Digital Archiving Assistant. UK National Archives. Open until 25 January 2010

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JOB DESCRIPTION
Job title
Digital Archiving Assistant Department
Digital Preservation Reports to
Services Manager Band
D Salary
£20,450 - £25,450 plus excellent benefits Overall job purpose
The Digital Preservation Department is responsible for the permanent preservation of born-digital records transferred to The National Archives from government departments. It is responsible for two central services: the PRONOM Technical Registry service, which provides information on digital file formats and their preservation; and the Digital Repository Service, which enables the transfer and long term preservation of selected government records in digital format. The department is also responsible for producing presentation copies of archived digital records, which are then passed to other systems/services to be made available to users online wherever technically possible. You will play an important role in supporting both the transfer and preservation activities of the Digital Preservation Department. You will form part of a team that manages the technical elements of the transfer process of digital records from government departments to The National Archives, using our Digital Repository Transfer system. You will also assist with providing advice to both government and the general public, and will help to deal with inquiries relating to the Digital Preservation services. Role and responsibilities
In this role you will: Work with other government departments and the Information Management and Practice Department (who manage the transfer of records to The National Archives) to transfer digital records into the Digital Archive.
Work closely with the Services Manager to train users from other government departments on the Digital Transfer System. Ensure that colleagues within The National Archives are given support and advice on the use of the system and the processes involved in transfer.
Assist with the analysis of digital records (and their supporting IT systems in other government departments) proposed for transfer to The National Archives to ascertain the key functional attributes required for preservation.
Provide analysis and support for the processing of metadata prior to and during the transfer process, and assist with the efficient evaluation and resolution of technical issues relating to the transfer process.
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Develop and maintain a high degree of knowledge and understanding of digital records and possible ways to archive them.
Contribute to the development of advice and guidance for the transfer and preservation of digital records (objects and metadata), including the provision of clear explanations of complex technical ideas.
Assist with the communications requirements of the department, including monitoring and responding to user inquiries. Develop a high level of understanding of the needs of stakeholders, in order to share information in the most effective way.
Provide other project and service support as required.
Person specification
Key: Experience - Graduate level qualification in Archives (with a digital focus), Information Science or Computing, or demonstrable equivalent level of vocational experience with digital information
Demonstrable understanding of the principles of digital preservation and a self evident passion and enthusiasm for the field
Communication skills – proven ability to write clearly and concisely, and the ability to explain and present complex technical ideas effectively to a non technical audience
Quick learner – proven ability to quickly learn new skills and how to use new IT systems, and to quickly and effectively pass on the newly assimilated skills and knowledge to others
Interpersonal skills – proven ability to interact professionally with a variety of stakeholders including team members, other Government Departments and the general public
Analysis– proven ability to analyse information in detail to understand its structure, form and purpose, and to subsequently evaluate and draw conclusions from that knowledge
Problem solving - proven ability to evaluate and understand issues and problems, and to pro-actively ensure their effective resolution
Time management and self-organisation skills - proven ability to work to tight deadlines, manage competing priorities and adapt to changing demands
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Desirable: Development - proven commitment to personal and technical development, including a willingness to keep up to date with innovations in the Digital Preservation area
Demonstrable understanding of archival cataloguing systems
Demonstrable understanding of file formats
Health and Safety Risk Assessment
Normal office environment Location
Kew, West London Working arrangement
Full-time, Permanent Starting salary £20,450 - £25,450 plus generous benefits package, including pension, childcare vouchers, sports and social club facilities, onsite gym, subsidised staff restaurant and opportunities for training and development. How to apply Please use the following link to download an application form: http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documents/applicationform.doc and email it along with your supporting statement to careers@nationalarchives.gov.uk. Please quote reference number 1391 in the subject line. Supporting statement Please explain how you meet each point on the person specification. You may draw on knowledge, skills, abilities, experience gained from paid work, domestic responsibilities, education, leisure interests and voluntary activities. Please note selection for interview will largely be based on the information you provide in this section. Please put your name and post applied for on each sheet. For further information Please contact the Recruitment Team on 020 8392 5335. Nationality rules Applicants must be British or Commonwealth citizens with the right to live and work in the UK, or nationals of states of the European Union. Closing date Monday 25th January 2010 at midday Interviews Wednesday 3rd February 2010