Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) – Archaeological Finds Volunteer

Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) – Archaeological Finds Volunteer

You will be assisting the Finds Liaison Officers (FLO) at Lancashire County Museum Service in a cataloguing project called the Portable Antiquities Scheme. This scheme encourages the voluntary recording of archaeological objects, found by members of the public, thereby increasing our knowledge about the history of our towns and countryside. The FLO is qualified to examine the find/object and provide the finder with more information about the object. They also record the find and its function, date, material and location, and place this information into a nationwide database which can be analysed and the information used by academics, museums and local historians.

By assisting the FLO, your work will help us update the database with all of the new finds from Lancashire & Cumbria. You can look at the online database here: Portable Antiquities Scheme Website (finds.org.uk)

Many previously unknown archaeological sites have been identified through the Portable Antiquities Scheme and it has contributed greatly to the level of knowledge of the past in Lancashire & Cumbria.

Please contact the Finds Liaison Officer to discuss the role before applying either by email or phone:

email: theo.muscillo@lancashire.gov.uk

Phone: 07720144848

What are we offering to you?

• Training and support including in the handling and care of museum collections.
• An opportunity to share your local knowledge and any existing skills
• Potential to be involved in online training regarding museum documentation skills
• An opportunity to learn about the archaeological heritage of the North West
• To assist us in maintaining the finds database for Lancashire and Cumbria
• A designated member of staff as a contact for assistance and feedback.
• An opportunity to work with heritage professionals, and which you could include on your CV

Location

You will be based in Preston – Museum HQ. For some projects, you may be able to some tasks remotely.

Projects will usually consist of about 6-18 days volunteer work. The FLO will discuss a mutually convenient arrangement with you. For example, this could be a two-week placement, or one day a week over a few months. Volunteers are expected to do at least 2 days each month.

Tasks:

You will volunteer on projects that combine some of the tasks below. You can discuss available projects with the FLO, to work out what is the best fit.

• Documenting finds, to best practice and museum standards, onto a publicly-accessible database.
• Photographing finds and editing these photos digitally.
• Basic packing and boxing of finds and archaeological material.
• Researching objects and their geographical distribution
• Assisting at a number of public events at our museums or libraries.
• Creating, editing or organising outreach materials.

In addition, all volunteers will need to:

• Use some IT skills.
• Log volunteering hours monthly
• Submit expenses where applicable via an on-line computer system
• Complete minimum level training e.g. Information Governance if required, and commit to further training relevant to the role

Required Qualities:

• An interest in history, archaeology and/or photography
• Willingness to ask questions and listen to feedback
• An understanding of confidentiality and its operation in this role.
• Regular attendance at an agreed time and willingness to volunteer.
• Consistently accurate work
• Follow museum training & PAS guidelines in the safe handling of objects or museum collections
• Complying with the Volunteer Acceptable Use Guidelines