At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us as a Trainee Archivist, supporting our team and learning essential archival skills.
- Company: Gloucestershire County Council is dedicated to improving community services and supporting local residents.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25.5 days annual leave, employee discounts, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Hybrid working options available, allowing flexibility between remote and office work.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience in archives while contributing to community engagement and outreach events.
- Qualifications: No prior experience needed, just a passion for history and a commitment to becoming a qualified archivist.
The predicted salary is between 20400 - 28400 £ per year.
Gloucestershire County Council provided pay range. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience. This is a Gloucestershire County Council job.
Job Location: Gloucestershire Archives at the Gloucestershire Heritage Hub
Salary: £24,404 per annum
Hours per Week: 37.00
Contract Type: Fixed
Duration: 12 months
Closing Date: 29/06/2025
This post is not open to job share.
About The Team And The Role
We have an exciting opportunity for a Trainee Archivist to join us at Gloucestershire Archives to help staff in the key areas of our service while learning core professional skills. This post is a fixed term contract for 12 months, as it is designed to fulfil the requirements of the postgraduate archive training courses who ask for pre-qualification experience of working within an archive repository.
About You
You will be based in the Archives’ Access and Engagement Team and will be required to:
- Contribute to the frontline service as required, welcoming all visitors to the Heritage Hub at Reception, giving information about available resources, registering new customers wishing to access the research room, overseeing the use of original documents, fetching items from the strongrooms and replacing them after use, in accordance with professionally recognised standards.
- Support the work of the Collections Management team by helping to accession, appraise, catalogue and package documents, both analogue and digital.
- Answer email and telephone enquiries about our resources and services.
- Support Gloucestershire Archives’ volunteers, participating in specific volunteer projects as required.
- Participate in, and help with Gloucestershire Archives’ learning & outreach events as required.
- Help to organise and publicise events for the Friends of Gloucestershire Archives (F.O.G.A) and share administrative duties for this charity with archive staff.
- Take payments from visitors buying items from the Archives and Gloucestershire Registration Service.
- Follow all operational processes and procedures required in the delivery of activities and resources that make archives accessible to all.
- Demonstrate a commitment to continuing your studies to become a fully qualified archivist following the completion of this fixed term post.
At Gloucestershire County Council, we are constantly challenging ourselves to improve the services we provide to the people of the county. We strive to support our local communities and all of those who live within them and the key to providing that service is the energy, skills and dedication of the people who work for us.
About Us
- 25.5 days annual leave rising to 30.5 days after 5 years continuous service pro rata.
- An option to purchase up to 5 days of additional leave per year (dependant on business need).
- Supportive and positive working environment with regular, robust supervision.
- Access to our Employee Assistance service that provides free, confidential counselling and advice for employees available 24 hours a day online and by telephone.
- An in-house Occupational Health service.
- Employee discount scheme.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Links to employee networks such as Prism (LGBT+) Network and the Young Employees Network.
How To Apply
If you feel you have the skill, desire and experience required to make a positive difference; please submit an application by clicking the “Apply Now” button. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by e-mail and invited to interview.
For further information, please contact Helen Bartlett at helen.bartlett@gloucestershire.gov.uk
Expected interview date: 15th July 2025.
Additional Information
To access the Job Profile for this role, please follow the link below:
-Trainee Archivist - Job Profile
Gloucestershire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people or vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
We want to be an employer of choice, attracting and retaining excellent people to work for us, so that we can best serve all of Gloucestershire’s diverse communities. Our promise to you is that we will provide an inclusive and supportive working environment that enables you to bring your whole self to work and realise your full potential.
It is a legal requirement, under the Immigration Act 2016, that anyone appointed to a ‘customer facing role’ must be able to demonstrate an ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence in fluent English.
Hybrid working arrangements are available for the majority of our roles, giving teams the opportunity to work in a way that suits them, balancing service need and individual choice, with a mix of both remote and office working.
Trainee Archivist (F.O.G.A.) employer: Gloucestershire County Council
Contact Detail:
Gloucestershire County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Archivist (F.O.G.A.)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Gloucestershire Archives and their collections. Understanding their resources and services will not only help you during the interview but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Engage with current archivists or professionals in the field through networking events or online platforms like LinkedIn. This can provide you with valuable insights into the role and may even lead to a referral.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for potential interview questions by practising responses related to customer service and archival practices. Highlight any relevant experience you have, especially in engaging with the public or managing collections.
✨Tip Number 4
Show your commitment to professional development by discussing any relevant courses or workshops you've attended. This demonstrates your dedication to becoming a fully qualified archivist and aligns with the expectations of the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Archivist (F.O.G.A.)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Trainee Archivist position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with these expectations.
Craft a Strong CV: Ensure your CV is up-to-date and clearly outlines your relevant experience, education, and skills. Focus on any previous roles or projects related to archives, customer service, or community engagement that demonstrate your suitability for the role.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should express your enthusiasm for the role and the organisation. Mention specific aspects of Gloucestershire Archives that attract you and explain how you can contribute to their mission and values.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial in an archivist role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Gloucestershire County Council
✨Research the Role and Organisation
Before your interview, take some time to research Gloucestershire Archives and understand their mission, values, and the specific responsibilities of a Trainee Archivist. This will help you tailor your answers and show genuine interest in the role.
✨Prepare for Common Interview Questions
Think about common interview questions related to archives, such as your understanding of archival practices or how you would handle visitor enquiries. Practising your responses can help you feel more confident during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Passion for Archiving
Demonstrate your enthusiasm for becoming a qualified archivist. Share any relevant experiences, such as volunteer work or projects that highlight your commitment to preserving history and engaging with the community.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare a few thoughtful questions to ask at the end of your interview. This could include inquiries about the training opportunities available or how the team collaborates on outreach events. It shows your eagerness to learn and engage with the role.