At a Glance
- Tasks: Create and check digital images from historical documents using advanced equipment.
- Company: Join The National Archives, a 200-year-old institution preserving UK history.
- Benefits: Enjoy a generous benefits package, including annual leave and training opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible working options considered; great career growth potential.
- Why this job: Be part of a transformative project that makes history accessible to everyone.
- Qualifications: Experience in digitisation and strong IT skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 28100 - 28100 £ per year.
As the living, growing home of our national story, The National Archives is already a special place to work. We’re an institution nearly 200 years old with a collection spanning 1,000 years of history. But it’s where we go next that makes things really interesting. In our strategic vision: Archives for Everyone, we set ourselves the challenge of becoming the 21st Century national archive - a different kind of cultural and heritage institution: Inclusive, Entrepreneurial, Disruptive.
The Image Production Technician is part of the Digitisation Department, and is responsible for producing digital images from original archive documents for a range of external and internal customers. The work includes producing digital images of TNA’s own records and those of other organisations. The Image Production Technician carries out and delivers high quality digitisation work using a range of technical equipment and processes to achieve project specifications.
Each team member will be deployed to a primary area of work using the digitisation equipment to capture images or carrying out quality assurance (QA) activities for the digitised images. In addition, each team member will be expected, over time, to learn some or all of the various processes within the team, supported by appropriate training, so that they may cover and support the team’s workload and priorities as needed.
These positions are full time. However, requests for part-time working, flexible working and job share will be considered, taking into account at all times the operational needs of the Department. These roles require on-site presence and are not suitable for home working.
Application Process:
- Interviews will be held on-site and will include a digitisation technical test.
- Personal Statement: We ask all applicants to submit work history details and a personal statement, not exceeding 1200 words.
Essential criteria for application:
- Ability to use initiative to solve operational problems
- Flexible approach to working to cope with changing priorities and new challenges, and a willingness to learn new skills
- Able to work as part of a small team within a production based environment
Job Description Role and Responsibilities:
- Create and check digital images using the equipment provided and to the specification and output targets required by each project. Digitisation may include difficult, large format, or fragile material.
- Carry out the various processing steps to produce the final required output.
- Carry out image QA to check for missing and duplicate images, and image quality.
- Ensure file formats are correct and file names match the customer and project requirements.
- Log all work accurately on the job tracking systems to ensure overall project progress can be tracked and reported on.
- Adhere to document handling processes and methodologies.
- Work with the wider team as required to address issues, resolve queries and correct work in a timely manner.
- Identify opportunities to continuously improve working processes, including the use of automated processes.
- Attend departmental, project, and directorate meetings as required.
Working Conditions:
- Digitisation Studio
- Display Screen Equipment user
- Moving items up to 10kg in weight
- May come into contact with distressing material
Person Specification Essential criteria:
- Experience of digitisation project work
- Strong general IT skills including Microsoft Office and Adobe Photoshop.
- Organised and methodical with an eye for detail and accuracy.
- Ability to use initiative to solve operational problems.
- Flexible approach to working to cope with changing priorities and new challenges, and a willingness to learn new skills.
- Able to work as part of a small team within a production based environment.
- Ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines.
Desirable criteria:
- Experience of Quality assurance work, or working with original documents.
- Interest in photography, digital technology, or image capture.
- Positive, can do attitude.
Other Requirements:
The role’s responsibilities must be carried out onsite, so hybrid working is not possible.
Benefits:
- Generous benefits package, including pension, sports and social club facilities, onsite gym, discounted rates at our on-site cafe and opportunities for training and development.
- Annual leave entitlement of 22 days per calendar year (rising to 25 after the first year, and incrementally to 30 days after six years) and 10½ days public and privilege holidays per annum.
If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should contact The National Archives via careers@nationalarchives.gov.uk as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs.
Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check.
Image Production Technician employer: The National Archives
The National Archives is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work at the heart of the UK's historical narrative. With a commitment to inclusivity and innovation, employees benefit from a generous package that includes extensive annual leave, professional development opportunities, and access to on-site facilities such as a gym and café. The collaborative work culture fosters personal growth while contributing to the preservation of our national heritage, making it a truly rewarding place to build a career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Image Production Technician
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research The National Archives and their mission. Understanding their vision will help you tailor your responses during the interview and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their journey.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for the technical test by brushing up on your digitisation skills and familiarising yourself with the equipment they use. This will not only boost your confidence but also demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your problem-solving skills! Think of examples from your past experiences where you've used initiative to tackle challenges. Be ready to discuss these during the interview to highlight how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re tech-savvy and know how to navigate the digital landscape, which is key for the Image Production Technician role.
We think you need these skills to ace Image Production Technician
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills:When writing your personal statement, make sure to highlight your experience with digitisation and any relevant IT skills. We want to see how you can use your initiative to solve operational problems, so give us some solid examples!
Be Flexible and Open to Learning:The role requires a flexible approach, so don’t forget to mention your willingness to adapt to changing priorities. Share instances where you've successfully tackled new challenges or learned new skills – it’ll show us you’re ready for anything!
Team Player Vibes:Since you'll be working in a small team, it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to collaborate effectively. Talk about your experiences working in teams and how you’ve contributed to achieving common goals. We love a good team spirit!
Keep It Real and Authentic:While AI can help, make sure your application reflects your true experiences and voice. We value honesty, so avoid any plagiarism. Just be yourself, and let your passion for the role shine through when you apply on our website!
How to prepare for a job interview at The National Archives
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with the digitisation processes and equipment mentioned in the job description. Brush up on your IT skills, especially with Microsoft Office and Adobe Photoshop, as these will likely come up during the technical test.
✨Show Your Problem-Solving Skills
Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've used your initiative to solve operational problems in the past. Think of situations where you had to adapt quickly or find creative solutions, as this aligns perfectly with what they’re looking for.
✨Team Player Vibes
Since the role requires working as part of a small team, be ready to share experiences that highlight your ability to collaborate effectively. Talk about times when you supported your teammates or contributed to a group project, showcasing your flexible approach.
✨Ask Smart Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions about the Digitisation Department’s future projects or how they measure success in their digitisation efforts. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you stand out as a candidate.