Archivist,  South Peace Regional Archives

Salary Range: $42,000 - $55,000

Location: Grande Prairie, Alberta

The City of Grande Prairie is located in Northwestern Alberta. The South Peace Regional Archives is centrally located in scenic Muskoseepi Park alongside the Grande Prairie Museum and is accessible via driving, public transportation, and a network of walking trails. The City of Grande Prairie has much to offer visitors and residents, from shopping and entertainment to world-class recreation facilities and activities. Whether you like adventure, learning, or relaxation Grande Prairie has something for everyone.

The South Peace Regional Archives (SPRA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to gathering, preserving, and sharing the historical records of the region. We add value to people's lives by increasing their understanding and appreciation of the past. The Archives provides access to our records through our public reading room, outreach events, website, and social media. Our dedicated team of staff and volunteers serve an area with a combined population of more than 94,000 people, within the boundaries of Birch Hills County, the City of Grande Prairie, the County of Grande Prairie, the Municipal District of Greenview, the Municipal District of Spirit River, and Saddle Hills County. Visit www.SouthPeaceArchives.org for more information.

The South Peace Regional Archives is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from women, Aboriginal peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities, new Canadians, and others who may contribute to the diversity of our organization.

Description and Duties    

The purpose of the South Peace Regional Archives Society is to encourage the appreciation and study of the history of the south Peace River Country of Alberta by acquiring, preserving, and making accessible to the public, records in any format which reflect the cultural, social, economic and political history of this area. The Archivist at South Peace Regional Archives oversees the process of acquisition, preservation and accessibility of archival records. The Archivist works with both the Awareness Committee to develop educational programs and events that enhance public awareness, as well as the Indigenous History Committee to foster Reconciliation efforts in the Archives. The Archivist works with and reports to the Executive Director.


The position requires a wide range of duties including, but not limited to:

Acquisition: The Archivist draws on extensive knowledge of archival science to acquire authentic records of enduring value to develop a "full spectrum holdings"; meaning a full range of both public and private records related to the south Peace River Country of Alberta regardless of media.

Preservation: The Archivist supports the mission and business goals of the South Peace Regional Archives by overseeing the physical control and permanent preservation of the records.

Accessibility: The Archivist establishes intellectual control of the records according to national archival standards.

Education: The Archivist works actively with the Awareness Committee to plan and produce educational programs and special events in accordance with the South Peace Regional Archives Society's goal to promote appreciation for the historical resources and culture of the south Peace. The Archivists work in partnership with other organizations and community groups to support or create community events.

Reconciliation: The Archivist supports the South Peace Regional Archives Society to meet their goal to work toward Reconciliation. The Archivist encourages the Indigenous History Committee to increase awareness of Indigenous records, history, and ways of knowing.

Work with Executive Director: The Archivist works actively with the Executive Director to help prepare grants, reports, and other administrative functions. The Archivist is responsible for supervising designated staff and volunteer projects.

A full job description is available on www.South PeaceArchives.org

Qualifications   

An ideal candidate for this position would demonstrate:

• A degree in Archival Studies, Library and Information Studies, or a related field is required. A master's degree is preferred. Additional coursework in a related field would be considered an asset.
• Experience working in an archival setting is required. Experience supervising staff/volunteers, in project management, and/or working with government records in an archival setting would be considered an asset.
• A solid understanding of principles, standards and methodology of archival science and records management, and proven skills in the interpretation and application of archival theories.
• Familiarity with primary historical research techniques and trends and awareness of the needs of disciplines that utilize archival sources.
• Awareness of Canadian and Alberta history, political climate, and social context in which records were created.
• Good understanding of Reconciliation, and the history of settler and Indigenous relations in Canada.
• Good understanding of system requirements for the Archives. Familiarity with Microsoft Access Software and/or Access to Memory (AtoM) Software would be considered an asset.
• Strong organizational, communication, analytical and research skills.
• Supervisory and interpersonal skills to motivate staff, volunteers, members of the public, outside organizations, and other stakeholders.
• Good conflict resolution and negotiation skills.
• A strong aptitude for independent decision making and acting with initiative.
  

In addition to these qualifications, the successful candidate must:

• Have a valid driver's licence.
• Be willing and able work some flex time or overtime, including evenings and weekends, as required.
• Be willing and able travel for events, meetings, and training.Be able to lift 40lbs/18 kg (ex archival boxes) on a regular basis.
  

How to Apply    

Interested candidates must submit an application (resume and cover letter) no later than 1 May 2020 to be considered for the position.

Applications must be sent to South Peace Regional Archives Executive Director, Alyssa Currie, via email at Director@SouthPeaceArchives.org.
Application Webpage (URL):  www.SouthPeaceArchives.org/careers

Application Deadline:  May 1, 2020