Application Deadline: April 23, 2024, at 11:59 PM
Position: Temporary Senior Archivist (Maternity Cover with Potential for Renewal)
About The National Archives:
At The National Archives, we recognize the crucial role of archives in holding governments accountable, enabling groundbreaking research, and learning from history. As custodians of the United Kingdom’s governmental and judicial archives, our strategic vision, encapsulated in “Archives for Everyone,” is to be a forward-thinking, inclusive, and innovating institution that leverages advanced technology to fulfill and evolve our historical mission in the era of digitization.
Within our organization, the Cataloguing, Taxonomy and Data department ensures the accuracy, relevance, and enhancement of our catalogue records and the systems they are stored in. We are adept at handling metadata on a large scale, which is fundamental to all facets of our operations.
Located in the picturesque setting of Kew, we offer excellent accessibility via public transit, driving, or cycling. Benefits for our staff include free entry to various national exhibitions and museums, full access to the nearby Kew Gardens, and amenities like our on-site gym, wellness resources, restaurant, retail store, and staff bar. We also provide a comprehensive Civil Service benefits package, which includes the option to join the Civil Service Alpha Pension Scheme—a defined-benefit plan.
Role Summary:
We seek a dedicated Senior Archivist to temporarily fill a maternity leave vacancy, with the opportunity to make a significant impact on our cataloguing initiatives. Your key responsibility will be leading the “State of the Catalogue” project, addressing challenges that have arisen from transitioning from traditional paper finding aids to digital catalogues.
As we progress, there will be substantial changes to the infrastructure and methodologies used to manage and exhibit our catalogue contents, largely due to technological advancements and the growing volume of data related to our diverse collections. Your pivotal role will involve significant contributions to these developments and the fostering of collaboration across various departments at The National Archives.
This fixed-term position is initially for six months, subject to possible extension.
Candidate Profile:
As a potential candidate, you bring both qualifications and experience as an archivist, a passion for technology, and an organized, detail-oriented mindset. Your expertise as a cataloguer is matched by your enthusiasm for working with data and your innovative approach to problem-solving. Excellent communication skills are essential, as you will be engaging with colleagues from various professional backgrounds on technical and complex subjects.
This is a full-time opportunity, with consideration for part-time, flexible working arrangements, job-sharing, and a balance between on-site and remote work based on operational needs. Expect to be present at our Kew location for a minimum of 60% of your work time