Archives Assistant

Port Hope Archives

Location:  17 Mill Street North, Port Hope, ON

Compensation:  $ 14.25/hr

The Port Hope Archives exists to collect and preserve archival materials which illustrate the growth and development of the Municipality of Port Hope, or which pertain in whole or in part to activities within the geographic boundaries of the Municipality of Port Hope.

Established as The Ganaraska Region Archives in 1994 and renamed the Port Hope Archives in 2005, the Archives has been serving the Municipality of Port Hope for over 20 years.  Supported by dedicated volunteers and generous members, the Archives provides access to archival materials related to Port Hope's history. An archivist is on staff to catalogue the collection and assist researchers.

The collection is comprised of materials donated to the Archives to preserve for future generations and to be used by anyone interested in Port Hope and Hope Township's history. Archival materials include photographs, ledgers, documents, journals and maps.  Researchers are welcome to visit the Archives and use the reading room to conduct research on their home, family or the local history. A reference computer is available to search the internet, local databases and the Archives' collection. 

Description and Duties

The Port Hope Archives is looking for a motivated, energetic student who is interested in furthering their practical experience in aspects of archival work. It is an ideal position for a student with a specialization in Archival Studies or a related field. The successful candidate will work in a supportive environment, with a mandate both to complete a distinct project and to experience a range of archival tasks. This position has been funded by the Canada Summer Jobs program.

The Port Hope Archives has a large collection of close to 37,000 land instruments relating to the purchase and sale, mortgages, etc. of properties located within the Municipality of Port Hope. These documents will be digitized as part of a multi-year project. The Archival Assistant will be responsible for digitizing a portion of these documents and entering relevant information into our database.

On site supervision will be provided for all activities. The Archivist will directly support mentoring. A goal-setting meeting will occur at the commencement of employment and additionally through the work term as required.

The student will develop significant digital skills regarding our specific collections management system. They will also be trained in the use of digitization equipment, and be provided with the opportunity to enhance their computer skills. 

The student will be trained in the WHMIS system. They will learn about any potentially hazardous products in the workplace. MSDS information will be provided at all times. The objective is to ensure that the student is trained in all safe workplace practices relevant to our organization. The Port Hope Archives provides a safe, inclusive and healthy work environment to all its employees, volunteers, and visitors. The student may be called upon to complete other relevant tasks.

Qualifications    

• Ability to self-motivate, and work both independently and collaboratively
• Familiarity with accessioning archival material; the PHA uses museum standards for accessioning of materials
• Complete repetitive tasks with a high level of performance
• Excellent organizational skills
• Ability to lift 40lbs with ease, and bend and kneel repetitively

Please submit your cover letter and resume to archives@porthope.ca by the end of Sunday, December 6th. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

The Employment Period runs from January 4 to February 26, 2020, Monday to Friday, 8:30am-4:00pm, at a rate of $14.25/hr. This job has been funded by the Canada Summer Jobs program.

A socially-distanced working environment will be provided for this position, with no contact with visiting members of the public. 

Application Webpage: http://www.porthopearchives.com/job-postings.html

Job Poster: 86589542_2020_archival_assistant-_port_hope_archives.pdf