Salary: £20,000 per annum (0.4 FTE / £50,000 FTE)
Contract: Fixed term for two years
Location: Flexible/home-based with travel across Wales
Travel: Project-related travel expenses reimbursed in accordance with Weightlifting Wales financial policy and procedures.
Help capture and preserve the story of Welsh Weightlifting
Weightlifting Wales is seeking a suitably experienced and enthusiastic Project Oral Historian / Heritage Officer to lead an exciting two-year National Lottery Heritage Fund project capturing the living history of Weightlifting in Wales.
Strength & Legacy: Capturing the Living History of Weightlifting Wales (1950s-2010/2011) will preserve the stories, experiences and achievements of the people who shaped the sport, alongside photographs, programmes, medals, documents and other memorabilia.
The successful applicant will work with former athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers, clubs and communities across Wales to record oral histories, identify and digitise heritage material and help create a lasting digital archive.
The Opportunity
Working closely with the Weightlifting Wales Chief Operating Officer and wider team, the successful applicant will lead the day-to-day delivery of the heritage project.
The project will include:
- Recording 60-100 oral history interviews across Wales, in Welsh and English where appropriate.
- Researching and documenting the history of Weightlifting in Wales.
- Identifying photographs, medals, programmes, records and other memorabilia for digitisation.
- Working with individuals, families and clubs to capture personal stories and memories.
- Supporting the development of a publicly accessible digital archive.
- Working alongside People's Collection Wales and other heritage partners.
- Supporting community exhibitions, events and outreach activity across Wales.
- Helping reconnect former members of the Welsh Weightlifting community with current and future generations.
Supporting project monitoring, evaluation and reporting.
Key Responsibilities
The successful applicant will:
- Plan and conduct oral history interviews.
- Research individuals, clubs, competitions and key periods within Welsh Weightlifting history.
- Build positive relationships with former athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers and families.
- Coordinate the collection and digitisation of photographs, documents and memorabilia.
- Maintain accurate records, permissions and project documentation.
- Work with volunteers supporting research and community engagement.
- Work alongside specialist freelance digital media and videography support where required.
- Contribute to exhibitions, digital content and heritage events.
- Support monitoring and evaluation of the project.
Ensure heritage materials are handled and recorded appropriately.
Person Specification
Essential
We are looking for someone who:
- Has experience or a strong understanding of oral history, heritage, historical research or a related field.
- Is confident interviewing people and capturing personal stories sensitively and accurately.
- Has excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Has strong organisational and record-keeping skills.
- Can work independently and manage activity across a two-year project.
- Is comfortable building relationships with people from different generations and backgrounds.
- Has good digital skills.
- Is willing and able to travel across Wales.
- Demonstrates a commitment to safeguarding, equality and inclusive practice.
Desirable
- Welsh language skills.
- Experience delivering an oral history or community heritage project.
- Knowledge or interest in sport and sporting heritage.
- Experience digitising photographs, documents or archive material.
- Audio and video recording skills.
- Digital storytelling, photography or basic video-editing skills.
Experience working with volunteers.
Working Arrangement
This is a part-time, fixed-term employed position at 0.4 FTE for two years.
The role will involve a mixture of home working, travel across Wales and attendance at Weightlifting Wales clubs, competitions, heritage events and other project locations.
WW will provide appropriate project equipment and ongoing support, with specialist freelance digital media and videography expertise commissioned where required.
Reasonable project-related travel expenses will be reimbursed in accordance with Weightlifting Wales financial policy and procedures.
How to Apply
Applicants should submit:
- A current CV.
- A covering letter (maximum two pages) outlining:
- Why you are interested in the role.
- Your relevant experience and skills.
- Your approach to collecting and preserving oral histories.
- Any relevant digital, audio or video experience.
- Your availability.
Please send your application to Mr Jake Eastwood at:
Recruitment Timeline
Applications Open: 17 August 2026
Closing Date: 30 September 2026
Interviews: October 2026
Expected Start: November / December 2026
