Museum Archivist

Tkemlups te Secwepemc; Kamloops; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A vibrant community organization in Kamloops is seeking a Museum Archivist to oversee the preservation of archival materials and engage with the community. The successful candidate will manage various records, develop educational programs, and collaborate on projects that highlight the rich history of the Secwépemc culture. A Master's degree in Archival Studies and relevant experience are required.

Benefits

Extended health benefits

Pension matching

Qualifications

• Minimum of three to five years' experience in professional archives.
• Experience archiving in Indigenous communities is an asset.
• Knowledge of Secwépemc culture is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the collection and preservation of archival materials.
• Negotiate the acquisition of new archival material.
• Respond to research requests related to the archives.

Skills

Archival principles

Preservation techniques

Data management

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Education

Master of Archival Studies

Tools

Content management systems

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

JOB POSTING

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 Archivist

DEPARTMENT: Language and Culture Department

SUPERVISOR: Staff Supervisor/Museum Registrar

TERMS: Full-Time, Permanent

REFERENCE #: 2025-106

Purpose of Position:

The purpose of this position is to perform professional archival work that includes but is not limited to acquiring, accessioning, appraising, classifying, describing, arranging, managing, and providing research access to a variety of historical materials and records such as: papers, documents, maps, photographs, prints, audio/visual materials, and other documents.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Oversee the collection, arrangement, and preservation of various archival materials to ensure successful day-to-day operations of the Archives. (95%)

• Responsible for the collection, preservation, care, and management of records in all formats that document the past and have deep historical and cultural value to TteS.


• Responsible for producing teaching materials to pass knowledge about historical collections to people who come to see these collections.


• Responsible for negotiating the acquisition of new archival material from prospective /donors. and completing donor and accession paperwork.


• In collaboration with the Museum Registrar, manage the records for repository items from archeological digs within the Secwépemc Nation since we are a designated as the repository for the Secwepemc Nation.


• Coordinate with various personnel and partnering institutions that work with the museum to ensure the effective running of archival related programs.


• Develop and maintain archival systems and processes according to best practices


• Ensure Secwepemc Museum and Heritage Park Policy and Procedures’ Manual are followed for archival materials, reproduction services and internal operation of the Archives.


• Develop, write, and update archival procedures and forms as needed, such as research applications, intellectual property rights, loan applications, accepting repository items, accession and deaccession forms


• Create and maintain administrative documentation for managing the archives program.


• Respond to research and reference requests from leadership, community members, interest groups, cultural and heritage organizations, the public, and internal contacts relating to the archives.


• Coordinate the ordering, billing, and processing of reproduction requests and permissions requests..


• Aid and instruct researchers and others upon request in the use of the archives such as: catalogues, finding aids, indices, and making materials available according to accessibility regulations (e.g., Freedom of Information Protection of Privacy Act and internal policies and laws).


• Perform digitization and reformatting of various archival formats according to professional standards and best practices with the aid of other museum staff and experts as needed.


• Plan, organize and work with vendors to outsource archival digitization projects as needed.


• Work in collaboration with the Curator and Registrar to use and maintain the Museum’s content management system, including data entry for archival records. Access external resources available through archives, repositories, libraries, and museums as necessary


• Work in collaboration with the Curator and Registrar to seek out and apply for grants for the museum


• Work with museum staff to provide educational programs, develop exhibits, and promote archives to the TteS community and public through multiple means of communication and media.


• Attend meetings, workshops, seminars, and other organized activities related to work as required.


• Provide training and oversee volunteers and temporary staff relating to archival duties.


• Represent the archives with local, regional, and national professional organizations.


• Maintain a current knowledge of professional archival standards and best practices.


• Maintain membership in professional archival organizations.


• Perform all duties and responsibilities in accordance with the TteS policies, standards, and procedures.


• Maintain confidentiality on all matters relating to the affairs of the TteS.


• Complete reports as required.

Other related duties as required. (5%)

Professional Certification, Education and Experience:

• Master of Archival Studies or Masters Degree in a related discipline.


• A minimum of three to five years’ experience in professional archives, including previous experience with content management systems, Canadian or North American archival standards and experience developing archives that meet best practices.


• Experience archiving in Indigenous communities or museums considered an asset


• At least three to five years’ work experience in a similar work environment or an equivalent combination of education and/or training


• Knowledge of Secwépemc culture, history and lifestyle or willingness to learn


• Familiarity with Secwépemc Language is preferred, and a willingness to learn Secwepemctsín and participate in all events and songs with the Language and Culture Department.

Financial Responsibility:

This position works with the Language and Culture Manager to develop and administer the archives budget.

Supervision or Training Duties:

This position will supervise and mentor temporary or volunteer staff interested in archival work.

Skills and Abilities:

• Thorough knowledge of current archival principles, techniques, and procedures.


• Knowledge of RAD (Rules for Archival Description), RAD based descriptions and creation of finding aids, appraisal and arrangement.


• Knowledge of preservation and conservation techniques related to archives.


• Knowledge of Canadian and international professional archival standards and principles.


• Ability to coordinate museum archives, documents, and related operations and activities.


• Ability to maintain storage conditions and supplies necessary to preserve archival records.


• Ability to research, acquire, classify, describe, arrange, catalog, and preserve historical records.


• Ability to appraise and evaluate documents and other materials, and to determine the historical or cultural significance and suitability for the archives.


• Academic quality oral and written communication skills.


• Demonstrated ability to interpret, explain, and apply written and oral instructions, procedures, and regulations.


• Ability to present information to audiences in an engaging manner.


• Advanced computerized record keeping skills and versed in Microsoft Office suite applications and other applications, programs, and archival databases.


• Detail orientated.


• Strong analytical, organizational and coordination skills.


• Ability to verify research, collect data and prepare reports, proposals, and other documents.


• Proven ability to set priorities and meet deadlines.


• Ability to maintain confidentiality and strict ethical standards.


• Ability to take initiative and work independently.


• Must be able to work effectively as a member of a team and have strong service orientation and problem-solving skills.


• Ability to work in multi-cultural settings.

Special Requirements:

This position will manage and oversee one-of-a-kind irreplaceable records of the language, culture, and history of the Secwépemc. Preserving and making these materials accessible according to professional archival standards and best practices is a vital responsibility of this position. Considerable knowledge and experience of archival care and management. In addition, specialized knowledge and experience working with photographic and audio/visual materials is required. Since the SMHP is a repository for the Secwepemc Nation, the Archivist must work in partnership with the Language and Culture Manager, Museum Registrar, and Archaeology Department Manager and ensure that those who bring archaeological material to the museum meet strict standards and pay appropriate fees.

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 $35.87-$39.62, depending on education & experience.

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

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.

Deadline for the Job posting is August 26, 2025 by 2:00pm

Submit Job Application Form, cover letter, resume, and references

online: https://tkemlups.ca/employment/

or at our Human Resources office #320 Chief Alex Thomas Way.

Office Hours are Monday to Friday 8:00 am to 4:00 pm &

closed for lunch from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm

We require each applicant to fill out

an online application form which can be found at: https://tkemlups.ca/employment/

Any late submissions or submissions without the job application form will not be considered.