Conservation Assistant

Job Description

Are you passionate about preserving archival records for the benefit of current and future generations? The East Sussex and Brighton and Hove Record Office is now looking for a Conservation Assistant with experience in collections care within an archive setting.

Based at The Keep, the East Sussex and Brighton and Hove Record Office (ESBHRO) team runs a busy public service providing access to the collections we hold, cares for our collections through preventive conservation, catalogues and answers enquiries on our collections, delivers an engagement and communications programme, digitises documents, and develops digital resources to enhance access to archives.

ESBHRO is now looking for a Conservation Assistant to deliver routine preventive conservation tasks including (but not limited to) using specialist equipment to clean documents, repackaging and rehousing material, checks of accessions, and spot-checks of the repositories for mould and pests.

Reporting to the Team Manager, you will also work alongside the Public Service and Building Manager, Premises Officer, ESBHRO Archivists, Public Service team, and Digital Development and Communications staff. The successful candidate will be the only on-site member of staff dedicated solely to conservation, so practical experience in these areas is essential.

The post holder will work to agreed conservation plans, facilitate the work of external conservation specialists where required, and regularly maintain the systems and processes used to carry out and monitor their work.

The Successful Candidate Will

Have demonstrable experience of a similar role and experience within an archive. Show an ability to work on their own initiative and prioritise their work effectively, as well as take direction from their line manager. Be an effective communicator, able to liaise with a range of internal and external stakeholders and work collaboratively as a member of the team. Have developed organisational skills and attention to detail to carry out their duties and maintain accurate records of completed work.

Manual handling of documents and containers will be required.

To apply for the role, please click the apply now button above to submit a current CV and supporting statement, detailing how you meet the criteria outlined above, before the closing date on this advert.

Please download the job description and person specification for more information.

For guidance on how to write an application see our how to apply page and our statement on the use of AI .

Interviews will be held in person at The Keep in Falmer.

Candidates who meet certain criteria are given priority when we shortlist. See our priority status page for details.

Work with us to contribute to the preservation of archival records for the benefit of current and future generations. The Conservation Assistant role is part-time, so hours can be arranged to suit both the successful candidate and the service.

We offer a diverse range of benefits to help and support you during your employment. More information can be found on our benefits page.

For an informal discussion, please contact Anna Goddard, Team Manager Archive Services and The Keep, on anna.goddard@eastsussex.gov.uk .

For putting my skills to good use, I choose East Sussex!

"One of the things I really like about East Sussex is that if you’ve got a new idea people are willing to listen to it. If you can get the appropriate support, then East Sussex helps you develop your idea and get it off the ground." Alastair, Data and Information Manager

About Us

Additional Information

Your starting salary will be pro rata if the above position is part-time or term-time only.

If you require sponsorship to work in the UK please let the hiring manager know this in your application so we can check eligibility for sponsorship for the role. For further information please go to Work in the UK - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) .

If you require any reasonable adjustments, due to disability, to enable you to participate fully in the process please contact the hiring manager on the contact details above.