Archives Assistant

South Peace Regional Archives

Location:  Grand Prairie, Alberta

Compensation:  $ 17.68 per hour; 35 hours per week

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.

Position Summary

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 Archives Assistant contributes to that purpose by processing archival records so that they are available for public use.

Duties and Responsibilities:

The Archives Assistant works with the Archivist and reports to the Executive Director. Regular working hours are Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 4:30pm. The majority of this position will consist of processing the Art Gallery of Grande Prairie records for public use. The position duties include, but are not limited to:

* Processing a large volume of original and secondary records. The Archives Assistant will consult the Archivist to determine original order and provenance.
* Describing the records at all levels, in accordance with the Rules for Archival Description
* Completing preliminary conservation tasks including re-boxing and re-foldering the records using acid free housing, as well as removing staples.
* Writing and uploading metadata concerning the records into Microsoft Access in order to create a digital finding aid
* Digitizing a small selection of photographs and archival records for upload to Alberta on Record.
* Writing and publishing blog post(s) describing the project and/or contents of the records.

Qualifications:   

An ideal candidate for this position would demonstrate:

* Relevant experience or education in archival studies, library science, information studies, history, social sciences, humanities, or a related field.

* Willingness to train in archival theory; Experience working in an archives would be considered an asset;

* Awareness of Canadian and Alberta history, political climate, and social context in which records were created;

* Strong communication, organizational, interpersonal, analytical and research skills;

* Good conflict resolution and negotiation skills;

* A strong aptitude for independent decision making and acting with initiative;

* Ability to complete computer projects using web browsers, Microsoft Outlook, and Word. Experience with Microsoft Access would be an asset.

* Ability to lift 40lbs/18 kg (ex. archival boxes) on a regular basis.

To Apply:

Applicants must forward an application consisting of a resume and cover letter to Executive Director, Alyssa Currie, via email at Director@SouthPeaceArchives.org in order to be considered for this position.

Please indicate "SPRA_AA" in your subject heading. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Review of applications will begin on 19 October 2020, and continue until the position is filled. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those under consideration will be contacted. Candidates selected for an interview will be required to provide two references who are knowledgeable of their qualifications for this position.

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

Application Webpage: www.SouthPeaceArchives.org/Careers