF OUR HIRING PROCESSES. YOU WILL ANSWER A SELECTION OF QUESTIONS THAT ALLOW OUR HIRING TEAMS TO TEST YOUR SKILLS AND SUITABILITY FOR THE ROLE.

To ensure a fair and inclusive recruitment process for everyone the use of AI or automated tools is not permitted.
Provisional interview date: 23rd September 2025
Please follow the link for a full copy of the Job Description –
https://cms.historicengland.org.uk/media/ah0dygmd/zw-dendrochronologist-jd-july-2025.odt
Job Types: Part-time, Permanent
Pay: £39,590.00-£44,961.00 per year
Expected hours: 18 per week

Benefits:

• Additional leave
• Company pension
• Cycle to work scheme
• Employee discount
• Employee mentoring programme
• Enhanced maternity leave
• Enhanced paternity leave
• Flexitime
• Health & wellbeing programme
• Sabbatical
• Work from home

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Swindon SN2 2E