Heritage Science Data Service; HSDS Data Cataloguer

Heritage Science Data Service (HSDS) Data Cataloguer Historic England

Employment Type:

Full time 12 months fixed term contract

Location:

Hybrid – England, UK based in our Fort Cumberland office 4 days a week

Team:
Policy and Evidence - National Specialist Services

Seniority:
Junior

• Closing: 11:59pm, 8th Mar 2026 GMT

• Work from home option
• Wellness programs
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Additional parental leave
• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave
• Paid emergency leave
• Sabbatical opportunities
• Mentoring/coaching
• Payroll giving
• Salary sacrifice
• Team social events
• Team lunches
• Extracurricular clubs
• Cycle to work scheme

7.99 (10044)

Summary

We are the public body that looks after England’s historic environment. We champion historic places, helping people understand, value and care for them.

Historic England has a fantastic opportunity for you to join us as a Data Cataloguer working on the AHRC-funded Heritage Science Data Service (HSDS) (AHRC award /Z505705/1) project in which we are partners. The project, developed and managed by the Archaeology Data Service, University of York brings together key UK heritage bodies to improve access to heritage science data.

Full time Fixed Term Contract for 12 months. The role is based out of Fort Cumberland with hybrid working.

We offer a wide benefits package including a competitive defined benefit pension scheme to which we make 28.97% employer contributions
, a generous 28 days holiday, corporate discounts, free entry into English Heritage sites across the country and development opportunities to ensure you achieve your goals.

To view our full range of benefits please follow the link here.

You will work in close collaboration with Historic England’s Archaeological Archives and HSDS project teams to manage the ingestion of data from Historic England’s scientific research and reference collections. Through this you will gain experience of working with data across a range of archaeological and cultural heritage materials. There will be ample opportunity to develop your skills and experience in data and collections management, undertaking appropriate training and on the job learning.

Following instructions from expert advisors you will work on Historic England’s scientific research and reference collections to:

• Create detailed catalogue records, including linking physical samples/specimens to existing physical records and creating digital records of these where none currently exist.
• Perform quality assurance to ensure data recorded is clean, accurate, and adheres to relevant standards, as advised by experts.
• Identify and create data packages to facilitate the deposition of data with the Heritage Science Data Service.
• Prepare appropriate metadata in collaboration with the project team and relevant scientists.
• Make recommendations for digitisation of records.

• Educated to at least A-level or equivalent.
• Experience of working with archaeological, heritage science, museums, archives or a research institution collection.
• Experience of working in an environment where teamwork was critical to getting the job done.
• Ability to work accurately and to deadlines.
• Close attention to detail in routine tasks involving numbering schemes and data.
• Experience in using databases and confident in the use of Microsoft Office applications including Excel.
• Able to manage time effectively, prioritise work, deal with multiple requests and competing demands.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.

Please note your application will be scored and assessed against the above criteria.

We are an equal opportunity employer which values diversity and inclusion. If you have a disability or neurodiversity, we would be happy to discuss reasonable adjustments to the job with you. Having won the Gold Award from MIND for workplace wellbeing in seven consecutive years, we also recognise the importance of a healthy work‑life balance.

We are an inclusive employer and believe that flexible working options are for everyone. We want to make sure our working arrangements don’t prevent anyone from joining us because of their personal…