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 Hannah.salmon@suffolk.gov.uk 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 recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk 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.
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