Archives Assistant (Crewe)

Cheshire Archives preserve and make accessible the archives and local studies collections that record the histories of Cheshire's communities from the th century to today. It does this through two new centres in Chester and Crewe, extensive digital services and through community engagement, learning and volunteer programmes.

This role supports the delivery of Cheshire Archives’ services by welcoming visitors, providing excellent customer support, and helping them access archive and local studies collections. The postholder retrieves materials, handles enquiries, and supplies copies while contributing to the smooth running of archive centre in Crewe. They also assist with community engagement, events, learning, and volunteer programmes to ensure the service remains relevant and accessible to local communities.

Cheshire West and Chester Council is a place where everyone can Thrive – through our core values of Teamwork, Honesty, Respect, Innovation, Value for Money and Empowerment.

We are looking for three Archives Assistants to join us at an exciting time as we move to new premises in Chester and Crewe. Working as part of a team, the postholders will play a central role in welcoming visitors to the centre in Crewe, supporting them through excellent customer service to make the most of their visit. The postholders will also be retrieving archives and local studies collections for visitors as required, providing copies for service users and responding to a range of enquiries about the service and the collections.

Key duties will include:

• Supervising public areas
• Retrieving archive and local studies material from strongrooms to support visitor access
• Producing copies of material for service users and supporting access through digital systems
• Responding to a range of enquiries regarding the service and its collections via email, telephone and face-to-face
• Supporting professional colleagues throughout the service by contributing to a range of collections management priorities such as listing.
• Recording and processing data and payments as required to support the delivery of Cheshire Archives’ customer services.

The role requires a good working knowledge of digital processes and a commitment to delivering excellent customer service.

We are looking for someone who has:

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Methodical and conscientious with great attention to detail.
• Ability to tailor communication to different audiences and deliver it in a clear and concise way.
• Ability to work within team or on own initiative within guidelines.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Flexible approach to duties and tasks to meet needs of service.

Working Pattern
The postholder will work Tuesday to Saturday, in line with the service’s public opening hours.

Wider Responsibilities
Community engagement, events, learning and volunteering programmes are integral to the service. The postholder will be expected to contribute to and support these activities as required, and a flexible and collaborative approach is essential.

To find out more information about what it is like to work for Cheshire West and Chester Council including our rewards and benefits please see

No candidate will meet every single requirement - if your experience looks a little different from what we've identified and you think you can bring value to the role, we'd love to learn more about you!

Cheshire West and Chester Council are committed to equality and diversity in employment. Please see the for more information.

Cheshire West and Chester Council have adopted a Local Living Wage for our employees which means that all employees will receive a minimum of £ per hour for all contracted hours.