Museum Archives Assistant

Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc; Kamloops; On-site; CAD 36,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Extended health, dental, and vision

7.6% Pension plan matching and life保险

Job summary

Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc invites applications for a Museum Archives Assistant. You will support professional archival work under the Archivist, assist with cataloguing, DESCRIBING materials, and ensure access to collections in line with cultural protocols and museum procedures.

The role involves digitization, exhibition support, front desk assistance when needed, and ongoing development of the Museum’s archives within the Language & Culture Department.

Qualifications

• Diploma or degree in relevant archival/anthropology fields is required or strongly preferred.
• Experience with Indigenous communities and Secwépemc context is highly valued.
• Experience with archival principles, procedures and standards.
• Proficiency with CMS and database tools.
• Knowledge of Secwepemctsín culture and language is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Assist with arrangement, description, cataloguing, indexing, scanning, and long-term inventory of archival materials.
• Support accessioning and documentation of archival materials including RAD when applicable.
• Maintain records of accessions, deaccessions, loans, and researcher access.
• Update archival records in the CMS with Archivist and Registrar.
• Handle confidential and culturally sensitive information per policies and ethics.
• Assist with packing, rehousing, and movement of archival materials.

Skills

Attention to detail

Procedural follow-through

Verbal and written communication

Organizational and time management

Team collaboration

Judgement and problem solving

Cultural sensitivity

Independent initiative

Education

Diploma in Anthropology Studies

Bachelor in Museum/Archival Studies

Indigenous Studies background

Information and Library Science

Archival Studies credentials

Secwepemctsin language coursework willingness

Tools

Collections databases

Content Management Systems

Word processing

Spreadsheets

Outlook email

RAD (Rules for Archival Description)

Job description

Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc (TteS) is a fast-growing vibrant organization committed to the development and progress of its Band Members and Community. As such, the TteS invites applications from qualified, highly motivated and dynamic individuals to fill the following position.

POSITION TITLE

Museum Archives Assistant

DEPARTMENT

Language & Culture

SUPERVISOR

Museum Staff Supervisor

TERMS

Full-time, permanent

REFERENCE #

2026-131

Purpose Of Position

The purpose of this Position is to provide professional archival support within the Secwépemc Museum and Heritage Park and will work as an assistant to the Archivist. The position works with the Museum Archivist while independently completing assigned archival responsibilities in accordance with professional archival standards, TteS policies, Secwépemc cultural protocols, and established Museum procedures. The position also contributes to exhibitions, educational initiatives, community-based research, collections access, and the continued development and improvement of the Museum's archives. The work is of varied nature including proper care and handling of museum collections, cataloguing and inventory control, researching, assisting with exhibit design, accessioning, front desk support when available and other duties as assigned by the SMHP Archivist, Staff Supervisor, and/or the Language and Culture Department Manager.

Duties And Responsibilities

• Archives Operations and Collections Support (75%)
• Assist with the arrangement, description, cataloguing, indexing, scanning, and long-term inventory of archival materials in accordance with established procedures and professional standards.
• Support accessioning and documentation of archival materials, including data entry and description using the Rules for Archival Description (RAD) when applicable, under the direction of the Archivist.
• Maintain accurate records of accessions, deaccessions, loans, and researcher access in both hard copy and digital formats for long-term access.
• Applies knowledge of Secwépemc history, community relationships, terminology, cultural protocols, and Secwepemctsín to archival description and research where appropriate.
• Update and maintain archival records within the Museum’s Content Management System (CMS), in collaboration with the Archivist and Registrar.
• Handles culturally sensitive, confidential, restricted and community-specific archival information in accordance with TteS protocols, archival ethics, privacy requirements, and direction from appropriate knowledge holders.
• Assist with the physical care, handling, and commonsense preservation of archival materials, following approved handling and conservation practices.
• Support the organization and inventory of archaeological materials housed within the Secwépemc Archaeological Repository, under the direction of the Registrar/Staff Supervisor.
• Prepare and maintain physical and digital finding aids to support research access and internal inventory control.
• Assist, and or complete at the direction of the Archivist, with internal and external research requests by locating materials, preparing files, and providing general reference support, as directed.
• Provide courteous, culturally respectful information to visitors and researchers in person, by phone, or via email, within established access protocols.
• Conduct archival, historical, and community-based research in collaboration with TteS staff, Elders, families, and Traditional Knowledge Keepers, ensuring culturally appropriate documentation, interpretation, access, and transfer of knowledge.
• Assesses research requests for scope, sensitivity, restrictions, and required permissions and consults with the Archivist where appropriate.
• Maintains research request tracking systems and contributes to improving researcher access procedures
• Assist with labeling, rehousing, and movement of archival materials (including lifting up to 30 lbs.), ensuring safe handling and appropriate storage.
• Support and progress digitization and documentation projects as assigned.
• Plans, coordinates, and carries out assigned archival projects, including inventories, rehousing, digitization, repatriation, processing, and collection accessibility initiatives.
• Develop projects to further the Archive’s Mission and Vision.
• Education, Outreach, and Team Support (20%)
• Support museum exhibits and programming by providing archival research and preparation assistance.
• Participate in staff meetings and provide updates on assigned archival work.
• Conduct research and record information in collaboration with TteS staff, Elders, and Traditional Knowledge Keepers, ensuring respectful documentation and appropriate transfer of knowledge for archival purposes.
• Other Duties (5%)
• Perform other related duties as needed and assigned by the Museum Registrar/Staff Supervisor, Archivist, or Language and Culture Department Manager.
• Learn foundational procedures across museum operations (e.g., front desk coverage, basic exhibit design and development) to assist with operational continuity as required.
• Perform all duties in accordance with TteS policies, archival ethics, and confidentiality requirements.

Financial Responsibility

This position does not administer a budget for the Secwépemc Museum and Heritage Park but may participate in all strategic planning sessions, make budget recommendations, make orders for the archival purchases and work with the administrator and finance department to submit invoices and so on.

Supervision Or Training Duties

This position does not have any supervisory duties but is strongly encouraged to complete a professional degree as an Archivist or related education. Those working in the Language and Culture department must be willing to participate in Secwepemctsín classes and learn our songs and dances.

Special Requirements

Must participate in Language and Culture Department activities where appropriate and as assigned by the Manager and SMHP Supervisor

Professional Certification, Education And Experience

• Diploma or Bachelors in Anthropology Studies, Museum Studies, Archival Studies, Cultural Resource Management, Indigenous Studies, Information and Library Science, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Education with a focus in Indigenous Archives preferred.
• Minimum 3 to 4 years experience working with Indigenous communities, Secwépemc or Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc contexts, is strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of, or demonstrated willingness to learn archival principles, procedures and professional standards.
• 2 years minimum using computer applications including Collections databases, content management systems, word processing, spreadsheets, Internet, and Outlook email.
• At least 1 year experience and knowledge of Secwépemc History, Culture and protocols, or a demonstrated commitment to learning Secwépemc culture, Secwepemctsín language, and participating in Language and Culture Department activities.
• Two years’ minimum experience working in museums or archives. Preference for Indigenous museums or archives.
• Willingness to enroll in Secwepemctsin certificate classes.

Skills And Abilities

• Strong attention to detail and ability to work methodically and accurately.
• Ability to follow established procedures while adapting to varied daily tasks.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills, with demonstrated tact, diplomacy, and cultural sensitivity.
• Strong organizational, planning, and time-management skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team and support multiple priorities.
• Sound judgement, problem-solving skills, and a strong service orientation.
• Ability to work respectfully in a multicultural and community-based environment.
• Flexible, reliable, and enthusiastic approach to learning and contributing to museum operations.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle culturally sensitive information with care and professionalism.
• Self-motivated with exceptional ability to work independently and take initiative on tasks and projects.

Benefits

• Extended health, dental, and vision
• 7.6% Registered Pension Plan (RPP) matching and Life insurance

HOURS OF WORK

Normal Day shifts - 7 hours. Non-normal shifts may be required.

PAY GRADE

Starting at $25.98 - $30.06 per hour depending on education & experience.

Deadline for the Job posting

November 9th, 2026.

In accordance with Section 16(1) of the Canadian Human Rights Act and pursuant to Section 42 of the BC Human Rights code, it is TteS Policy to practice preferential hiring for Aboriginal peoples. Candidates who wish to qualify for preferential consideration must self-identify.

Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc thanks all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.