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- Tasks: As a Collections Assistant, you'll preserve historic photographs and ensure materials are ready for digitisation.
- Company: Join Historic Environment Scotland, dedicated to preserving Scotland's rich heritage.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, flexible hours, and free entry to all properties.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by preserving history while working in a supportive and diverse environment.
- Qualifications: Experience with historic documents, strong organisational skills, and proficiency in office software required.
- Other info: Interviews will be held via MS Teams on 24 June 2025.
The predicted salary is between 22000 - 29500 £ per year.
Starting salary: £25,770
Contract type: Fixed Term
Band: Grade 1
Location: Seven Hills
Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 35 hours per week
Interviews: To be held over MS Teams on Tuesday 24 June 2025
As a Collections Assistant, you will prepare historic photographs to prescribed standards and ensure that sufficient material is available for digitisation across the range of workstreams undertaken by NCAP for customer orders, programmes of digitisation, and projects with external partners.
Benefits of joining us at Historic Environment Scotland:
- Enrolment onto a Civil Service Pension scheme (28% employer contribution)
- 25 days annual leave pro-rata (increasing to 30 days after 3 years)
- 11.5 public holidays
- Reimbursement for relevant professional subscriptions
- Support for further education and personal development
- Study leave for work-related courses
- Flexible working hours (where appropriate)
- Free entry to all of our properties (with up to three guests)
- Free entry to English Heritage, Manx, and Cadw properties
Key Responsibilities of this role:
- Photographic preservation of historic and contemporary aerial fibre and resin prints, roll film, cut film, and microfilm for digitisation using a variety of capture methods.
- Handling collection material while adhering to archival handling standards.
- Identification of collection material and types of deterioration in order to apply appropriate preservation treatments.
- Undertaking preservation techniques including dry and aqueous cleaning, humidification, pressing, some minor tear repairing, and rehousing into appropriate enclosures.
- Updating the collection management system.
- Working with the preservation team to meet production targets and deadlines.
Key requirements of the role:
In order for you to be successful in this post, we will be looking for you to complete a cover letter which addresses:
- Why you are interested in the post with Historic Environment Scotland
- How you can meet each of the essential and desirable criteria (in up to 800 words) using examples of where you have used these skills in the past.
Please ensure that you provide real-life examples for each of the criteria to be considered for this post. You can use examples of how you have met this criteria from your work life, home life, education, or volunteer experience. Please read our CV and Cover Letter Guidance first before completing.
Essential Criteria:
- Experience handling historic photographs, documents, or records.
- Good organisational skills and the ability to manage own workload.
- Experience of meeting targets and working to deadlines.
- Self-motivated approach to managing routine tasks.
- Experience of using standard office software packages e.g. Word, Excel, and Outlook.
We are dedicated to building a workforce which is reflective of diversity within Scotland. We warmly welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds regardless of age, race, gender or gender identity, religious beliefs, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, or neurodiversity. In support of our Gaelic Language Plan, we welcome applications from Gaelic speakers.
We want every candidate to have the best chance to succeed during the recruitment process. If you require your application in an alternative format, please reach out to us via email or call our Head Office and speak to a member of our People Team.
Please note that at this time we are unfortunately unable to provide sponsorship as part of the recruitment process; therefore, you must have current right to work in the UK to be considered for a post.
To submit your application online, please read our How to Apply section followed by the Apply Now button to begin your application.
Collections Assistant. Job in Edinburgh Education & Training Jobs employer: Historic Environment Scotland
Contact Detail:
Historic Environment Scotland Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Collections Assistant. Job in Edinburgh Education & Training Jobs
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific preservation techniques mentioned in the job description. Understanding methods like dry and aqueous cleaning, humidification, and pressing will not only help you during the interview but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Research Historic Environment Scotland and their current projects. Being knowledgeable about their work and how the Collections Assistant role fits into their mission can give you an edge in the interview, demonstrating your enthusiasm for contributing to their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare examples from your past experiences that showcase your organisational skills and ability to meet deadlines. Think of specific situations where you successfully managed your workload or handled historic materials, as these will be crucial in addressing the essential criteria.
✨Tip Number 4
Practice using standard office software packages like Word, Excel, and Outlook. Being proficient in these tools is essential for the role, so consider brushing up on any features you might not be familiar with to ensure you're ready to hit the ground running.
We think you need these skills to ace Collections Assistant. Job in Edinburgh Education & Training Jobs
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should clearly express your interest in the Collections Assistant position at Historic Environment Scotland. Make sure to articulate why this role excites you and how it aligns with your career goals.
Address the Essential Criteria: In your cover letter, address each of the essential criteria listed in the job description. Use specific examples from your past experiences—whether from work, education, or volunteering—to demonstrate how you meet these requirements.
Showcase Your Organisational Skills: Highlight your organisational skills by providing examples of how you've successfully managed your workload in previous roles. Discuss any tools or methods you use to stay organised and meet deadlines.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, take the time to proofread your cover letter and CV. Check for any spelling or grammatical errors, and ensure that your documents are clear and professional. A polished application reflects your attention to detail.
How to prepare for a job interview at Historic Environment Scotland
✨Show Your Passion for Preservation
Make sure to express your genuine interest in historic preservation and the role of a Collections Assistant. Share specific examples of why you are drawn to this field, perhaps mentioning any relevant experiences or projects that sparked your passion.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Skills
Prepare to discuss how you manage your workload effectively. Use real-life examples to illustrate your ability to prioritise tasks, meet deadlines, and handle multiple responsibilities, especially in a fast-paced environment.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
Be ready to talk about your experience with handling historic photographs or documents. Provide concrete examples of your past work, focusing on the techniques you've used and the challenges you've overcome in preservation tasks.
✨Familiarise Yourself with the Tools
Since the role involves using standard office software, brush up on your skills with Word, Excel, and Outlook. Be prepared to discuss how you've used these tools in previous roles to enhance your productivity and organisation.
