Archivist

Starting salary:32255
Contract type:Permanent
Grade:3
Location: John Sinclair House Edinburgh
Working Hours:Monday - Friday 35 hours per week
Interviews:To be held in person at John Sinclair House Edinburgh on Week Commencing 19 January 2026.

The Archivist is a key role in the running of the service. The post is situated within the Cultural Assets Directorate which leads on development sustainable management and compliance for HES Properties in Care Collections and Archives. You will report to the Archive Manager.

For more information about the post and information about the team please access the full job descriptionfor this post. Please note that if you dont have Office 365 installed on your device this can be opened using your browser.

Benefits of joining us at Historic Environment Scotland

• Enrolment onto a Civil Service Pension scheme 28% employer contribution
• 25 days annual leave pro-rata (increasing to 30 days after 3 years) 11.5 public holidays
• Reimbursement for relevant professional subscriptions
• Support for further education and personal development
• Study leave for work related courses
• Flexible working hours (where appropriate)
• Free entry to all of our properties (with up to three guests)
• Free entry to English Heritage Manx and Cadw properties

Key Responsibilities of this role

• Knowledge and understanding of the principles of professional archive practices.
• Catalogue archive material to appropriate and agreed standards.
• Work both internally and externally to build and manage stakeholder relationships to ensure regular deposits of archive.
• Undertake research into HES archive material to inform customer enquiries cataloguing the preparation of collection summaries provenance rights clarification and to develop specialist knowledge of the archives.
• Promotion of the HES archive library and online services both internally and externally through talks blogs and online content development.
• Assist with the delivery of archive enquiry services in the Search Room including guided tours and events.
• Supervision of trainees volunteers and other members of staff undertaking work in the archive.
• Line management of other staff if required.
• Liaise with IT on development and maintenance of collections management system and data.
• Provide training in archive processes and systems.
• Assist with project and operational planning assembling performance indicators preparing reports and the development of archive policies and procedures.
• Assist with research special initiatives lectures and exhibitions and other activities within the Archives forward plan.
• Other duties delegated by the Head or Deputy Head of Archives and Libraries.

Key requirements of the role:

In order for you to be successful in this post we will be looking for you to submit a cover letter which addresses how you can meet each of the essential and desirable criteria (in up to 1200 words) using examples of where you have demonstrated these criteria previously. Please ensure that you provide real life examples for each of the criteria to be considered for this post. You can use examples of how you have met these criteria from your work life home life education or volunteer experience.Please read ourCV and Cover Letter Guidancefirst before completing as you will only be eligible for selection if you use examples of how you meet the essential and desirable criteria.

Essential:

• Demonstrable experience of working in an archive setting.
• Experience in delivering quality customer service in a friendly and professional manner.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills particularly in dealing with the public.
• Enthusiasm to communicate the work of Historic Environment Scotland.
• Drive initiative and a methodical working approach with an attention to detail.
• The ability to be a good team worker and to work with minimal supervision.
• Good IT skills including using Microsoft Office - Word Excel and PowerPoint.
• A degree in a relevant discipline (e.g. history archaeology architectural history etc.) and a post-graduate qualification in archives and records management or equivalent experience that shows how you meet the requirements (essential).

Find out more aboutdesirableskills and experience in our full job description

We are dedicated to building a workforce which is reflective of diversity within Scotland. We warmly welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds regardless of age race gender or gender identity religious beliefs marital status sexual orientation disability or support of our Gaelic Language Plan we welcome applications from Gaelic speakers.

We want every candidate to have the best chance to succeed during the recruitment process. If you require your application in an alternative format please reach out to us via email ator call our Head Office at 0 and speak to a member of our People Team.

Please note that at this time we are unfortunately unable to provide sponsorship as part of the recruitment process therefore you must have current right to work in the UK to be considered for a post.

To submit your application online please read our How to Apply followed by Apply Now button to begin your application.