Collections Assistant

About this opportunity 

A Collections Assistant is required to support and assist the archive conservators in preparation, cleaning, copying, and packaging of a wide variety of archive material in the Conservation studio at Lady Gilford’s house, Carlisle.

Duties will also include some specialised cleaning in the storage areas of other archive centres in Whitehaven, Barrow, and Kendal. Appropriate training will be given in-house by our qualified conservators and archivists.

This post would suit someone who likes to work quickly, accurately, and carefully in a technical role, and has good hand skills and patience. An interest in history is an advantage, as well as problem solving and customer service skills. The role will help cover some customer-facing duties in the archive search rooms and will assist with volunteers in the conservation studio.

It would also be good pre-program experience for anyone is seeking to undertake a conservation qualification, or for those interested in exploring a career in heritage. Training will be offered at every stage, and there will be space for the candidate to focus on projects that they find personally interesting in the role, alongside daily tasks.

This role is essential in assisting the preservation of Cumbria’s unique historical records for the future and facilitating public access to records today.

Key responsibilities

• Specialist cleaning of vulnerable and historic materials
• Specialist cleaning in archive stores
• Making bespoke packaging by hand and using a box making machine
• Labelling and sorting of archive material using the archive catalogue, and keeping a record of all work done
• Assisting in the archive search room, for public access to archives
• Assisting in setting up and supervising volunteer placements in the conservation studio
• Light housekeeping duties including laundering cleaning cloths, and setting up for training days and meetings.
• To understand and assist in maintaining good health and safety procedures as laid down by national and local standards and regulations.
  
  This role is available on a permanent basis.

Who we’re looking for

Essential:

• Good literacy and numeracy skills, for example NVQ level 2 or above
• Use basic computer programs such as Word, Outlook, Teams etc.
• Good hand skills and the ability to handle irreplaceable items with care.
• Lift and carry records, sometimes of significant weight, sometimes from height using step ladders in accordance with Health and Safety procedures.
• Work methodically through large scale repetitive projects.
• Work collaboratively in a small team.
• Maintain a helpful, friendly, and courteous manner with the public and volunteers

Desirable:

• Familiarity with, or willingness to learn, specialist software programs such as Excel, Axiel Calm/Collections, or other cataloguing or photo processing software, is an advantage.
• Any qualification or demonstrable personal interest in history, art, chemistry or photography
• Driving licence and willingness to drive between archive centres outside of Carlisle.

We’re looking for individuals who embody our organisation's core values: ambitious, collaborative, compassionate, empowering, and innovative. We believe in the power of these values to drive positive change, deliver excellent public services and shape a better future for our communities. 

We’re also about potential over perfection and we can help you grow in the role and thrive in your career. 

Be sure to take a look at the post specification (below) for the essential criteria for this role.

Contact 

For more information about the role or to arrange an informal chat prior to your application, please contact Erika Freyr by email at erika.freyr@cumberland.gov.uk

Guaranteed Interviews

We offer a guaranteed interview to the following applicants as long as your application can demonstrate you meet the essential criteria for the role.

• Those who consider themselves disabled as defined by the Equality Act 2010
• Those in care or who have left care and are aged 24 and under
• Armed forces veterans whose last long term substantive employer was the armed forces

If you meet one or more of the criteria above, and wish to be considered for this scheme, select 'yes' to the appropriate question during your application. Find out more. 

Diversity, Inclusion & Adjustments
We’re dedicated to enhancing the diversity of our workforce and we encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds. That’s why we’re a proud Disability Confident Employer and also an Age Friendly Employer – to provide opportunities for everyone to thrive.

If you need any reasonable adjustments to participate in the recruitment process, please let either the hiring manager or our Resourcing Team know by emailing Resourcing@Cumberland.gov.uk. While adjustments aren’t always guaranteed, we’ll always listen and we’ll try our best to accommodate your needs. 

Easily apply by submitting your CV and answering a few short questions. 

Application and Interview information

• Closing date: Sunday 30^th March 2025
• Interview date: Wednesday 9 April 2025 at Carlisle Archive Centre
  
  

Please note this role may close early subject to demand. If you’re interested in applying, you should apply well before the advised closing date. We cannot accept applications once the role has closed. 

Please read the supporting information:

• Post Specification 

Please also refer to our Careers site to find out more:

• Our Staff Benefits
• Candidate Support
• About Cumberland Council