Supervisor, Archives & Collections
Regional Municipality of Waterloo

Location: Kitchener, Ontario
Compensation: $82,427.80 - $103,030.20

Committed to fostering opportunities for current and future generations, the Region of Waterloo is an inclusive, thriving and sustainable region of connected rural and urban communities with global reach. Our mission is to serve, engage and inspire, by delivering quality services to a diverse population of 630,000+, while creating a healthy, collaborative environment of learning, respect and innovation.

This is a place where employees are valued and recognized for their talents and contributions to our success. Our employees take pride in making a difference in people's lives through the work that we do. We are looking for people like you to help make it happen.

Our Team:

A dedicated team of museum and archives professionals working with community partners to uncover, preserve and share our community's stories. We keep and preserve the Region's collections, historical archives as well as the archive of the corporation. We work with colleagues from across departments to connect contemporary issues and stories from our past. We work hard to support the exhibition and programming activities of the museum as well as accommodating the needs of researchers and staff in the use of the archives.

Description and Duties   

As Supervisor, Archives & Collections you will supervise collection management programs for the Region of Waterloo Museums and corporate archives, including research, conservation, and storage.

• You will lead the identification, acquisition, preservation, and security of artifacts and archival records to support museum programs, public access for learning and research of local history, and ensure the organization meets its legal obligations with regards to records retention and business continuity of corporate archives.
• You will supervise a Conservator, Collection Curator & Registrar, Archives & Collections Assistant, volunteers, and students.
• You will supervise the management of artifact and archival collections, including the identification of artifacts and archival collections of significance to Waterloo Region, appraisals, transfers from offsite storage, preservation, and cataloguing.
• You will ensure collections plan represents inclusivity and a diverse population.
• You will supervise the security and storage of confidential archival information, ensure collections are maintained per standards and legislation.
• You will review, identify, and analyze the impact of emerging legislation on the collection and use of information, archives, and artifacts and apply changes to ensure compliance.
• You will develop and implement processes as part of disaster planning and recovery efforts and submit reports on impacts and for insurance claims.
• You will develop and implement collections management policies and procedures, including those related to preservation and conservation.
• You will collaborate with information and planning staff regarding electronic record treatment and organization.
• You will provide guidance to clients in support of information management solutions to meet business requirements.
• You will maintain resource collections, responds to inquiries from staff, the public, businesses, organizations, and other levels of government regarding access to information and artifacts.
• You will provide advice to staff, external organizations, and individuals about archival and collections management.
• You will recommend enhancements and implement practices and corrective measures to protect archival assets and minimize risk, including the creation and adoption of information technology and facilities infrastructure.
• You will maintain public presence on heritage, archival, and research issues.
• You will promote collections to the community through outreach awareness strategies, provide content for communications and social media, and conduct collection lectures and tours.
• You will collaborate with staff from ITS, information management and privacy, emergency management, and facilities on policy development, disaster recovery planning, and vital records management.
• You will ensure the care and custody of archives and artifacts on loan to and from the museums and ensure agreements and insurance provisions are in place.
• You will obtain quotes, prepare purchase orders, and place orders for equipment and supplies.
• You will monitor and maintain the program budget, for Manager's review and oversee capital budget, as required.
• You will perform related duties as required.

Qualifications   

• Knowledge is normally acquired through a related university degree (e.g., collections management, museum studies, archival studies) plus progressively responsible related experience.
• Knowledge of collections management and archival principles, practices, and systems, including appraisal, storage, preservation, and conservation.
• Knowledge of records and information management systems, theories, practices, procedures, and related information technology.
• Knowledge of and ability to comply with policies, procedures, collective agreements, related legislation, bylaws and Canadian and international archives and museums standards.
• Knowledge of local history and ability to conduct research and keep current with best practices in collections management.
• Research, assessment, analytical, organizational, problem solving, and continuous improvement skills to coordinate others' work and oversee day-to-day program management, administer archival services; develop policies and procedures, handle multiple projects and competing priorities, and make daily work decisions independently.
• Leadership, human relations, and communication skills to supervise, train, develop, motivate, and support staff, provide expertise and conduct presentations, seminars, and workshops for professional audiences, the public, and interest groups, respond to questions from staff and the public, coordinate record transfer agreements with stakeholders, and participate as an effective team member.
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with other departments, organizations, municipalities, and vendors.
• Ability to read and interpret reports, correspondence, collections records, ownership documents, legislation, standards, and publications.
• Ability to write/edit descriptive finding aids, exhibit copy/components, correspondence, reports, grant applications, communications/promotional resources, policies, procedures, and instructions.
• Computer skills with ability to use software such as Microsoft Office, database systems, and ability to apply information technology to archival functions.
• Ability to work some weekends as part of a regular management rotation to provide on-site supervision and respond to weekend/evening site emergencies.
• Ability to travel within Waterloo Region.
• Ability to support and demonstrate the Region's values.

Consideration will be given to candidates that are not fully qualified when no fully qualified applicants can be identified.

We thank all applicants in advance; however, we will be corresponding only with those selected for an interview.

The Region of Waterloo is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection process. At the Region, we respect, encourage, and celebrate our diversity. The Region of Waterloo is committed to providing accommodations throughout the recruitment process. If you require an accommodation, please notify us and we will work with you to meet your needs.

Alternate formats of this document are available upon request. Please contact the Service First Contact Centre at phone number 519-575-4400, or TTY number 519-575-4608 to request an alternate format.
 
Application information

Please apply online via the Region of Waterloo Career Opportunities page: https://www.regionofwaterloo.ca/en/regional-government/job-postings.aspx

Application Deadline: February 10, 2023