Position Overview
Title: Assistant Archivist (Estates Cataloguer)
Supervisor: College Archivist
Location: Jesus College, Cambridge
Work Schedule: Part time, 14 hours per week (permanent position)
Compensation: Annual salary ranging from £26,000 to £32,000 (pro-rata), determined by experience and qualifications
The outlined job description provides a summary of the expected duties for the Assistant Archivist, which may evolve over time to accommodate changing needs and is not to be considered a definitive element of the employment agreement.
Primary Role
The Assistant Archivist (Estates Cataloguer) is tasked with organizing, cataloguing, and repackaging the College’s Estate Archives. The principal goal is twofold: to create detailed catalogues for the College’s property-related records, enhancing access for educational and research purposes, and to streamline record retrieval processes for the College’s administration in response to property-related inquiries. These archives constitute a significant portion of the College’s historical narrative and serve as evidence of property ownership.
While the primary focus is on cataloguing the College Estate Archives, additional responsibilities include supporting broader archival projects, assisting in the College Archives’ day-to-day operations, addressing research queries, managing the reading room, and occasionally acting in place of the College Archivist.
Key Responsibilities
Cataloguing and Organization
- Systematically catalogue documents related to College properties from the 16th century onwards, which includes deeds, leases, correspondence, maps, and plans.
- Employ AtoM, an ISAD(G) compliant archival catalogue, adhering to national and international archival cataloguing standards, and integrate references to related records and secondary sources.
- Revise pre-existing lists from the 1950s, verifying the accuracy of the contained information.
- Consolidate materials by property to streamline the College’s archive system and, in coordination with the Archivist, eliminate unnecessary duplicates.
- Collaborate with the Archivist to develop a cataloguing structure and centralize electronic records that support both historical research and current administrative needs.
Preservation and Storage
- Ensure proper repacking and storage of records to maintain long-term preservation.
- Assist the Archivist in maintaining a conservation priority list for property deeds.
Professional Development
- Participate in relevant training and networking events to maintain and improve professional skills.
Benefits
- Enrollment in a defined contribution pension scheme with a death-in-service benefit of twice the annual salary
- Membership in a healthcare cash plan, Medicash
- Free daily staff meal while on College premises
- Access to family-friendly policies and support services, including maternity coaching
- Active Staff Forum and Social Committee organizing holiday events and gatherings
- Cycle to work scheme
- Use of College fitness amenities and library
- 33 days of holiday inclusive of bank holidays
- On-site parking availability (subject to space)
Probationary Terms
An initial three-month probationary period applies, with one week’s notice allowed for termination. Post-probation, one month’s notice requirement is in effect for both parties.
Equal Opportunities & Data Protection Statement
The College reaffirms its commitment to equal opportunity and fostering an inclusive culture that values diversity. We encourage applications from all backgrounds. All employees must have the right to work in the UK, and the College will process personal data provided by applicants in line with its data protection policy.
Application Process
Interested candidates should download and complete the College’s Application and Equal Opportunities Forms found online via the application portal. Completed applications must be submitted by January 12, 2025. Interviews are anticipated to commence the week of January 20, 2025.
Candidate Profile
Required Qualifications and Academic Credentials
Essential:
- A good honours degree or equivalent
- A post-graduate archival qualification in progress or completed
Experience
Essential:
- Proven experience in archival cataloguing
- Knowledge of conservation matters
- Proficiency in IT, automated cataloguing and archival databases
- An understanding of legislation relevant to the role, such as Data Protection
- Strong interest in developing knowledge about the College’s history, particularly its estates
Desirable:
- Experience with property and estate documents
- Basic understanding of conveyancing and land registration law
Skills and Abilities
Essential:
- Excellent communication capabilities, both written and spoken
- Professional demeanor and confidence when interacting with diverse groups
Personal Traits
Essential:
- Flexible working attitude and capacity to meet deadlines
- Discretion with sensitive information
- Team-oriented mindset