Archives Assistant Supervisor

Why join us?

Bringing together leading minds and practitioners in the sector, Wessex Archaeology is a trusted archaeology and heritage service provider and educational charity. From our network of international offices, we work in partnership with our clients to deliver sustainable solutions to manage the historic environment - above ground, below ground and underwater. We are committed to our social impact. This means using the knowledge and connections we make through our commercial activities as a catalyst to engage the communities in which we work.

Join us and you’ll be part of a collaborative team committed to shaping a better future for our staff, the sector, and the world. As well as having knowledgeable and dedicated colleagues, you’ll have an opportunity to access a variety of fascinating and high-profile projects and develop your skills and knowledge along the way.

The role – what’s involved?

We are keen to hear from staff who would be interested in an assistant supervisor role as part of the archives team, within the Operations Department, based in the Meopham office, in Kent.

As a key member of the team you will be expected to input into all aspects of archive preparation and deposition both physical and digital. This will involve scanning records; photo linking; metadata creation; collation and indexing of physical and digital archives; OASIS updates; database entry; transfer of title documentation; implementation of selection strategies; supervised handling/boxing of material (artefacts and ecofacts) in line with current standards, and specific museum/digital data repository requirements. You will be working on a wide variety of projects, collating data from every department in order to make it accessible for future reuse. This role will also offer ad hoc on the ground support for the finds and environmental departments as needed.

The role would suit someone with experience of working in a post excavation team; and an interest in pursuing a career in archiving/data processing. As an assistant supervisor you will work closely with the Supervisors in the team to ensure work is in line with time and budgetary constraints. This will be under the direction of the lead archivist.

You should be IT proficient, organised, methodical, have excellent attention to detail and good communication skills. You should be happy working both within a team and on your own initiative. The role is office based, but with some flexibility for home working once trained in aspects of digital archiving. Training and support will potentially be delivered across the regional offices, so a willingness to travel is essential.

Main responsibilities will include:

• Scanning and tracking archaeological records
• Working with databases and spreadsheets
• Collation and Indexing of physical and digital archaeological and heritage archives
• Transfer of Title documentation
• Working with selection strategies
• Handling/boxing of material (artefacts and ecofacts) in line with current standards and museum requirements
• Museum liaison
• Motivating and leading others and developing supervisory skills
• Ensuring work is completed to deadline and of a high standard
• Ad hoc support for the finds and environmental departments as needed

Essential certification 

• Full clean Driving Licence and willingness to drive company vehicles. 

Desirable certification

• Membership of the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (PCIfA or ACIfA)
• A relevant degree or other professional qualification

What can you look forward to?

Our focus is on creating a collaborative culture where people can thrive, develop and where safety and wellbeing come first. From anonymising candidate data in our recruitment process to continuous improvements in our benefits, we’re committed to creating a safe, fair, and inclusive working environment.

We offer:
Full details of our benefits package are available on our website.

How to apply 

Interested in working with us? For all the details about how to apply visit Vacancies | Wessex Archaeology

Email your completed application form and equal opportunities monitoring form by 17^th May 2024 to wa.applications@wessexarch.co.uk. All applications will be acknowledged within 2 weeks of the closing date. Interviews will be held at the start of June. If you have questions about the role, then please contact Jessica Irwin – Lead Archivist.

We welcome applications from people with disabilities and aim to be supportive in our recruitment and employment practices. Please let us know if you need any special arrangements or adjustments in the application or interview process. Successful candidates must have proof of identity and eligibility to work in the UK by the start of their employment.