Archivist

Trafford Council; Trafford; On-site; GBP 9,000 - 13,000; Part time

Job summary

Trafford Council is seeking a Part-time Archivist to lead catalogue, description and digitisation efforts for Trafford's archives. You will support public access, train volunteers, and contribute to professional standard practices.

The role focuses on organising diverse collections, maintaining finding aids, and promoting the service while reporting to the Local Studies and Archives Manager. Requires strong archival knowledge and collaboration.

Qualifications

• Experience in archival practice and procedures.
• Ability to catalogue and describe archives to professional standards.
• Experience supporting digitisation projects is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Lead catalogue and description work for Trafford archives.
• Support public access and volunteers.
• Identify material suitable for digitisation projects.

Skills

Archivist

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Job description

Working Pattern: Part time

Working Arrangement: Monday to Friday 18.13 hours p/w

Fixed Term End Date: End of March 2027

Interview Date/Type: 22/09/2026 In person / Microsoft Teams

About the Role

Trafford Local Studies & Archives are seeking an enthusiastic and skilled Archivist. This varied and rewarding role will see you play a leading role on the cataloguing, organisation and digitisation of Trafford's archives, ensuring collections are managed to professional standards and remain accessible for future generations. You will work with a diverse range of records, create detailed catalogue descriptions and finding aids, support public access, and identify material suitable for digitisation projects.

Reporting to the Local Studies and Archives Manager, you will contribute to projects that promote and develop the service. You will provide guidance and training to volunteers and colleagues, helping to build knowledge and confidence across the team.

The successful candidate will combine strong archival knowledge with excellent organisational, communication and project management skills. In return, you'll have the opportunity to work with fascinating collections, shape the future of Trafford's archives and make a lasting contribution to preserving and sharing the borough's rich heritage.

Please note that Trafford Local Studies would be open to combining the part-time roles of Archivist and Archive Engagement Officer into one full-time position if the requirements for both roles are fulfilled by the right candidate.

About You

Your style and approach will reflect Trafford’s values and behaviours: you will need the ability to work well in a team as well as independently on tasks. Be capable of learning and following procedures whilst displaying a high attention to detail. You will be able to demonstrate sound communication (verbal and written) and interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate key information clearly to customers and colleagues. You will need to show a genuine interest in archival practice, procedures, and policies in addition an enthusiasm and receptiveness to learn new skills and knowledge.

About us

Trafford Local Studies & Archives preserves, manages, and provides access to archive records which relate to the former towns and rural areas which, since 1974, make up the Metropolitan Borough of Trafford. Trafford’s collections include archival records created by organisations or institutions, business records, and personal papers. We also hold an art and heritage collection that is comprised of artefacts and works of art with links to the local area. The Trafford Local Studies centre (TLSC) is located on the ground floor of Waterside House, in Sale (M33 7ZF). Our facilities include a Reading Room for the purposes of archives research and study, along with a bank of public computers and both microfilm and microfiche readers. Our library stock specialises in local and regional history research, and is comprised of reference collections, lending stock, periodicals, and journals. We also hold an ever-increasing range of genealogical material to aid family history research, available both in print and online.

Our core office hours are 8.45am til 5.00pm, with staff operating on a 2 week rota system. This post is predominately office based but with offsite working for events.

Trafford is a great place to work and we’re keen to recruit someone with the right values and behaviors. We recognise that having a diverse workforce is essential to bringing fresh ideas and perspectives to our Council, so we particularly welcome applications from minority, marginalised and diverse groups, and we in turn promise a fair and unbiased recruitment process.

Find Out More.

For the full details of this opportunity, please refer to the role profile linked below.

Contact

If you have any questions or would like an informal chat you can get in contact with Matthew Wilkinson on 0161 912 1086 or [e-mail]

If you need help, adjustments or support at any stage, please get in touch with us at [e-mail]

Why Trafford?

We’re more than just a local authority; we’re a team of passionate people committed to making a real difference. We deliver essential services that matter, from education and social care to business support, licensing, libraries and leisure and much more. No matter what your role is with us, you will help us to create a borough where all our “residents, businesses and communities thrive.”

Our Culture...

Our values are at the heart of everything we do. They’re not just words on a wall, they shape how we work together, make decisions, and support each other every day.

They help us create a workplace where everyone feels valued, heard, and inspired to do their best. If you share these values and want your work to have real purpose and impact, Trafford is the perfect place to grow your career.

What you'll love about working with us...

Alongside a competitive salary, we offer a wide range of benefits designed to support your wellbeing, development and work-life balance:

• Generous Leave: Start with 26 days of annual leave (plus bank holidays), with options to carry over or buy extra days.
• Flexible Perks: Discounts on car leasing, cycle to work, home tech, plus family friendly policies and hybrid working
• Invest in your future: Join our generous Local Government Pension Scheme for peace of mind.
• Grow with us: We'll support your development at every stage! Through leadership programmes like our EPIC Manager, LEAP into leadership and senior leadership. Plus, you'll have access to specialist qualifications and personal coaching to unlock your full potential.
• Wellbeing First: Guided wellbeing walks and “Tea and Talk” sessions, and events like World Mental Health and National Fitness Day.
• Connect with us: Connect with colleagues through our staff forums or join our Let’s Talk events to network, share ideas, and hear about the exciting work happening across our council.
• Be Celebrated: For all your hard work, ideas and contributions through at our annual Time to Shine event, our cheers for peers’ scheme or through our EPIC Star Awards.

Key Information...

• Pre-Employment Checks: If offered a role, as a minimum we’ll need to verify your right to work in the UK, receive two satisfactory references, and medical check. Some roles may also require a DBS check and/or police vetting, which will be noted on the role profile.
• Please note: We are not a licensed sponsor and will not be able to support with your work visa.
• Privacy Notice: We respect your privacy. For details on how we collect, process, and protect your data, please click here: Recruitment and employment privacy notice | Trafford Council privacy notice | Trafford Council

Supporting Documents

Archivist Role Profile