Project Assistant Archivist - Rehouse - London

The British Museum is seeking a Project Assistant Archivist (Rehouse) to join teams working at the new British Museum Archaeological Research Collection (BM_ARC) in Reading. The main purpose of the role is to rehouse paper records relating to excavated archaeological assemblages. The role will be responsible for arranging the archive in new storage at BM_ARC and updating relevant digital catalogue records. The role will also support the Archivist in sustaining access to and providing information about this archival resource for Museum staff and members of the public.

Key areas of responsibility:

• Support the Archivist in delivering the rehouse of all paper excavation archive housed at BM_ARC by organizing items into new storage, documenting and ensuring they are subsequently kept in their proper location.
• Maintain compliance with the legislative and regulatory frameworks surrounding the care and management of the archives.
• Improve catalogue records for archive material, in order to meet archive accreditation standards using the Museum digital catalogue (AI+).
• Assist in preservation of the archives including delivery of re-house in conservation-grade storage media.
• Working with the Archivist, Programme Manager: Collection Storage Strategy, Project Manager: Collection Storage, and Senior Administrator, to ensure ordering and delivery of storage furniture and materials as required and to agreed budgets.
• Facilitate staff and public access to the archive, assisting with general user enquiries regarding content and use.
• Undertake any other relevant tasks as required.

About you:

• Degree in a relevant subject or equivalent experience.
• Proven technical and professional information management skills, experience of working with digital archive catalogues and of handling fragile archive records, awareness and understanding of archive cataloguing standards, awareness of the use of paper excavation records within archaeological archives and research, confident user of IT software, and experience of administration.
• Experience of working in a records management or archive context in a public or private sector organization.
• Well-organized and task-orientated, able to prioritize conflicting demands, excellent co-ordination and time management skills.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal; articulate, persuasive, flexible communicator, with effective interpersonal skills, able to work independently and as part of a team, confident and approachable.

About the British Museum:

Founded in 1753, the British Museum’s remarkable collection spans over two million years of human history and culture. The Museum is a leading visitor attraction, and its world-famous collection includes the Rosetta Stone, Egyptian mummies, the Sutton-Hoo finds, and the Lewis Chessmen. The Museum also holds an extensive collection of prints and drawings spanning 600 years, including works by the greatest graphic artists such as Dürer, Michelangelo and Rembrandt.

The Museum offers a competitive benefits package including:

• Generous annual leave allowance of 25 days (rising to 30 days after 10 years’ service) plus 2.5 privilege days and plus bank holidays.
• Membership of the civil service defined benefit pension scheme.
• Free entry to a wide range of museums and exhibitions.
• Participation in private and public Museum activities, including talks by leading curators from around the world and behind-the-scenes opportunities to learn how museums care for and manage their extraordinary collections.
• Interest-free travel, bicycle, and rental deposit loans.
• Professional and personal development opportunities.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Discounts on food and gift shop purchases.

The British Museum is committed to promoting equality of opportunity for all staff and job applicants. We aim to create a working environment in which all individuals can make best use of their skills, free from unlawful discrimination or harassment. We value the benefits that a diverse workforce brings to a museum which represents world culture.

The Museum is committed to ensuring that no job applicant suffers unlawful discrimination because of any protected characteristics. Our recruitment procedures aim to ensure that individuals are treated because of their relevant knowledge, skills, and experience. We specifically encourage applications from candidates from ethnic minority groups who are underrepresented within our senior roles.

We offer a flexible way of working scheme that allows our employees to work remotely in a way that suits them and the organisation. We welcome questions and conversations at interview stage about how flexible working could work for you. We would typically see this role as working on site about 4 days per week.