About
The
Job.
Department of Archaeology
Faculty of Arts and Humanities
Archaeological Archives Project Officer
About
The
Job.
Pursue the extraordinary
Overview
About the Department
The Faculty of Arts and Humanities at the University of Sheffield is one of the leading
centres for research in arts and humanities in the UK.
The University of Sheffield is a
member of the Russell Group of research-intensive universities and is currently ranked 8th in
the UK in the Shanghai Jiao Tong Academic Ranking of World Universities.
The 2008
Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) ranked the University 5th in the UK in terms of the
number of subject areas with 50% or more of their research judged to be ‘world-leading’
(4*) or ‘internationally excellent’ (3*).
The performance by the Faculty of Arts and
Humanities in RAE 2008 was particularly impressive with 9 out of our 10 subject areas
having 50%+ of their research in the 4* and 3* categories.
We have an international
reputation for high-quality and innovative learning and teaching, delivered by staff who are
both committed to providing an outstanding student experience and who are at the cutting
edge of research in their own disciplines.
The University of Sheffield has been awarded the Times Higher Education University of the
Year for 2011, and Arts and Humanities is a major contributor to this success.
The Faculty comprises the following departments:
 Archaeology
 Biblical Studies
 History
 School of English Literature, Language and Linguistics
 School of Languages and Culture
 Music
 Philosophy
Six of the seven units are located in the Jessop quarter of the university campus, adjacent
to the award-winning Humanities Research Institute. The Faculty has its own
governance structures and is one of the five faculties of the university.
The Department of Archaeology, housed in its own buildings close to both the University
and the city, is a centre of excellence for teaching and research
(http://www.shef.ac.uk/archaeology/index.html). It is in the top ten archaeology
departments in the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise, rated excellent in the QAA review of
teaching, and is one of the largest single departments of archaeology in the UK with 19
academic posts and many research fellows and assistants. The department is both friendly
and forward-looking, with a rare combination of science-based and humanities-based staff.
Job Role
ARCUS, our former commercial field unit, was responsible for some of the most
significant excavations in Sheffield in recent times. We still hold some of the archive from
their work, and are now in a position to make this ready for deposition in local Museums.
The post-holder will oversee and deliver this process. Applicants should have good
working experience with archaeological archives and finds, and of working with the
requirements for deposition (e.g. Society of Museum Archaeologists Guidelines on
Selection, Retention and Dispersal of Archaeological Collections). You will be responsible
for supervising a group of student volunteers, and for managing a programme of related
educational activities for them. You will be educated at least to first degree level in a
relevant subject area (or have equivalent experience), be IT literate in a range of
technologies, and have good organisational ability and interpersonal skills.
Job Description
Main Duties and Responsibilities

Assess the condition of the archive, and construct a plan for its deposition with Museums
Sheffield by the end of the period of appointment.

Bring together the material, paper and electronic archive for each site such that it can be
deposited with Museums Sheffield.

Manage a group of c. 10 student volunteers to prepare the archive for deposition with
Museums Sheffield.

Instruct and train the student volunteers in the preparation of archives for deposition
with Museums Sheffield.

Monitor the progress being made by the student volunteers and address any issues of
concern.

Contribute to the preparation of the material for deposition – including (where necessary)
re-packaging and marking/labelling material.

Manage, co-ordinate and oversee a programme of educational activities for the student
volunteers – including talks by/practical sessions with relevant experts (for example,
archive managers, museum curators, site specialists, and academics).

Liaise with representatives from Museum Sheffield re the process and timescale for
deposition.

Liaise with relevant finds specialists in preparation of documentation required for
deposition of the archive with Museums Sheffield.

Liaise with representatives of the Historic Environment Record office in preparation for
deposition of archival reports with Museums Sheffield.

Liaise with our Laboratory and Technical Supervisor re the day-to-day management and
delivery of the process.

Liaise with representatives of local archaeological units re the deposition of ARCUS
material with Museums Sheffield.

Ensure the work is undertaken in line with set deadlines.

Any other duties commensurate with the grade of the post.
Person Specification
Applicants should provide evidence in their applications that they meet the following
criteria. We will use a range of selection methods to measure candidates’ abilities in these
areas including reviewing your on-line application, seeking references, inviting shortlisted
candidates to interview and other forms of assessment action relevant to the post.
Criteria
Essential Desirable
Qualifications and experience
1.
A first degree in Archaeology or relevant subject area (or
X
equivalent experience).
2.
Experience of managing/administering archaeological archives.
X
3.
Good knowledge of relevant museum standards/regulations.
X
Management skills
4.
Ability to manage and motivate a team of student volunteers.
X
Project management
5.
Ability to plan and deliver (mobilising the team and resources
X
available) the project within the time-frame of the post.
6.
Experience of a range of project management approaches.
7.
Ability to develop and work within a team to deliver the project
X
X
in time.
Supporting staff performance
8.
Ability to review individual/team progress and performance.
X
Problem solving and decision making
9.
A pro-active and creative approach to problem solving and task
X
delivery.
Personal effectiveness
Ability to exercise leadership, to be supportive and to lead
10.
X
through example within the team, and know when to draw on
the support and advice of colleagues in the department and in
the University.
11.
Experience of adapting own skills to new circumstances –
X
particularly in terms of team management and motivation.
Further Information
This post is fixed-term for 6 months, to start as soon as possible.
This post is full-time:
This role has been identified as a full-time post, but we are committed to exploring flexible
working opportunities with our staff which benefit both the individual and the University.
Therefore, we would consider flexible delivery of the role subject to meeting the business
needs of the post. See www.sheffield.ac.uk/hr/wellbeing/info/wlb.html for more
information.
Benefits
Terms and conditions of employment: Will be those for Grade 6 staff.
Salary for this grade: £24,049 - £27,854 per annum.
More details on salaries, terms and conditions and our wide range of benefits for staff are
available at www.sheffield.ac.uk/hr/reward/structures
Informal enquiries:
For all on-line application system queries and support, contact:
e-Recruitment@sheffield.ac.uk .
For informal enquiries about this job and department, contact:
Selection-Next Step
Following the closing date, you will be informed by email whether or not you have been
shortlisted to be invited to participate in the next stage of the selection process. Please note
that due to the large number of applications that we receive, it may take up to two working
weeks following the closing date before the recruiting department will be able to contact
you.
IThe University of Sheffield is committed to achieving excellence through inclusion.
The University of Sheffield is proud to be a Two Ticks employer
www.sheffield.ac.uk/hr/equality/support/twoticks/
Pursue the extraordinary