Head of Department Archaeology and Monument Preservation 80 - 100%

looking ahead | shaping | preserving

Building Department Canton Zurich

80 - 100%

01.10.2026 or by arrangement

Head of Department Archaeology and Monument Preservation

Our Department of Archaeology and Monument Preservation contributes to preserving, researching, and making visible the cultural heritage in the Canton of Zurich. Together with various stakeholders, sustainable solutions for different uses must be developed. Due to the retirement of the previous position holder, we are looking for a committed, strategically acting leader with expertise and a strong desire to shape the future to lead the department.

Your tasks

• Overall management of the department with eight specialist areas including budget and personnel responsibility
• Strategic orientation and further development of archaeology and monument preservation as well as positioning the department in a dynamic environment
• Interdisciplinary collaboration and networking with administrative authorities at all levels and institutions as well as representation in projects and expert committees
• Promotion and support of employees with diverse professional profiles
• Member of the management of the Office for Spatial Development

Your profile

• Several years of leadership and professional experience, ideally within the administration
• Solid understanding of political processes as well as pronounced strategic competence and implementation strength
• Cooperative leadership style, high social competence, as well as dialogue skills and convincing communication abilities
• Ability to actively shape change processes, promote collaboration, and effectively set priorities
• University degree in archaeology, monument preservation, architecture, building research, or comparable qualification

Our offer

We offer you the opportunity to actively shape and influence socially relevant fields. You can expect diverse tasks and projects with high visibility and relevance. You can look forward to a collegial atmosphere within the department and across the organization.

The compatibility of work and private life is a central part of our office culture.

The compatibility of work and private life is a central part of our office culture.

Your contact

Sara Künzli, Head of Office

+41 43 259 30 20

sara.kuenzli@bd.zh.ch

+41 43 259 30 20

sara.kuenzli@bd.zh.ch

Dear personnel service providers! Unfortunately, we cannot consider dossiers associated with fee demands. Only direct applications will be answered and considered in the selection process.

About us

The Office for Spatial Development (ARE) is the cantonal specialist office for spatial planning, geoinformation, and cultural heritage preservation. It contributes to promoting the quality of location for the living and economic area of Zurich and creates the conditions for attractive settlement and landscape areas. In addition, ARE provides spatial data and preserves the cultural heritage of the Canton of Zurich.

Do you want to leave traces? If you engage with us at the Building Department, you help shape the face of the Canton of Zurich. We can offer you an exciting environment.

Do you want to leave traces? If you engage with us at the Building Department, you help shape the face of the Canton of Zurich. We can offer you an exciting environment.

We offer…

Lunch check

Meaningful work

Good and broad training and further education opportunities

Mobile work / home office

Interaction at eye level

Your application process

Pre-selection

First interview (end of January/beginning of February 2026)

Assessment center (February 2026)

Second interview (March 2026)

Final decision