Assistant Archivist

Rothschild Foundation; Aylesbury; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent heritage organization in Aylesbury is seeking an Assistant Archivist to support the management of a high-quality archive service. The role involves assisting with cataloguing, answering enquiries, and preserving both physical and digital records. Ideal candidates will possess a recognized qualification in archive administration and experience in archival practices. The position offers the opportunity to develop skills in a heritage environment.

Qualifications

• Recognized qualification in archive administration or records management or equivalent experience.
• Knowledge of current archival and records management professional standards.
• Understanding of digital preservation principles.
• Experience working in archives and records management.

Responsibilities

• Assist with full range of archive services, including cataloguing and preserving records.
• Answer enquiries and assist researchers with access.
• Build positive relationships to support archival services.

Skills

Archive administration knowledge

Records management standards

Digital preservation understanding

Experience in archives

Education

Recognised qualification in archive administration or records management

Tools

SharePoint Online

Job description

We are seeking an Assistant Archivist to be an integral part of the Archives and Records team at Waddesdon Manor. This role supports the Head of Archives & Records for Waddesdon, whose objective is to manage a high‑quality archive service for all areas of the organisation and members of the Rothschild family, and to embed an efficient and unified records management framework across Waddesdon, the Rothschild Foundation, Waddesdon Estate and the Rothschild Family Office.

Responsibilities

• Assist with a full range of archive services, including cataloguing, appraisal, answering enquiries, assisting researchers onsite and remotely, and assisting with digital preservation.

Archives Administrative Tasks

• Listing of records for appraisal purposes in line with the organisation principles.
• Cataloguing and describing archives in line with professional archival standards.
• Basic collections preservation.

Digital Information Management Tasks

• Appraising and preparing records for long‑term digital preservation.
• Assisting in the development of robust systems to manage and preserve digital information, records and archives.

Enquiry and Research Tasks

• Answering enquiries by email, telephone, letter or in person.
• Booking visits for and supervising researchers in the Reading Room.
• Producing documents from the strong rooms/repositories.

Support for the Head of Archives & Records

• Building positive relationships across Waddesdon.
• Delivering the strategic plan regarding high‑quality archives and records management for Waddesdon.

Office Tasks

• Fielding phone calls.
• Copying documents and images for researchers.
• Ordering supplies.

Outreach Tasks

• Participating in public and private events, exhibitions, study sessions and educational activities as appropriate.
• Training volunteer teams.

Other Tasks

• Ensuring skills and knowledge are in place to cover Records Management tasks where necessary.
• Assisting with the implementation and maintenance of SharePoint Online.
• Answering internal record request enquiries.
• Supervising confidential waste collection in compliance with data legislation.
• Supervising and managing the work of volunteers in the department, including developing tasks for volunteers to do.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Recognised qualification in archive administration or records management (or equivalent demonstrable experience).
• Knowledge of current archival and records management professional standards and an understanding of digital preservation principles.
• Experience of working in archives and records management.