Archive Assistant

Suffolk County Council; Ipswich; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking passionate Archive Assistants to join their dedicated team. In this role, you will connect people with historical records, providing exceptional customer service while handling archival materials. Your organizational skills will ensure the preservation of important documents, and your enthusiasm for history will inspire future generations. This position offers a flexible working environment and the chance to be part of a proactive team committed to sharing the rich history of the region. If you have a love for history and a knack for customer engagement, this role is perfect for you!

Benefits

Up to 29 days annual leave

Local Government Pension Scheme membership

Travel and health benefits

Performance-related pay progression

Training and career development opportunities

Flexible working options

Qualifications

• Enthusiasm for history and archival work is essential.
• Customer service experience preferred but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Assist customers with inquiries and archival materials.
• Maintain organized records and contribute to archive inventories.

Skills

Customer Service

Communication Skills

Organizational Skills

Attention to Detail

Education

Interest in History or Archival Work

Experience in Library or Retail

Job description

Job Title: Archive Assistant

• Location: Suffolk County Council - The Hold, Ipswich, IP4 1LN - On Site
• Salary: £12.65 per hour (enhanced payment for weekend working)
• Contract Type: Zero Hour Contract, No guaranteed hours, Permanent

Suffolk County Council's Suffolk Archives is dedicated to preserving and sharing important historical records. We are seeking enthusiastic and customer-focused Archive Assistants to join our team. Help us connect people with Suffolk's past and inspire future generations.

Your role and responsibilities

This role involves customer service, archival handling, and retail support. The ideal candidate will be organized, personable, and capable of multitasking.

• Greet and assist customers with enquiries, providing knowledgeable support regarding archives and services
• Retrieve and produce archive materials from strong rooms for customer use
• Assist with sales in our on-site shop and promote archival services
• Handle materials safely and securely, following preservation guidelines
• Maintain organized records and contribute to accurate archive inventories
• Collaborate with the team to enhance customer experiences and ensure a welcoming environment
• Support general administrative tasks related to the archives

You will need

• An interest in history, archival work, or related fields
• Excellent customer service and communication skills
• Ability to handle and transport archive materials responsibly
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Experience in library, archive, retail, or customer service environments (preferred but not essential)

For full requirements, see the Job and Person Profile (JPP). If you believe you can succeed in this role, apply—even if you don't meet all criteria. We welcome all applications for consideration.

The team

Suffolk Archives is a small, flexible, proactive team passionate about sharing Suffolk's history. Archive Assistants are part of the Operations Team, responsible for providing public access to collections at The Hold in Ipswich.

Our values

We believe in potential, possibility, and the power of diverse ideas. We aim to respect and enable everyone to excel and encourage applications from underrepresented groups, as detailed in our Workforce Equality Report.

More information

Contact Hannah Salmon at 01473 260071 or via email at [e-mail] for an informal chat.

Application process

1. Read the Job and Person Profile (JPP).
2. Click 'Apply Now' to start your online application.
3. Upload a supporting statement demonstrating how you meet each criterion, using the Supporting Statement template. Keep it to two A4 pages, in Arial font size 11, in PDF or MS Word format.

Applications without a supporting statement will not be progressed. We value authentic applications and discourage AI-generated submissions.

Additional information

For reasonable adjustments during the application process, contact our Recruitment Team at [e-mail] or call 03456 014412. Adjustments can be requested at any stage.

Closing date: 11.30pm, 20 May 2025

Interview dates: 3 and 4 June 2025

This role requires DBS checks or police vetting. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults.

Benefits

• Up to 29 days annual leave (pro rata), plus UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering days
• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• Travel, health, and wellbeing benefits
• Performance-related pay progression and annual cost-of-living increases
• Training and career development opportunities
• Diverse staff networks and flexible working options

Visit our careers website for more information on our values and benefits.