Vaults Assistant: Archive Asset Care & Transport

British Film Institute; Dacorum; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 27,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave (rising to 30)

Bank holidays + extra from service

BFI pension scheme with 5% employer

BFI Childcare Scheme

Enhanced maternity/paternity pay

Complimentary tickets to BFI events

BFI Player subscription + merchandise/

Job summary

British Film Institute is seeking a Vaults Assistant on a fixed-term contract ending January 2029 to retrieve, transport, and re-file film, video, and digital assets with the highest standards of care. You will handle nitrate materials and follow BFI procedures, ensuring security and long‑term preservation throughout storage and retrieval.

The role supports the Stories in Motion project and involves driving BFI vans, lifting heavy loads, working at height, and strict safety compliance, with

Qualifications

• Valid UK manual driving licence with a safe driving record.
• Experience handling archive materials and driving vans would be advantageous.
• Ability to lift and manoeuvre heavy loads safely and work at height.
• Experience with archive storage, retrieval and re-filing processes is desirable.
• Adherence to safety procedures and collections care standards is essential.

Responsibilities

• Accurately retrieve archive assets from storage using cataloguing systems.
• Ensure safe, secure, and timely delivery of archive holdings to clients.
• Re-file assets with exact location control and accurate labeling.
• Barcode, label and track materials following established procedures.
• Drive BFI vans to transport archive holdings as required.
• Handle heavy materials during loading/unloading with care.
• Work at height safely, including ladder use where necessary.
• Maintain high standards of collections care and data accuracy throughout processes.

Skills

Driving licence

Heavy lifting

Archive handling

Asset tracking

Safety compliance

Job description

British Film Institute is seeking a Vaults Assistant on a fixed-term contract ending January 2029 to retrieve, transport, and re-file film, video, and digital assets with the highest standards of care. You will handle nitrate materials and follow BFI procedures, ensuring security and long‑term preservation throughout storage and retrieval.

The role supports the Stories in Motion project and involves driving BFI vans, lifting heavy loads, working at height, and strict safety compliance, with