Out of the Archives (Pride of Place: Dumfries) Community Heritage & Archive Volunteer Co-ordinator
Role Description
Role Title: Community Heritage & Archive Volunteer Co-ordinator
Responsible to: Alison Burgess.
Line managed by Alison Burgess, Dumfries & Galloway Heritage Service.
As part of Dumfries Town Board funded ‘Out of the Archives’ – Pride of Place Dumfries Project, delivered in partnership with Arts D&G, Dumfries & Galloway Heritage Service and The Imaginarium.
Location:
The Heritage Room, Ewart Library, Dumfries & Galloway Heritage Service, Dumfries.
Time Commitment:
60 days (483 hours) at £15.50 per hour, averaging 1–1.5 days per week, flexing to meet the needs of volunteers, community groups and the project.
Initial one-year contract with the option of continuation into Year 2, subject to funding.
Role Description:
The Pride of Place Community Heritage & Archive Volunteer Co-ordinator will play a key role in supporting community volunteers and community researchers to uncover, explore and share the overlooked, under-represented and erased histories of Dumfries.
Working alongside Dumfries & Galloway Heritage Service, Arts D&G and The Imaginarium, the postholder will organise, help create welcoming, inclusive opportunities for people to engage with archives, contribute new knowledge and help create a fuller, richer and more representative history of Dumfries.
They will recruit, induct, train, support and coordinate volunteers, helping them develop confidence in archive and local history research while ensuring their contributions are valued, celebrated and recorded.
They will also support the preservation and enrichment of local cultural heritage collections through research, digitisation, documentation, collation, interpretation and displays.
What’s Involved:
● Recruit, welcome, induct and support volunteers and Community Researchers.
● Build and maintain trusted relationships with individuals, community groups and partner organisations.
● Encourage and support participation from people and communities who may not traditionally engage with archives or local history. Particularly participants from under-represented communities.
● Support volunteers to uncover, explore, record and celebrate overlooked, under-represented and erased histories.
● Provide guidance in using archives, local studies resources, microfilm, microfiche and online research tools.
● Support oral history, digitisation and documentation projects.
● Maintain volunteer records, research logs and project administration.
● Monitor, evaluate and report on volunteer activity and project outcomes.
● Support interpretation through displays, exhibitions and creative outputs.
● Work closely with the Heritage Service and Pride of Place partners and their core team to ensure a welcoming, inclusive and accessible research environment.
What Skills Are Required: Desirable / Essential?
● Experience supporting volunteers, community groups or community projects. (E)
● An interest in local history, cultural heritage and community research. (E)
● Knowledge of archive, family history and online research resources (e.g. Scotland’s People, FamilySearch, Ancestry).
● Strong communication and interpersonal skills. (E)
● Excellent organisational and planning skills. (E)
● Ability to record, organise and present research findings accurately. (E)
● Good digital and IT skills. (E)
● Attention to detail. (E)
● Ability to facilitate small groups and work collaboratively. (E)
● Commitment to inclusion, accessibility and confidentiality. (E)
● Reliable, approachable, supportive and able to work independently. (E)
● Experience of working with archives (D)
● Working collaboratively with and engaging with under-represented communities (D)
What Training and Support Is Offered
● Induction to Pride of Place, Dumfries & Galloway Heritage Service and project partners.
● Training in archive collections, local studies resources and research methods.
● Training in scanners, microfilm and microfiche equipment.
● Support in working with under-represented communities
● Ongoing mentoring and support from the Heritage Service and project team.
● Further training opportunities as appropriate.
● 12-week probationary period.
Any Other Information
● Eligibility to work in the UK and satisfactory references required.
● PVG membership will be required.
● Adherence to Arts D&G and Dumfries & Galloway Council policies and procedures, including confidentiality and safeguarding.
How to Apply
Please email your CV, and a covering letter to hello@artsdg.org.uk. Please discuss any relevant experience, including any photos or videos if you have them.
Recruitment Process
● Closing date: Monday 13th July, 12.00pm
● Shortlisted candidates informed: Tuesday 14th July, 12.00pm
● Interview date: Friday 17 July 2026
● Successful candidate informed: Monday 20th July, 12.00pm
● To enable them to prepare, shortlisted candidates will receive interview questions in advance.
