Position: Digital Archivist (Fixed-Term with Extension/Potential for Permanence)
Position Overview:
The essence of archives is profound – they are the keystones of accountability, scholarly research, and historical knowledge. From web pages to inquiry testimonies and influential algorithms, the preservation of our digital public records is paramount. The National Archives (TNA) serves as the UK Government’s and the courts’ official repository. As a premier institution in the digital archiving sphere, our strategic plan, “Archives for Everyone,” sets the ambition to evolve into a pioneering, enterprising, and innovative archive that advances our enduring mission within the context of the digital era.
In the Digital Archiving department, we are responsible for the acquisition, preservation, and accessibility enhancement of digital records. Our dedicated teams create and manage various digital tools and services, some with international usage across other archives and heritage sectors. Our department fosters an encouraging, friendly, and team-oriented atmosphere. We rely on agile, multidisciplinary teams to develop and deliver groundbreaking services that guarantee the longevity, prosperity, and utility of the digital Public Record.
Our location in Kew’s scenic landscape is well-connected via public transportation, vehicles, and bicycles. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes access to exhibitions at national museums and galleries, admission to the nearby Kew Gardens, on-site facilities such as a gym, therapists, and wellbeing resources, in addition to a restaurant, shop, and staff bar, and perks with local businesses.
Role Summary:
As a Digital Archivist, you’ll play a crucial role in managing the digital Public Records—ensuring their proper archiving, public accessibility, and the systematic arrangement of digital records alongside metadata for their enduring preservation and utility at TNA.
You will be expected to expand your expertise while also disseminating your knowledge, enhancing archival practices in critical areas like transfer protocols, presentation approaches, contextual framing, and the preservation of sophisticated digital documents.
Your role entails collaborating with our dedicated in-house product management and development teams to refine digital preservation tools like DROID and PRONOM, and conducting file-format research to upgrade the functionalities of these tools.
Candidate Profile:
We seek individuals passionate about establishing a career at a globally esteemed institution, applying digital archiving competencies to tackle the unique challenges that digital records pose. Candidates should be detail-oriented and systematic, with a penchant for devising solutions to intricate issues.
We value excellent communicators eager to join the Digital Archiving team to contribute to TNA’s evolving digital archiving practices. You should be research-inclined, fostering a culture of learning and knowledge sharing.
The role allows a blend of onsite and remote working, with the expectation to be present at our Kew site for at least 60% of working hours.
Security Clearance Requirement:
Candidates must either possess SC-level Security Clearance or demonstrate a willingness to obtain it. This necessitates a minimum of three years’ residence in the UK, with specific eligibility dependent on individual circumstances