Digital Project Archivist in Bristol

A fantastic opportunity is now available for a temporary Digital Project Archivist to join the friendly team at Bristol Archives (Bristol City Council). You will be based at B Bond Warehouse at the western end of the harbourside with superb views across to Avon Gorge and Suspension Bridge. This two year post is kindly funded by The National Archives (New Burdens 20 Year Rule Programme) and The National Archives (Archives Revealed Programme). Archives Revealed is a partnership programme between The National Archives, the Pilgrim Trust, the Wolfson Foundation and The National Lottery Heritage Fund which helps unlock collections across the UK and build the skills needed to care for them into the future.

Responsibilities:

• You’ll play a key role in supporting Bristol Archives to deliver an outstanding Archives Service by assisting in the development, management and access of digital archives and digitised assets.
• You will initially report to our City Archivist while we complete recruitment of your line manager, who is our new Senior Archivist (Collections).
• You will work closely with our three permanent Archivists, Senior Archivist (Access & Engagement), as well as search room, Modern Records and museum colleagues.
• We are working towards UK Archive Service re‑Accreditation later this year, which includes progressing plans to improve our existing provision for born‑digital archives and digitised assets.
• You will assess current digital provision; undertake a Digital Asset Register; design a Digital Asset Management plan; work with council colleagues and external depositors to test out workflows; support senior staff to refresh digital strategy and policy, as well as building a business case for upscaled digital preservation infrastructure and storage.
• You will represent Bristol Archives at the newly formed SWigiPres (Southwest Digital Preservation community of practice, where Bristol Archives is a founding member).
• This role will also support the ongoing National Heritage Lottery Funded “Sounds of the Southwest” audio heritage digitisation project which has Bristol Archives as its lead partner.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Post‑graduate qualification in archive administration (or equivalent) or equivalent qualification or experience.
• Up‑to‑date understanding of issues current in the archive, records management and digital preservation sectors, and knowledge and experience of best practice in digital preservation, including experience of working with the preservation and access of digital material.
• Experience of delivering a customer‑focused service and the motivation and keenness to thrive in a busy work environment.
• Knowledge of specialist archive management and digital preservation software and previous experience of using off‑the‑shelf or in‑house digital preservation solutions.
• Experience thriving in a busy work environment and a multi‑disciplinary team.
• Prior experience of working in local government and/or records management is desirable, and interest in digital and environmental sustainability is also desirable.

Benefits:

• Generous rewards package including flexible working and flexi‑time, membership of the Local Government Pension scheme, and a generous annual leave allowance.
• You’ll work in a supportive environment where you have the chance to make Bristol a better place and contribute to its future.

Equal Opportunity:

Bristol City Council strives to have a workforce that reflects the communities it serves. We are committed to ensuring diversity in our hiring process. Applications will be considered on merit. We are a Disability Confident employer and guarantee an interview to any applicant who is disabled and meets the essential criteria. Reasonable adjustments will be made throughout the interview process and throughout their career.