Role Introduction

• To arrange and catalogue collections on the electronic catalogue
• To assist with the rehousing of collections in line with best practice methods
• To assist the Archivist with displays/exhibitions and events for both internal and external audiences
• To support the Archivist in developing the school’s digital archive of electronic records
• To answer enquiries from College pupils, staff and members of the public
• To make the archives available to readers by producing archival material for consultation, supervising its use and providing advice
• To assist generally with the work of the Archives and College Collections
• Commitment to equality, diversity & inclusion
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children

Main Duties

Eton College offers a wide range of benefits, including an 11% employer contribution to your pension (with 4.9% employee contribution), a cycle to work scheme and free access to the College’s sport and leisure facilities.

The Ideal Candidate

• A good first degree in a relevant subject with a genuine intention to study for a post graduate qualification in Archive Management or similar heritage sector qualification.
• A commitment to the profession
• A genuine interest in history and in preserving records for posterity
• Good communication skills
• A high level of commitment to customer service and making materials accessible
• Good organisational ability to manage a wide range of tasks
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• The ability to skim and understand an extensive and varied range of material
• Adaptability and a high degree of flexibility
• The ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Good IT skills and an interest in applying digital technology to archival practice

Benefits

We are looking for a motivated and meticulous person to join us on a fixed term contract as an Archives Assistant helping with the running of the service. The main responsibilities of the post will be to assist with cataloguing, enquiry and outreach work. You will be a graduate intending to apply for a postgraduate archive training course and wishing to gain experience of all aspects of archive work.

The Post

This post is suitable for someone intending to apply for one of the recognised postgraduate archival courses or similar heritage sector qualification. You will be supervised by the College Archivist.

The position is an 8 month fixed term contract from January 2020 to August 2020.

Working Hours: This is a full time post, working all year round.  A normal working week is Monday to Friday, 9.00am – 5.00pm (35 hours per week) with an hour for lunch. Occasional evening and weekend working will be required, for which time off in lieu will be given.

Background

Eton College was founded by King Henry VI in 1440 for 70 King’s Scholars. In addition to the King’s Scholars housed in ‘College’, there are now 1,240 ‘Oppidan’ boys at the school in 24 other boarding houses.

There are 155 full time academic staff and 600 other permanent staff including domestic staff (in the boarding houses and in the central dining hall), technicians, grounds-men, administrative staff, security, cleaners and a large buildings department. There are also 100 part-time and visiting teachers, including visiting music teachers. The school and its immediate grounds and playing fields extend over 400 acres from the north end of Eton High Street to the M4 by Slough, bounded to the east by the Thames and to the west by a railway. There are some 400 school buildings, including staff accommodation and a 2,000m rowing lake at Dorney. There is non-stop maintenance of buildings and grounds.

The Archive

Eton College was founded in 1440 but records relating to the lands with which it was endowed date back to the 11th century. The archives are mainly concerned with administrative matters until the mid-19th century when records relating to the school become increasingly dominant. In addition to the College’s own archives there is an extensive collection of donated material relating to school life such as letters home, diaries of school days and reminiscences, although papers relating to Old Etonians’ subsequent careers are not generally collected. The archives are housed in College Library with Eton’s rare books and manuscript collection. The Archives are part of the wider College Collections, which include rare books, manuscripts, fine art, silver and museum objects.

About the College

Eton College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.

Eton College