Position at National Archives, Kew

Preservation Assistant
Preservation Department
The National Archives - Kew
c. UKP19,000 per annum

Background: The National Archives (TNA) was launched in April 2003,
and brings together two existing organisations, the Public Record
Office and the Historical Manuscripts Commission.

The National Archives is the national archive of the United Kingdom,
in particular England and Wales, and is a leading source of archival
research material. It has one of the largest archival collections in
the world, spanning 1000 years of British history, from the Domesday
Book to government papers recently released to the public.

As part of an on-going programme of development within the
Preservation department, TNA is seeking to recruit a Preservation
Assistant. The successful candidate will be part of a team
implementing and promoting a comprehensive preservation programme
throughout TNA under the direction of the Preservation Manager.

Job Purpose: The post-holder will be required to foster an
environment whereby preservation practice is integrated at all
levels within the office.

Main Duties

    *   Providing staff training in document care across TNA

    *   Maintaining and developing preservation knowledge,
        techniques and practices, so far as it relates to the work,
        through reading, on-the-job training and attendance on
        courses and conferences.

    *   The ability to find, analyse and evaluate relevant
        preservation literature in order to update TNA preservation
        information. On occasion, this will involve presenting
        papers at training sessions.

    *   Acting as the preservation representative on several
        committees within TNA and to assist in liasing with
        departmental preservation representatives.

    *   Assisting in the maintenance of an Emergency Control Plan.
        This includes the training of staff in their role in such
        emergencies.

    *   Assisting in the evaluation and benchmarking of current
        preservation activities.

    *   Being responsible for the pest monitoring programme.

Person Specification
Essential

    *   Graduate from a recognised paper conservation programme or
        equivalent experience.

    *   Excellent interpersonal and communication skills both
        written and spoken

    *   Significant knowledge and understanding of preservation
        issues and ethics in the context of a major institution.

    *   Motivated and persuasive in promoting preservation issues.

    *   Knowledge of the physical and chemical properties of archive
        materials, and an understanding of their structures,
        particularly how this relates to their deterioration.

    *   Ability to work effectively both independently and as a
        member of a team

    *   Training/presentation skills

    *   IT skills, including ability to use Microsoft Office 2000

Desirable

    *   IPC, UKIC or SoA - accredited member of PACR (Professional
        Accreditation of Conservators - Restorers)

    *   The publication of professional/technical papers

Length of Contract: Permanent
Salary: circa UKP19,000 pa (Mid Band 4)

Hours: 36 hours per week excluding meal breaks.  A flexible working
scheme is in operation at management's discretion. At management
discretion staff are expected to be flexible with their working
patterns within the hours of 7am to 7pm weekdays and 9am to 5:15pm
on Saturdays. Occasional Saturday working is required.

Probation: 12 month probationary period applies

Holidays: 22 days annual leave per calendar year, rising to 25 after
1 year's service, plus 10.5 days public and privilege leave per
annum

Retirement Age: For Pension purposes the retirement age is 60.
However, we welcome applications from people aged up to 64 years of
age.

Benefits:

    *   Choice of final salary or stakeholder pension schemes
    *   Childcare Voucher facilities (after 1 year's service)
    *   Sports and social club facilities
    *   Subsidised staff restaurant
    *   Opportunities for training and development supported by
        Investors in People (IiP) accreditation
    *   Learning Resources Centre
    *   On-site gym

Selection will be by interview held on January 29, 2004.

Guaranteed Interview Scheme: As part of the National Archive's
commitment to equal opportunities, all applicants covered by the
Disability Discrimination Act who meet the minimum criteria of the
job specification will be guaranteed an interview.

Nationality Rules: Applicants must be British or Commonwealth
citizens with the right to work in the UK, or nationals of states of
the European Union.

Application: For an application form (CVs will not be accepted)
please contact

    Capita RAS
    Innovation Court
    New Street
    Basingstoke, Hampshire RG21 7JB
    +44 870-169-9723 (24 hours)
    <URL:http://www.capitaras.co.uk>.

Quote reference B7429.  Completed applications should also be
returned to this address.

Contact: For further information about this post please contact

    Samantha Wiltshire
    The National Archives
    +44 20 8392 5330 x2427
    samantha.wiltshire [at] nationalarchives__gov__uk

Closing date for applications is 5pm on Friday, January 16, 2004.

For more information about The National Archives
<URL:http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk>

We are striving towards equality of opportunity and will consider
all applicants fairly on merit.


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 17:44
                Distributed: Thursday, December 4, 2003
                       Message Id: cdl-17-44-029
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