Archivist
TRAFFORD COUNCIL
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Benefits offered by this job
Job summary
Trafford Local Studies & Archives is seeking an enthusiastic Archivist to lead cataloguing, organisation and digitisation of Trafford's archives. You will create detailed catalogue descriptions, finding aids, support public access and help identify material for digitisation projects.
Reporting to the Local Studies and Archives Manager, you will train volunteers and colleagues, sharing knowledge and ensuring professional standards are maintained.
Qualifications
- Solid understanding of archival practice and standards.
- Ability to organise and describe archival material to professional standards.
- Interest in preservation, access and digitisation of archives.
Responsibilities
- Lead on cataloguing, organisation and digitisation of Trafford's archives.
- Create detailed catalogue descriptions and finding aids.
- Support public access and identify material for digitisation projects.
- Provide guidance and training to volunteers and colleagues.
Skills
Tools
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
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.
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.
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.
For the full details of this opportunity, please refer to the role profile linked below.
If you have any questions or would like an informal chat you can get in contact with Matthew Wilkinson on 0161 912 1086 or matthew.wilkinson1@trafford.gov.uk
Trafford is a vibrant, inclusive borough at the heart of Greater Manchester. Home to 235,000 residents, four thriving town centres, over 11,000 businesses, and 60+ parks and green spaces. We’re a place where community and opportunity meet. With excellent transport links, a proud heritage as the birthplace of the NHS, world-class sporting venues and outstanding schools, Trafford is a fantastic place to live, work, and thrive.
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 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.
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.
- 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
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