A number of professional archaeologists work in local government, usually at county council level. In the professional jargon they are known as archaeological 'curators'.

Dorset County Council's Historic Environment team is led by an architect with expertise in historic buildings, and includes two senior archaeologists, two finds liaison officers (Portable Antiquities Scheme) shared with Somerset County Council, and a project officer and project assistant working on the Dorset Historic Towns Project.

The Historic Environment team does not carry out excavations or any other sort of fieldwork. Unlike some other counties, Dorset County Council has never had an archaeological field unit.

We give advice to the local planning authorities on the possible archaeological implications of planning applications, and nowadays most archaeological work that takes place in the county is small scale and relates to the  process.

Information on excavations, surveys and other research carried out in the county is contained in the Historic Environment Record.

• Senior Archaeologist (Promotion and Liaison)
  Name: Claire Pinder
  Email: c.j.pinder@dorsetcc.gov.uk
  Tel: 01305 224921
  Fax: 01305 224835
  Full details for Claire Pinder
• Senior Archaeologist (Advice and Management)
  Name: Mr Steve Wallis
  Email: s.p.wallis@dorsetcc.gov.uk
  Tel: 01305 224222
  Fax: 01305 224835
  Full details for Mr Steve Wallis