Archivist I - Digital Preservation

County of Simcoe; Midhurst; On-site; CAD 47,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

County of Simcoe seeks an Archivist I to assist the County Archivist, leading the Digital Preservation program, and delivering archival services including appraisal, accessioning, arrangement, and access to both born-digital and digitized records.

The role involves training co-op and summer students, maintaining procedures, and ensuring compliance with local, provincial, and federal regulations; strong focus on preservation, outreach, and public access.

Qualifications

• Master-level archival degree or equivalent with a digital preservation focus.
• Knowledge of digital preservation best practices and standards.
• Experience applying digital preservation technologies and RAD-described records.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Archives' Digital Preservation program.
• Describe and accession records using RAD standards.
• Provide reference services and outreach to researchers.
• Train co-op and junior staff and new team members.
• Support day-to-day operations and procedural documentation.

Skills

Digital preservation

RAD knowledge

MS Office

Communication skills

Data entry

Time management

Independent work

Driver's license

Criminal records check

Education

Master of Archival Studies

Digital Preservation certificate

Tools

InMagic DB/TextWorks

Web Publisher Pro

Job description

Archivist I - Digital Preservation - (4575)

Assist the County Archivist in the development and maintenance of archival collections, procedures, and services. Act as Program Lead in the Archives’ Digital Preservation program. Undertake a full range of archival service delivery, including but not limited to: archival appraisal, conservation and preservation, accessioning, arrangement and description, database management, reference services, and outreach.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (not listed in order of priority)

1. Under the direction of the County Archivist, create, develop, and run the Archives’ Digital Preservation program, provide input to procedures and workflows related to the ingest, description, and care of born-digital and digitized records, and become a subject matter expert on digital collections and associated best practices.

2. Assist with, participate in, and integrate Digital Preservation program with other Archives programs, as needed.

3. Communicate Archives programs, policies, and procedures to stakeholders.

4. Identify and solicit for donation or transfer records of significance to the County of Simcoe.

5. Appraise potential donations, transfers, and acquisitions for their intrinsic value to the documentary history of the County of Simcoe, their value in terms of government accountability, and their evidentiary importance.

6. Assess the physical needs of records and apply appropriate conservation and preservation measures to ensure their long-term preservation.

7. Accession, arrange and describe, store, preserve, conserve, and provide access to a wide variety of archival material, ensuring careful handling of documents at all times.

8. Perform reference and retrieval services and respond to inquiries, as needed. Conduct effective reference interviews and provide guidance and assistance to researchers to find relevant and accurate information.

9. Assist with training and orientating co-op students, summer students, and new staff members.

10. Assist with departmental financial and procurement procedures.

11. Prepare and deliver Archives outreach programs, including presentations to a wide variety of audiences, on- and off-line exhibits, tours of the Archives, and social media content.

12. Assist with day-to-day operation of the Archives.

13. Assist with the creation and maintenance of archival procedures and create position and program manuals.

14. Stay current with archival industry best practices, standards, and technology including, but not limited to: digital preservation, digital records management, and related fields.

15. Advise and provide assistance to the County Archivist.

16. Perform other duties as assigned, including redeployment in emergency situations.

17. Comply with all applicable SCA, County, provincial, and federal legislation, regulations, policies, and/or procedures.

18. Maintain confidentiality in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

EDUCATION, TECHNICAL SKILLS AND CERTIFICATION

• Master of Archival Studies, Master of Information with a concentration in Archives and/or Digital Preservation, or Master of Library and Information with a concentration in Archives and/or Digital Preservation, or equivalent. Post-graduate certificates in Digital Preservation, Digital Archives Management. This job may be considered for educational equivalency in accordance with County Policy.
• Knowledge of digital preservation best practices, technologies, and standards.
• Proficiency in current historical and genealogical research methods and best practices.
• Knowledge of the local history and development of local government in the County of Simcoe an asset.
• Knowledge of arrangement and description of archival records according to the Rules for Archival Description (RAD), and ability to modify the rules in accordance with in-house standards.
• Familiarity with archival database software and associated best practices. Familiarity working with InMagic DB/TextWorks and Web Publisher Pro an asset.
• Knowledge of provincial and federal legislation that applies to archives (e.g. Copyright Act, Municipal Act, MFIPPA, etc.) and ability to explain legislation and regulations to clients and to ensure that they understand all aspects of the service.
• Ability to work independently and to assume responsibility for assigned tasks, and associated decision making, and deadlines.
• Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and time management skills with an ability to operate in a fast paced, multi-functional environment where priorities change regularly and frequent interruptions are a given.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to perform repetitive tasks with precision.
• Strong data entry skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a collaborative team environment and engage with professional staff and the public an asset.
• Valid G class drivers license and access to reliable vehicle.
• Criminal records check that is less than six (6) months old at time of hire.

EXPERIENCE

• One (1) year of experience in a related role at an archives or other cultural institution with significant archival holdings, and including:
• Experience applying digital preservation technologies and standards
• Practical experience appraising, accessioning, arranging and describing records according to RAD, and providing access to records, preferably including born-digital and digitized records.

EFFORT

• Walking, climbing stairs, stooping, kneeling, crouching, lifting, or carrying and/or pulling of light weights.
• A high degree of concentration and attentiveness.
• Management of multiple priorities with specific deadlines and frequent interruption.
• Ability to lift up to eighteen (18) kilograms / forty (40) pounds onto shelves of varying height.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Exposure to dust, dirt, mould, cold, etc. #COSIND

Salary Grade

$34.74 - $41.54

Union

CUPE 5820.01

The County of Simcoe thanks all applicants for their interest in this opportunity, but please note that only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Personal information provided is collected under the authority of the Municipal Act (2001) and will be used to determine eligibility for employment.