Summary

We are the public body that looks after England’s historic environment. We champion historic places, helping people understand, value and care for them.

Historic England has a fantastic opportunity for you to join us as a Data Cataloguer working on the AHRC-funded Heritage Science Data Service (HSDS) (AHRC award ref AH/Z505705/1) project in which we are partners. The project, developed and managed by the Archaeology Data Service, University of York brings together key UK heritage bodies to improve access to heritage science data.

Full time Fixed Term Contract for 12 months. The role is based out of Fort Cumberland with hybrid working.

We offer a wide benefits package including a competitive defined benefit pension scheme to which we make 28.97% employer contributions, a generous 28 days holiday, corporate discounts, free entry into English Heritage sites across the country and development opportunities to ensure you achieve your goals.

To view our full range of benefits please follow the link here.

What you will be doing

You will work in close collaboration with Historic England’s Archaeological Archives and HSDS project teams to manage the ingestion of data from Historic England’s scientific research and reference collections. Through this you will gain experience of working with data across a range of archaeological and cultural heritage materials. There will be ample opportunity to develop your skills and experience in data and collections management, undertaking appropriate training and on the job learning.

Following instructions from expert advisors you will work on Historic England’s scientific research and reference collections to:

1. Create detailed catalogue records, including linking physical samples/specimens to existing physical records and creating digital records of these where none currently exist.

2. Perform quality assurance to ensure data recorded is clean, accurate, and adheres to relevant standards, as advised by experts.

3. Identify and create data packages to facilitate the deposition of data with the Heritage Science Data Service.

4. Prepare appropriate metadata in collaboration with the project team and relevant scientists.

5. Make recommendations for digitisation of records.

Who we are looking for

• Educated to at least A-level or equivalent.

• Experience of working with archaeological, heritage science, museums, archives or a research institution collection.

• Experience of working in an environment where teamwork was critical to getting the job done.

• Ability to work accurately and to deadlines.

• Close attention to detail in routine tasks involving numbering schemes and data.

• Experience in using databases and confident in the use of Microsoft Office applications including Excel.

• Able to manage time effectively, prioritise work, deal with multiple requests and competing demands.

• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.

Please note your application will be scored and assessed against the above criteria.

We are an equal opportunity employer which values diversity and inclusion. If you have a disability or neurodiversity, we would be happy to discuss reasonable adjustments to the job with you. Having won the Gold Award from MIND for workplace wellbeing in seven consecutive years, we also recognise the importance of a healthy work-life balance.

We are an inclusive employer and believe that flexible working options are for everyone. We want to make sure our working arrangements don’t prevent anyone from joining us because of their personal circumstances. We also want to provide you with the best balance in your home and work life that we can.

Why work for Historic England

We are committed to promoting equality of opportunity for everyone. Diversity helps us to perform better and attract more people to support our work. We welcome and encourage job applications from people of all backgrounds.

We particularly encourage applications from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic candidates and candidates with disabilities as they are underrepresented within Historic England at this level.

Historic England want all of our candidates to shine in the recruitment process. Please tell us what we can do to make sure you can show us your very best self. You can contact us by email at recruitmentTeam@Historicengland.org.uk if you have any recruitment queries. 

At Historic England we use a hiring system called Applied. Applied is a behavioural science-backed recruitment platform that reduces bias, improves quality of hire and increases diversity. We do not use CV application for the majority of our hiring processes. You will answer a selection of questions that allow our hiring teams to test your skills and suitability for the role.

To ensure a fair and inclusive recruitment process for everyone the use of AI or automated tools is not permitted.

Provisional face to face interview date: 19th March 2026

Please follow the link for a full copy of the Job Description –https://cms.historicengland.org.uk/media/lwkmi2yk/zw-heritage-science-data-service-hsds-data-cataloguer-jd-feb-2026.odt