Archivist - Digital and Physical Preservation (HCA Dance Theatre)
HCA Dance Theatre

Location: Hamilton, ON
Compensation: $30.00 per hour

HCA Dance Theatre's (HCA DT) mission is to make the art of dance visible, accessible, and inclusive for all. We aim to be an incubator of artistic excellence through collaboration with artists of all genres, as a presenter of dance, and providing performance and educational opportunities. The Arts cultivate the healthy overall development of children and families and enhance the life of a community. At their core, the Arts create an environment that impacts and supports the emotional, physical, and mental wellness of a community. Dance can enrich a community for all ages, as participants and audience members; by being a resource for the development of dance artists at all stages of their careers, from hobby to the highest professional levels; and through commissioning and presenting professional dance performances.

Description and Duties    

HCA DT is operational within the Hamilton Conservatory for the Arts building, with a 120 years old history. One of our goals is to work on a strong legacy for the future, documenting what has been happening since 1997 onwards. The Archivist will work on a digital and physical archive of historical documents and create a publicly accessible archive that documents the history and legacy of HCADT, and the HCA Family of Organizations. Ensuring that the legacy of HCA DT's involvement in the cultural landscape, and their contribution to the artistic communities of Hamilton are accurately and comprehensively documented, preventing loss of information.

Archivist Responsibilities:

Digitization

• Digitization of photographs including scanning photos and adjusting formats, drafting descriptions, adding captions and metadata, and developing finding aid.
• Responsible for taking pictures, measurements, and descriptions of the items as part of the Archives' Digital Preservation program.
• Catalog costumes, props, magazines, newspapers, and visual arts supplies.
• Creation and maintenance of archival procedures and manuals.
• Creation of inventories of materials and the assessment of their physical condition.
• Work closely with HCA staff and external vendors to digitize rare and unique analogue audiovisual materials.
• Provide basic training to other employees on how materials are to be saved, what materials are to be saved, and where they are to be placed in holding.
• Responsible for storing digital and physical files appropriately and ensuring data integrity and accuracy.
• Retrieve archival information packages as needed for information requests
• Transfer of materials to new storage; moving them from their current temporary storage into archival grade storage containers

Software/ Equipment Acquisition

• Acquisition of proper storage materials, converting out-dated media to a more usable and future-proof medium, and the continued  addition of such materials to the HCArchives' database system.
• Conduct research on viable softwares and equipment needed for the archives and order the proper storage materials.
• Contracting media specialists to transfer the outdated materials and storage forms to a digital format before both copies are stored appropriately.

Promotion of Archives

• Promotion of the new collection by uploading scans to the organization's website, uploading collection to the provincial archive database and selecting scans for upload to social media site(s) and draft contextual information.
• Liaise with marketing associates to create viable contents related to the archives to be uploaded on the website and social media.
• Organize, catalogue and label prior marketing materials and documentation on the Google drive.

Qualifications    

• Have prior experience working in archives, in a professional environment.
• Have an understanding of principles, methods, and techniques for managing archival records, familiar with archival procedures, and managing archive databases.
• Familiarity with scanning equipment, files, and digitization and archival softwares.
• Familiarity with proper material handling protocols and Health and Safety Protocols, specifically with weight limits of material containers
• Understanding of the Canadian and Ontario copyright laws would be an asset.
• Be structured, problem-solving, and bring your own experience to create archival databases.
• Exceptional organizational and time management skills, and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Shows initiative and can present innovative solutions to challenging problems.

Additional Information    

HCA Dance Theatre values these fundamental attributes: loyalty, commitment and positive attitude.

This position is based in Hamilton. Working on-site when required.

As part of our commitment to access and equity, we strive to represent the diverse communities that we serve. We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from individuals who are Indigenous, immigrant, LGBTQA 2S+; persons with disabilities; women, non-binary, and individuals from racialized communities and other equity seeking groups are encouraged to apply. Accommodations are available throughout the recruitment process. Please inform us of any accommodation requests.

Application information

Apply today! Submit a cover letter and resume in pdf format to dur-e-aden@hcarts.ca.

We thank all applicants for their interest but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Application Webpage (URL): https://ca.indeed.com/job/archivist-digital-and-physical-preservation-33260478e416484c

Application Deadline: August 18, 2023