Archive Engagement Officer : Homegrown Heritage
Part time (14.8 hours per week), temporary, reporting to the Archivist responsible for the Lancashire Printed Collection collections at Lancashire Archives and local history collections in Lancashire Libraries. This post will be based at Burnley Library. We would like the post holder to work Thursdays and Fridays
If you wish to be considered on a secondment basis, you must obtain approval from your current line manager prior to interview.
This post is expected to run to September 2030.
Our service
Lancashire Archives cares for 900 years of the county’s history. Millions of items are stored on 9 miles of shelving in the strongrooms in Preston. Our collections include everything from medieval parchments to digital sound recordings. We collect and preserve archives so that Lancashire’s stories will be told in the future and to ensure they are also available for everyone to use and enjoy today. We are an Accredited Archive Service, supported by an amazing team of volunteers and the Friends of Lancashire Archives.
Lancashire Archives forms part of Lancashire County Council's Cultural Services, which also includes the Lancashire Library Service, operating around the County and offering a range of services including access to local history collections maintained and accessed within library buildings.
The role
As an Archives Engagement Officer, you will play a key role in supporting the management and care of archive and local history collections at Burnley Library
You will support Burnley Council's heritage programme 'High 5 for Heritage' by delivering the Homegrown Heritage part of the wider programme, and facilitate increased access to Burnley Library's local history collections by carrying out in-depth collections management work to improve collections care and information.
You will create and lead on volunteer opportunities for people to get involved in local history research through projects with the local history collections and records from Lancashire Archives. You will work with a range of partners and provide content and support for High 5 4 Heritage and Burnley 2027 Year of Culture events.
About You
We are looking for someone who is passionate about working with people and sharing stories. You will have experience of working in the library, heritage or learning sectors, knowledge of best practice within heritage and experience of working with a range of different audiences.
You will have experience of working with volunteers and collaborating with stakeholders to deliver projects and engagement programmes.
You will need to communicate effectively and work independently to lead delivery in delegated work areas.
If you would like an informal discussion or any further information, please contact Hannah Turner (01772 533825)
Why Join Us?
At Lancashire County Council, you’ll have the opportunity to shape a career path that suits you, with access to personal and professional qualifications, coaching, and mentoring. This is the place to build the career you’ve always wanted.
In return for your passion and expertise, we offer a generous benefits package, including:
A competitive salary and access to the Local Government Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions.
26 days of annual leave (rising with length of service), plus 8 bank holidays and 2 additional statutory days. You’ll also have the option to purchase additional leave each year.
Access to our staff discount scheme in partnership with Vivup, offering savings with a wide range of UK retailers—from weekly groceries to white goods and vehicles.
Further information:
Please note the salary quoted for this position is the full time equivalent. These positions are part time, therefore, the salary received will be paid on a pro–rata basis.
The post you are applying for is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013). If successful you will be required to apply to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) for a 'disclosure'. Further information can be found on the 'Our Recruitment Process' tab.
We reserve the right to close a vacancy early, before the closing date, if we receive sufficient applications
Job Description and Person Specification
Local Government Reorganisation
The Government has confirmed that local government across Lancashire will be reorganised, with the current 15 councils being replaced by four new unitary councils covering North, South, East and West Lancashire from April 2028.
If you are successful in your application, you will initially join Lancashire County Council. However, as part of the planned transition, your employment will transfer to one of the new unitary councils from April 2028, subject to the implementation of the reorganisation and relevant employment legislation.
Throughout this period, our focus remains on delivering excellent services to our communities. By joining us now, you'll play an important role in shaping the future of local government and helping to build a strong new organisation that will serve residents for years to come.
