Searchroom Archivist Chichester, England
Job description
Salary: £28,371 - £31,099
Working Pattern: Full time, 37 hours
Location: Chichester
Interview date: Thursday 20 April 2023
Based at West Sussex Record Office in Chichester, this is an exciting opportunity to play a key role as part of the Public Access Team.
You will help to supervise a busy public searchroom, providing advice and information to members of the public as well as internal customers whilst ensuring the care and preservation of the historical documents. You will assist with the research service, catalogue archives and contribute to outreach activities by delivering talks, workshops and exhibitions. You will also make a significant contribution to our social media presence, so experience in this area would be an advantage.
The role will require Saturday working on a rota basis (approx. 1 in 6), and occasional evening work to assist at special events and deliver talks.
Experience and Skills
Key Skills:
- Literacy and numeracy skills required for reading and interpreting old handwriting and measuring and surveying archival material. Advanced written communication skills, requiring research and presentation, to high publication standard in respect of Record Office reports and published materials.
- A logical and methodical approach in order to sort archive collections, compile catalogues and indexes.
- Analytical and judgmental skills to effectively interpret queries, requests and problems (including those of a very specialist nature) from customers and then supply them with the records/information they require.
- Advanced verbal communication and interpersonal skills in order to interact effectively with the public and colleagues and act as a point of guidance where appropriate and also in order to deliver presentations at outreach events.
- Sound and accurate IT skills in order to be able to use a range of searchroom equipment including computerised databases and the internet and to be able to catalogue records on the CALM electronic cataloguing system.
- Ability to effectively supervise, allocate and check work (of searchroom staff and volunteers).
Qualifications and/or experience:
- Degree or equivalent qualification, or equivalent experience demonstrating that level of applied knowledge in researching, analysing and archiving and preserving historical records.
- Post-graduate qualification in archival administration.
- Experience of archiving, storing and preserving historic records.
- Previous experience of contributing to the delivery of an archiving / preservation service within an agreed performance measure, preferably in a Record Office environment.
- Experience of providing a service to the public and giving specialised advice and guidance.
- Experience of supervising staff - Desirable.
- Membership of the Archives and Records Association - Desirable.
Rewards and Benefits
As an employer we recognise that it is our employees that are central to everything we do. We aim to create a supportive and dynamic working environment where employees can achieve their full potential, achieve a healthy work-life balance and are rewarded for the work they do.
In addition to working within a great team and a competitive salary you will have access to:
- 26 days annual leave + bank holidays.
- A generous pension scheme.
- Training and development opportunities, including coaching and mentoring.
- A strong supportive management team.
- A range of discounts giving our staff access to hundreds of offers with the opportunity to save over £1,000 (Including: Argos, Samsung, Asos, B&Q and many more).
- Free access to employee assistance programmes.
- Discounted membership at selected local sports and fitness centres.
- Car benefit scheme.
- A range of commuting and business travel discounts and initiatives
For a full list of the benefits offered to you as a West Sussex County Council employee you can find them on our Rewards and Benefits page.
Further Information
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The reference number for this role is EIE01100.
For an informal conversation or for further information regarding the role, please contact Matthew Jones, Assistant County Archivist at [email protected]. For issues or queries regarding your application please contact [email protected].
To apply, upload your CV and complete the application explaining the skills and experience you can bring to the role ensuring that any gaps in employment are covered in your CV. Please ensure you have saved the job description attached to the main advert on our website as, once the job has closed, you may not have the opportunity to download again.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. This post is subject to satisfactory references and health check.
West Sussex County Council is an equal opportunities employer committed to promoting an environment that is inclusive and free from all forms of unlawful or unfair discrimination and values the diversity of its people. We actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and take every possible step to ensure that no individual will be disadvantaged.
For information regarding your eligibility to apply for this role under our Disability or Veteran’s Guaranteed Interview Scheme, this can be found on our application help page.
Note for Recruitment Agencies: We prefer to hire people directly, but we do have a supplier list for when we need a helping hand. We'll be in touch directly if we need you!
Job Reference: EIE01100
