Collections Assistant

Collections Assistant (Reprographics)

22.5 hours (flexible working considered)

Salary £12,885 - £13,120

Dorset History Centre

What’s in it for you:

As Collections Assistant (Reprographics) this post will deliver a vital element of the Dorset History Centre’s strategic plan, working towards increased public use, awareness and access to Dorset’s historic archive collections.

Based in Collections Care as part of the larger Operations Team at Dorset History Centre the post holder will work under the direction and management of the Archive Conservation Officer with appropriate support and guidance from the Archivist (Public Services). Working alongside a team of Heritage Centre Assistants there will be the opportunity to handle a fascinating range of unique historical documents and the chance to develop a knowledge of digitisation processes and document handling skills.

What you can expect to be doing:

Much of the work will involve using a digital SLR camera and specialist image editing software to produce digital images of a range of material from the historic archives held at Dorset History Centre, as well as records from external clients. The role requires an ability to work methodically and to handle fragile documents with care and respect.

Specific areas of work include:

• Assessing the suitability of materials for digitisation including physical condition, size and format under the guidance of the Archive Conservation Officer.
• Undertaking the digitisation of archive material using in-house photographic equipment, ensuring appropriate digitisation standards, preservation standards and the safety of the material is considered at all times.
• Processing digital image files with image editing software to ensure they are correctly cropped, in focus and fully accessible.
• Ensuring the integrity of the historic archive material is maintained by locating, retrieving and re-shelving records in a timely and accurate manner.

The post holder will also provide occasional support to the public service team under the direction of the Archivist (Public Services). This may involve:

• Assisting in the supervision and operation of Dorset History Centre’s search room.
• Retrieval of documents and other material requested and used by readers.
• Advising and assisting visitors using the sources and services of Dorset History Centre by telephone, post or email.

Other potential areas of work:

• To provide support for all aspects of the Service including support for collections management and organisation of the library and archive, marketing, web management, outreach, education and community-focused work.

About you:

Essential skills

You will have:

• An ability to operate within time constraints, work accurately with an excellent eye for detail.
• A willingness and ability to acquire relevant technical skills.
• Proven experience of working effectively in a team environment.
• An organised and flexible approach to work.
• Good problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Experience of dealing with the public, demonstrating knowledge of the principles of good customer care and of good communication skills.
• Able and willing to handle and carry boxes, documents and volumes which can be heavy and cumbersome.

Desirable Skills

• Experience of working with archive collections and handling delicate material.
• Experience and understanding of using an SLR camera and image editing software.
• Knowledge of Record Office or Local Studies Library systems and an interest in British / local history.

Additional Information

For a informal discussion about this position, please contact Jessica Pollard at jessica.pollard@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk or 01305 224960.

Dorset Council: A great place to work

We’re passionate about making Dorset a great place to live, work and visit. Working for us should be no exception.

At Dorset Council we:

• provide more than 450 services to over 300,000 residents
• have ambitious aspirations
• are excited about our future
• care about Dorset and all the people who live here
• know that all roles make a difference and that our employees are key to our success

You will:

• have access to a range of employee benefits
• be part of an organisation that supports each other to grow and succeed
• have access to range of training opportunities which will help with your personal development and career progression

We are challenging ourselves to become a more diverse and inclusive organisation. We recognise that recruitment and inclusion of individuals with diverse skills, perspectives and backgrounds will bring real strength to the council and our communities. We have a commitment to equality and welcome applications from everyone.

We are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. We offer an interview to everyone who declares a disability and meets the essential criteria for the role.

We are keen to make our interviews accessible. Let us know on your job application if you have a disability and need any reasonable adjustments.

We also look for applicants who share our commitment to our behaviours. We will ask you to evidence when you have demonstrated them as part of the selection process.

If appointed, the personal information we collect from you will be shared with Cifas who will use it to prevent fraud, other unlawful or dishonest conduct, malpractice, and other seriously improper conduct. If any of these are detected, you could be refused certain services or employment. Your personal information will also be used to verify your identity. Further details of how your information will be used by us and Cifas, and your data protection rights, can be found at https://www.cifas.org.uk/fpn.

This role is UK based and we will need to establish your Right to Work as part of the appointment process.

We use generic job descriptions and person specifications. This means the job title on any attachments may differ from the job title in the advert. We may provide specific information in a context statement if relevant.

We cannot accept CVs in the place of an application form as we need the same range of information from all our candidates.

Find out more about how to apply.