Job Description

Job Introduction

About Us

This is an exciting time to join the Oxfordshire Museum Service as we continue to develop service structure, and enhance access to our collections and services.


Our collection totals 112,000 objects from the palaeolithic era to contemporary collecting split roughly 50/50 between Social History holdings and Archaeology. We make our collections accessible via our range of services including through our key operating sites. The Oxfordshire Museum is our flag ship site and attracts over 100,000 visitors every year. The site includes an accessible green space, permanent and temporary galleries, learning space, cafe, shop and library. The Museum Resource Centre is our bespoke storage and conservation centre. Home to tens of thousands of objects as well as curatorial and learning staff accommodation. The service also manages two remote sites, Swalcliffe Barn (near Banbury), a medieval tithe barn with agricultural collections and the Bishops Palace (Witney) an open archaeological site of special historic interest.

About the Role

Are you passionate about the past? Looking to develop your knowledge of archaeological finds? Excited by the opportunity to increase access to Oxfordshire's archaeology? Then this is the ideal opportunity for you.


The Headley Trust and Portable Antiquities Scheme are offering the opportunity to gain practical experience in recording archaeological objects found by the public in a fixed term paid internship. It is a great chance to build your skills and knowledge in this area and begin your career in the heritage sector as a small-finds specialist.



In this role you will be trained by and work alongside Oxfordshire's Finds Liaison Officer to get a taste of working life as a Finds Liaison Assistant. You will also have the chance to:

Improve your knowledge and understanding of the Portable Antiquities Scheme, the Treasure process and Prehistoric to Post Medieval finds in Oxfordshire. Identify, record and photograph an array of archaeological objects Gain experience of projects enhancing and sharing the Oxfordshire Museums Service's collection of more than 50,000 artefacts Develop relationships with local people, including archaeologists and metal detectorists. Carry out a research project inspired by the finds your record in collaboration with Oxfordshire Museums Service staff


The post is based as The Museum Resource Centre and managed by Dr Edward Caswell, Finds Liaison Officer for Oxfordshire.

About you

We are seeking a candidate with an enthusiasm for archaeology, looking for an opportunity to learn more about the Portable Antiquities Scheme and the work of the wider Heritage Sector.

You don't need any formal qualifications or experience to apply for this placement. You will need to have basic literacy skills and be open to meeting and speaking with people from different backgrounds. Confident digital skills e.g. Microsoft Office Suite, good interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a hybrid way (both in the office, on site and at home) would be an advantage. You don't need skills in photography and using database but you must be keen to learn and develop skills in this area.

Full support and guidance will be provided to during the placements to the point that you will be able to confidently work independently .


In both archaeology and museums, an issue with lack of diversity within the workforce has been identified (see Chartered Institute for Archaeologists and Museums Association) among those with disabilities, from low-income families, and from diverse ethnic backgrounds. This round of Headley Trust Internships contributes to the PAS Equality and Diversity Group strategy by providing opportunities for people from socially or economically disadvantageous backgrounds to gain experience to enter a career in archaeology or the museum sector. Priority will therefore be given for applications from candidates from these underrepresented groups and who have no qualifications or experience in the sector (paid or voluntary ).

Rewards and benefits

It really is true that every single job role here contributes to bettering the lives of the people in our county - we want to do this for our employees too. We are proud of our strong flexible working culture, including the opportunity for flexibility on working hours and the use of technology to support agile working. We offer some of the best learning and development opportunities to support your ongoing development.


We offer a comprehensive induction, supportive work-life balance including agile working, flexible working and tangible wellbeing initiatives, plus regular supervision and support available whenever you need it.

10% discount in the Museum Cafe and Shop Culture of flexible working Technology to support agile working where role permits 25 day's holiday (pro rata for part-time), plus bank holidays , (based on a standard 37 hour/5-dayweek working pattern) Option to 'buy' additional holiday Employee Assistance Programme including access to health and wellbeing support Membership of the Local Government contributory pension scheme, with an employer's contribution of up to 19.7% Enhanced family friendly policies Local and national discounts for shopping and travel Great learning and development opportunities to support your ongoing development

Our commitment to:

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

At Oxfordshire County Council we are proud of our diverse workforce. Everyone is accepted for who they are, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or on maternity or family leave. We have a number of staff network groups which provide peer support, education and safe spaces for all.

Our commitment to:

Guaranteed Interview Schemes

As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job. We also guarantee interviews to care leavers who have completed further education and who meet the essential criteria for the job. For those leaving care without any further education, we guarantee an interview for our apprenticeships. We are also committed to helping and supporting those transitioning from HM Armed Forces to civilian life and guarantee an interview for those demonstrating the essential criteria for the role, within three years of leaving the service.

Our commitment to:

Safeguarding

Oxfordshire County Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect these commitments.

Our commitment to:

Flexible Working

We are open to discussions about flexible working, which can include flexi-time, part time working, job sharing, nine-day fortnights and annualised hours, depending on the requirements of the role and the service.

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If you encounter any technical issues with the application system, please contact us at: careers@oxfordshire.gov.uk


If you have any questions about the role or would like to arrange an informal chat about the role contact Edward Caswell at: edward.caswell@oxfordshire.gov.uk