Archivist, Royal BC Museum, Victoria, BC

 
Location: Victoria, BC
Compensation: Annual Salary Range: $ 73,855 - $ 84,134

The Royal BC Museum (RBCM) was established in 1886, making it one of the oldest continually operating museums in Canada.  Since its inception the museum has changed and evolved alongside the rest of the province. Today's RBCM is committed to creating community connections, gathering spaces and educational programs, and to providing opportunities for critical thinking, self-reflection, and thought-provoking experiences to people across BC and around the world.

The archives were founded in 1894 and in 2003, both organizations joined together to become BC's combined provincial museum and archives, with its purpose being to broaden the understanding about our province. We are passionate about inspiring curiosity and wonder, while sharing BC's story with millions of visitors who walk through our doors and explore our website each year.

IMAX® Victoria is also part of the RBCM and provides incredible immersive cinematic experiences and work in tandem to deliver inspiring educational and entertaining experiences.

The RBCM, is updating not only the facilities and infrastructure, it is creating a new Collections and Research Building in Colwood, BC. It is an exciting time to join the museum team as we rethink and modernize our methods and processes, and welcome the perspectives and stories of all British Columbians.

The BC Archives is part of the Archives, Collections and Research division and works closely with peers to ensure the evidence and stories revealed in our documentary heritage are incorporated into Museum programming, exhibits, events and learning.  The BC Archives is the provincial archives, and collectively we acquire, preserve and make publicly accessible the documentary heritage of the province, and provide physical and digital access to collections of historical photographs, documents, sound recordings, film, art, maps and publications.

Modernization is not confined to revitalizing and improving our physical collections space, the BC Archives is focused on our users and transforming our services to the public, as well as the development of a digitization and digital preservation strategy that will ensure we can continue to preserve and provide access to our collections for centuries to come. BC Archives is working to build strong, respectful relationships with BC communities, address our colonial legacy, and implement the Reconciliation Framework for Canadian Archives. We are committed to reconciliation-based and trauma-informed archival practice.

Description and Duties    

Under the direction of the Director of Archives, this position is responsible for providing expert knowledge about archival and other historical records in a variety of formats and engages in multiple research strategies to gain access to their content, often using outside resources such as corporate databases and web access.  The archivist will be focused on the records of religious organizations within the BC Archives collections. They will be supporting crucial efforts to enhance accessibility to these records, particularly those relating to Residential Schools. The archivist will be working with records of a sensitive nature and will benefit from a knowledge of trauma-informed archival practices. The archivist will benefit from experience and knowledge of digitization, processing and description of audio-visual and photographic materials.

This position manages and coordinates the evaluation, selection and acquisition of records, develops and maintains relevant policies, procedures and standards as well as creates access tools in order to provide thorough access, and description and control of the historical and evidentiary record of British Columbia. As well, this position undertakes original research with the aim of access in a variety of formats and coordinates departmental projects.

Qualifications
Education and Experience: 

Masters' degree in Archival Studies or Library & Information Science with a specialty in archives; OR an equivalent combination of related experience, education and/or training.

Related experience includes:

• Working in a GLAM institution, a government ministry, or in a community organization, such a cultural centre or Indigenous government office, in a role related to archives, records management, cultural heritage, or traditional knowledge.
• Two years of experience working in an archival institution in areas such as:
• appraisal, arrangement and description of archival records in all formats (including electronic)
• preparation & maintenance of finding aids
• providing public access to records

Preference may be given to applicants with:

• Experience working with audio-visual or photographic records
• Experience managing projects
• Experience leading or participating in archives-related programming
• Experience supervising either staff or volunteers

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

A sound understanding of archival theory and principles;

• Of national and international standards for archival arrangement and description.
• Knowledge of legislation that applies to archival records, such as the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, the Information Management Act, the Personal Information Protection Act and the Copyright Act.
• Proper care and handling of archival materials in all media.

• Knowledge of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in BC Act (DRIPA), the First Nations Information Governance Centre's principles of Ownership, Control, Access and Possession (OCAP®), a Reconciliation Framework for Canadian Archives and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Final Report - Calls to Action.
• Knowledge of British Columbia's history and geography including Indigenous history and culture is an asset.
• Excellent written and oral communications skills required
• Ability to produce finding aids and other access tools in accordance with national and international standards
• Must apply sound judgement and critical thinking to analyze and resolve complex problems
• Be able to plan, organize and manage own complex work load
• Superb organization, attention to detail and problem-solving skills
• Ability to provide superb customer service skills
• Must be able to lift up to 18kg (40 pounds)

Additional Information    

Successful completion of security screening requirements of the BC Public Service, which may include a criminal records check, and/or Criminal Records Review Act (CRRA) check, and/or enhanced security screening checks as required by the organization (Note: It is important that you read the job posting carefully to understand the specific security screening requirements pertaining to the position).

An eligibility list may be established for future temporary and/or permanent vacancies.

How to Apply:

Your application must clearly demonstrate how you meet the job requirements listed with the job profile.

Please submit your resume and cover letter in PDF format by Wednesday, February 21st, 2024 at 11:59 pm (PST) with the following subject line:  Last Name, First Name, RB2024 - 03 via email.

Additional Information:

This position requires a Criminal Records Check under the BC Public Service Screening Policy and the Criminal Records Review Act. All applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada (i.e., have Canadian citizenship or permanent resident status).  

The Indigenous Applicant Advisory Service is available to applicants that self-identify as Indigenous (First Nations, status or non-status, Métis, or Inuit) person seeking work or already employed in the BC Public Service. For guidance on applying and/or preparing for an interview, please contact IndigenousApplicants@gov.bc.ca or call #778-405-3452.

Application Webpage  
Application Deadline: Wednesday, February 21st, 2024 at 11:59 pm (PST)
Job poster