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.

This is a rare opportunity to join our Archaeological Archives Team, which is quite unlike any other in archaeology in the UK. Within the Archaeological Investigation Team, the AAT has expertise in archive management, digital data creation and archiving as well as publication of the HE Research Report Series. Our new Archaeological Archives Curator would not only have responsibility for managing archive material from HE fieldwork projects but also engage with national initiatives such as the Future for Archaeological Archives Programme and the Archaeological Archives Forum. You would also be closely involved in developing enhanced storage facilities at Fort Cumberland.

The Archaeological Investigation Team comprises five teams that include Archaeological Archives, Archaeological Excavation, Geophysics, Landscape Archaeology and Aerial Survey. As a member of the team you would have scope to inform and influence national initiatives and projects.

What you will be doing

Working with our archaeological teams, including Investigative Science, you will:

•  Manage the archaeological archiving process, advising project teams through the course of a project and taking responsibility for completing archive compilation and transfer

 •  Carry out collections management, including: documentation; loans and returns; monitoring the conditions in our stores; facilitating access to collections

 • Advise on and help to progress our programme of project completion and archive transfer, working especially with the English Heritage Trust

 •  Manage short-term staff to assist with the work of the Archaeological Archives Team

 •  Work with the Archaeological Archives Principal in setting and maintaining standards in archaeological archives, sector liaison, research and outreach, project assurance

What we are looking for

1.    An academic and/or professional qualification, or equivalent experience, in archaeology, museum studies or archaeological collections management or a closely related subject

2.    A minimum of 2 years of experience working with archaeological archives, with a demonstrable understanding of archaeological post-excavation procedures including associated standards

3.    Experience in collections management, including documentation, storage systems and storage environments

4.    Substantial knowledge and experience in the use and management of digital archives, including in-depth experience of word processing, data management and analytical programmes

5.    Experience of working in a team and managing team members

6.   You should have a clear understanding of, and commitment to, the strategic purpose of Historic England, especially our archaeological work.

7.    A valid UK driving licence

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 just won the Gold Award from MIND, 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.

We are open to considering options including job sharing, part-time working, compressed hours working and different working locations, including hybrid working. Please visit our jobs pages or contact us to find out more.

Why work for Historic England

We offer a wide benefits package including a competitive pension scheme starting at 26% 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.

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 ResourcingTeam@Historicengland.org.uk if you have any recruitment queries.

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

For a copy of the full JD please click on the following link;

https://historicengland.org.uk/content/job-descriptions-hr/curator/