Archive Assistant
Suffolk County · Ipswich, Suffolk, United Kingdom · onsite
- Suffolk County Council
- Address: The Hold, Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 4LR, on-site working
- Salary: £26,016 per annum (pro rata)
- Hours: Post 1: 36 hours per week (see working pattern below), Post 2: No guaranteed hours. As and when required
- Contract: Post 1: Permanent, Post 2: Zero Hour contract
At Suffolk County Council we’re focused on making a meaningful difference to communities across Suffolk. How? By listening to our people learning from what they say and creating a culture of mutual respect, where everyone works together to achieve great things. As an Archive Assistant you’ll be as keen to collaborate and build a bright future as we are. So, to make a positive impact, connect with us and connect with a fantastic career.
Reimagine the possibilities.
Suffolk County Council’s Suffolk Archives is committed to preserving and sharing important historical records. We’re looking for an enthusiastic and customer-focused Archive Assistant and zero-hour Archive Assistant to join our team. These roles are ideal for someone who is passionate about history, enjoys working with people, and is keen to help others discover Suffolk’s rich heritage.
Your role and responsibilities
- Greet and assist customers with enquiries, offering knowledgeable support regarding our archives and services.
- Retrieve and produce archive materials from our temperature and humidity-controlled strongrooms for customer use.
- Assist with sales in our on-site shop and promote our archival services.
- Ensure that materials are handled safely and securely, adhering to preservation guidelines.
- Maintain organised records and contribute to accurate archive inventories.
- Collaborate with the team to enhance customer experiences and maintain a welcoming environment.
- Support general administrative tasks related to the archives.
Your working pattern for post 1
Tuesday: 9.15am to 5.30pm, Wednesday: 9.15am to 5.00pm, Thursday: 9.15am to 5.30pm, except for the 2nd Thursday of each month when the hours are 2.00pm to 10.00pm, Friday: 9.15am to 5.00pm and Saturday: 9.15am to 5.00pm. Please note working Saturdays as part of the contracted rota is a requirement of this role.
There is an enhanced payment rate for working on a Saturday and for a Thursday evening after 8pm.
You will need
- a genuine passion for history and enthusiasm for sharing it with others
- excellent customer service and communication skills
- an interest in archival work or a related field
- ability to safely handle, lift, retrieve and transport archive materials, including working at height using ladders and HUGO lift machines
- previous experience in a library, archive, retail, or customer service setting is an advantage.
- strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile (JPP), which you can find in the ‘How to apply’ section towards the bottom of this advert.
If you believe you can succeed in this role, apply. Even if you don't meet all requirements, still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.
The team
Suffolk Archives is a small, flexible, proactive team that is passionate about sharing Suffolk’s local history and heritage with a wider audience. Archive Assistants work as part of our Operations Team, which is responsible for providing public access to the collections housed at The Hold in Ipswich.
Empowering Everyone
We’re big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We’re always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report.
For more information
Please contact Hannah Salmon (she/her) for a casual conversation. You can contact her by calling 01473 260071 or emailing hannah.salmon@suffolk.gov.uk
How to apply
Step 1 - Read the Job and Person Profile (Word).
Step 2 - Click ‘Apply Now’ to start your online application.
Step 3 - Upload a supporting statement indicating how you meet each of the criteria in the ‘Person Profile’ section of the JPP.
- You should use the Supporting Statement template (Word).
- Please use Arial font size 11 and keep your statement to a maximum of two sides of A4.
Please note: Without a supporting statement your interest will not be progressed. Any supporting documents must be in either PDF or MS Word format.
For guidance on completing your application, please see our How to Apply page.
Planning to use Artificial Intelligence (AI)? Please ensure your application still reflects your own skills, experience and ideas. If used inappropriately, your application may not be processed. Please read our guidance for using AI to understand what’s acceptable.
Do you need any reasonable adjustments to help you to apply? If you are disabled and/or have additional support needs, you can request reasonable adjustments. You can do this by contacting our Recruitment Team at recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk or 03456 014412. You can find examples of possible adjustments on our Reasonable Adjustment pages.
Closing date: 11.30pm, 8 November 2026.
Interview date: 23-25 November 2026.
This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts. #LI-Onsite