Department: Irish Historic Towns Atlas (IHTA)
Contract type: Specific Purpose, for the purpose to cover a three-year career break
Duration: Until 4 August 2027
Reports to: Cartographic and Managing Editor

Overview

Applications are invited for the position of Editorial and Mapping Assistant for the Irish Historic Towns Atlas (IHTA) based at the Royal Irish Academy (RIA). The RIA is a predominantly publicly funded institution established for the promotion of learning in the sciences and humanities across the island of Ireland. The Academy’s latest strategic plan is available here: Strategic Plan – Royal Irish Academy (ria.ie).

The IHTA is one of a number of long-term research programmes at the RIA. It is engaged in research and cartography focusing on understanding the development of our built heritage. Published atlases and online editions have been produced for twenty-eight towns and cities across Ireland, north and south. The IHTA is one of nineteen European national historic towns atlas programmes. See https://www.ria.ie/research-programmes/irish-historic-towns-atlas/.

Key purpose of role

This role will involve assisting in the compilation of content (maps and texts) for the Irish Historic Towns Atlas (IHTA) series in its printed and digital forms in addition to supporting the day-to-day programme of work. This involves: (a) the digitisation, preparation and editing of historic/historical maps; (b) the copy-editing of text; (c) carrying out duties associated with the general running of the research programme.

Key accountabilities

The Editorial and Mapping Assistant’s responsibilities will include:

  • Preparation of IHTA maps in Geographical Information Systems (GIS)
  • Following and contributing to technical guidelines, in co-ordination with the Cartographic and Managing Editor
  • Copy-editing/proofreading IHTA texts in line with conventions, which will include entries for the ‘topographical information’ section of the atlas
  • Sourcing historical images and dealing with permissions
  • Historical research in relation to arising queries
  • Checking and providing IHTA text, images and metadata for the IHTA website and online outputs (including via the Digital Repository of Ireland)
  • Liaising with other members of the in-house team (which may include temporary staff and students), RIA colleagues, IHTA authors and board members and the wider public about IHTA work
  • Engaging in outreach activities to publicise the IHTA’s work
  • Other administrative duties
  • Other duties that may be assigned from time to time by the Cartographic and Managing Editor, and Executive Director

Note: To qualify candidates must be eligible by the date of any job offer. This job description is a guide to broad areas of responsibility and accountability and should not be regarded as a comprehensive listing. The job description may be subject to review in the view of new structures and / or the changing needs of the Academy.

Person specification

Essential qualifications

  • A third level degree or equivalent qualification in relevant discipline (history, geography, archaeology, architecture)
  • A minimum of three years’ relevant experience
  • Research experience in urban studies
  • Keen interest in urban history and heritage
  • Excellent attention to detail and a conscientious approach to work
  • Self-motivated with flexibility in being able to juggle multiple demands, handling change and adapting to new situations with fresh ideas or innovative approaches
  • Broad IT and digital communications skills including familiarity with Adobe Suite and GIS
  • Copy-editing experience
  • Excellent knowledge of English grammar and punctuation
  • Ability to work autonomously as part of a small team and to know when to take initiative
  • Strong organisational and time management skills

Desirable qualifications

  • A postgraduate degree in a relevant discipline (e.g. GIS, digital humanities, history, geography, archaeology, architecture)
  • A qualification in GIS
  • Proficiency in the Irish language

Further Information

Salary: Salary is on the Admin Officer / Programme Manager Scale €42,273 – €54,625. Candidates should note that entry will be at the minimum of the scale and the rate of remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with government pay policy. Candidates should note that different pay and conditions may apply if, immediately prior to appointment, the appointee is a serving civil or public servant.

Hours of Work: The normal hours of work are 35 hours per week. This role is 0.4 FTE and normal hours of work per week will be 14.

Overtime is not paid in respect of excess attendance which, should it arise, is discharged by time off in lieu at times agreed in advance with the Executive Director.

This role is suitable for blended working.

Leave: The annual leave entitlement is 25 days per annum, pro-rata for shorter periods. Entitlement to leave for public holidays is in accordance with the terms of the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997. There may be a requirement to take up to four days annual leave where the Academy is closed at Christmas.

Employee Benefits: Examples of some of our current employee benefits include:

  • Generous annual leave entitlement
  • Family friendly policies
  • Blended working policy
  • Availability of an optical benefit scheme
  • Availability of a cycle to work scheme
  • A range of learning and developmental opportunities
  • Sick leave scheme
  • Paid maternity, adoptive and paternity Leave
  • Automatically entered into a pension scheme
  • Employee assistance programme

Medical: Staff shall, if required, and at the expense of the Academy, submit to a medical examination by a registered medical practitioner nominated by the Academy and shall authorise such medical practitioner to disclose and to discuss with the Academy the results of the examination and the matters which arise from it so that the Academy can ascertain any matters that they consider might impair a staff member from properly discharging his/her duties.

Pension: Details of the appropriate pension scheme will be provided upon determination of appointee’s status.

Permanent Pension contribution: This appointment is subject to the Additional Superannuation Contribution (ASC) effective from 1 January 2019.

Application Process

Completed applications consisting of one electronic copy (with all documents contained in one Word document) must be submitted to recruitment@ria.ie in the order as set out below:

  • A brief cover letter demonstrating how you meet the qualifications and experience for the position (max. 700 words)
  • A curriculum vitae summarising your qualifications and relevant experience (max. 4 pages)

Applicants will be shortlisted based on information provided in their application.

Please note: failure to fulfil the application requisites will deem the application invalid.

Closing date: 25 October at 12pm. Late applications will not be considered.

It is anticipated that interviews will be held week commencing 4 November 2024.

Please note this interview will include competency-based interview questions.

Candidates should note that panels may be formed from which future positions may be filled.

The Royal Irish Academy will not be responsible for refunding any expenses incurred by Candidates.

The Royal Irish Academy is an equal opportunities employer.