At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist visitors in discovering historical resources and manage various customer service tasks.
- Company: Join Leicestershire County Council, dedicated to making a difference in the community.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options, competitive salary, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for career development and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that connects people with history and makes an impact.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in English and Maths, plus customer service experience required.
The predicted salary is between 22000 - 26000 £ per year.
Organisation: Leicestershire County Council
Work Location: Record Office for Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland, Long Street, Wigston Magna, Leicestershire, LE18 2AH
Salary: Grade 6 - £25,995 - £26,409 per annum (pro rata for part time)
Working Hours: 30 hours per week - Monday to Thursday, plus evenings and Saturday mornings on an agreed rota
Contract Type: Fixed term for 12 months. This post is available from 28th April 2026
Closing Date: Sunday 8th March 2026
Interview Date(s): 31st March – 2nd April 2026
Are you looking for an exciting and varied role as a member of the Record Office team? Do you have an interest in history and enthusiasm for helping visitors to discover our wide range of resources dating back to the 12th century?
About the Role
This is a frontline role dealing with customers through face-to-face, telephone, email and other written communication. Daily activities are varied and include:
- Assisting visitors in the Searchrooms
- Advising users on material and resources available
- Producing documents and resources (this includes lifting heavy material and climbing ladders in the Strongrooms)
- Front-of-house duties in our reception
- Back-office tasks including reprographics and digital scanning
- Fulfilling online and other customer orders as required
The nature of the post involves the holder carrying out regular (on a rota basis) evening and weekend working reflected in the public opening hours of the Record Office.
About You
To apply for this post, you must be able to evidence in your application how you meet the following criteria:
- Must have GCSE (Grade C or above) or equivalent in English and Maths
- Experience of delivering excellent customer care (ideally in a Record Office, Library or Heritage environment)
- Ability to co-ordinate, retrieve and relocate large quantities of resources within a strongroom, which may require lifting heavy material whilst climbing tall ladders
- Experience of using ICT, especially Microsoft packages, and a willingness to learn digital photography software
- Good written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills while managing time effectively to ensure tasks are completed and deadlines are met
- Attention to detail is essential
- Understanding of and commitment to Equal Opportunities
- Basic understanding of confidentiality, privacy and Data Protection
- Ability to work co-operatively with others to maintain and improve performance
Reasonable adjustments will be considered for applicants with a disability. We are a Disability Confident Employer.
Interested in Flexible Working?
We are open to discussions about flexible working, which may include part-time working, job sharing, term-time working, flexible start and finish times, and hybrid working, depending on the requirements of the role and the service.
How to Apply
At Leicestershire County Council, we're looking for top talent from all walks of life. Whoever you are, wherever you're from, and whatever your background - we care about what you bring to our organisation, not just what's on your CV. That's why we've designed a recruitment process that's fair, accessible, and focused on potential.
If you share our passion to make a difference for the people of Leicestershire, we'd love to hear from you. Click the apply button to submit your application, ensuring that you upload a supporting statement that explains how you meet the criteria listed in the 'About You' section above. Without this information, we won't be able to assess your suitability for the role, and your application will be rejected.
For further information on what it's like to work for us and the benefits we offer, please refer to our Recruitment Process, Organisational Values, and Employee Benefits.
Archive Assistant employer: Leicestershire County Council
Leicestershire County Council is an exceptional employer that values diversity and inclusivity, offering a supportive work environment at the Record Office for Leicestershire. Employees benefit from flexible working options, opportunities for professional growth, and a commitment to making a positive impact in the community. With a focus on employee well-being and a culture that encourages collaboration and innovation, this role as an Archive Assistant promises a rewarding experience for those passionate about history and customer service.
Contact Details:
Leicestershire County Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Archive Assistant
✨Get Engaged in Local Politics
Dive into your local council meetings or community boards. These spaces are packed with people who are already in the public sector and might have insider tips on upcoming temporary roles. Plus, you can connect directly with key decision-makers.
✨Stay Alert for Seasonal Recruitment
Many public sector jobs ramp up during certain times of the year, especially around election seasons or local budget planning periods. Keep your eyes peeled for recruitment drives during these windows, as they're prime times for temporary positions.
✨Leverage Online Job Portals
Don’t forget to check government job boards or websites like the local council's site for temporary postings. This is where many roles first get advertised, and applying directly here can speed things up.
✨Tap Into Your University Resources
If you're at university, make the most of your career services to discover opportunities in the public sector. They often have connections with local government employers who are looking for temporary staff and can help you polish your approach.
We think you need these skills to ace Archive Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Emphasise your understanding of public policy:In your application, make sure to highlight any knowledge or experience you have related to public policy, governance or community engagement. Show us how you can contribute to the public sector’s mission, especially if you've worked on relevant projects or initiatives before!
Tailor your CV to the sector's expectations:When crafting your CV, focus on including experiences that showcase your ability to work within government structures or similar environments. Use clear, concise language and consider adding any volunteer work or internships that reflect your commitment to public service.
Show flexibility and willingness to learn:Since this is a temporary role, it’s crucial to convey your adaptability and eagerness to pick up new skills quickly. In your cover letter, let us know how you plan to make the most of this short-term experience and what you hope to learn from it.
Include relevant certificates and training:If you've completed any training or have certifications that are relevant to the role (like public administration, project management, or data analysis), don't forget to mention them. These can really make you stand out in the application process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Leicestershire County Council
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Public Service
In the government and public sector, showing that you're genuinely passionate about serving the community is key. Get ready to share examples where you've contributed to social good or tackled community issues, as this will resonate with interviewers from Leicestershire County Council.
✨Prepare for Policy and Regulatory Questions
Expect questions about policies, regulations, or recently implemented government initiatives. Brush up on the latest news relating to public sector developments—being informed will help you demonstrate that you're ready to hit the ground running, especially in a temporary role.
✨Flexibility is Your Best Friend
Since this is a temporary role, emphasise your ability to adapt quickly. Share examples where you've successfully taken on new challenges or adjusted to different team dynamics, that'll show Leicestershire County Council that you’re reliable and can effectively support various projects without a long onboarding process.
✨Prepare to Showcase Teamwork Skills
In the public sector, collaboration is vital. Be ready to discuss past experiences working in teams, especially in diverse environments. Highlight how you've contributed positively to group settings—this could really set you apart from other candidates in this temporary role.
