Archivist Assistant

Posting ID: 891
Department: Museum and Archives
Division: Archives
Position Type: Full Time Regular
Work Hours: Monday to Friday, 35 hours per week: regular schedule is 8:30 am – 4:00 pm onsite/in-person; flexibility of hours may be required.
Work Location: Museum and Archives. The County of Wellington is an employer that believes in providing service onsite.
Vacancies: 1

Application Deadline: 09/22/2023

BASIC FUNCTION

Under the direction of the Archivist, the Assistant Archivist is responsible for cataloguing, providing research and reference services to the public, and planning and delivering programmes and events.

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist and advise researchers in the use of descriptive tools, databases, microfilm readers, and other resources, both manual and online.
• Conduct research and respond to telephone, letter and email requests from the public, county staff, member municipalities and elected officials.
• Accountable for providing accurate, detailed information retrieval for all information requests.
• Apply knowledge of the Copyright and Municipal Freedom of Information and Privacy Acts on a daily basis when dealing with reference requests and processing collections.
• Adhere to the County of Wellington Confidentiality
• Agreement on a daily basis.
• Assist with the appraisal and acquisition of donations to the collection including liaising with the donor.
• Catalogue archival acquisitions including researching administrative history, data entry, take photographs and scan and link all types of media to the collections database.
• Apply proper care and handling procedures for all archival media and identify issues relating to the conservation of archival materials and communicate with the Conservator regarding preservation concerns.
• Use email, Microsoft Office Suite,, Past Perfect software, online databases (i.e. Ancestry.ca), photocopier, scanner, microfilm and microfiche readers.
• Process cash / credit card and debit transactions for reproduction and research fees.
• Prepare, deliver and evaluate archival educational programmes in coordination with the Archivist, Programming and Curatorial staff.
• Research, prepare and submit social media posts in coordination with Communications staff.
• Attend relevant meetings, conferences and workshops to enhance knowledge and best practices relating to archives.
• Assist with WCMA festivals and events as required.
• Cover shifts for Archives staff during vacations, sick time, etc. as well as the Museum front desk reception.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently in a busy, public service environment and effectively prioritize tasks.
• Assist with the training and supervision of students and volunteers.
• Other duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Four year university degree in History or related discipline.
• Minimum one year of experience or equivalent working in a museum and archives, preferably in a municipal setting.
• Experience accessioning, cataloguing, providing reference and programming in an archival setting.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently in a busy, public service environment and effectively prioritize tasks.
• Excellent written and oral communications skills and attention to detail.
• Proven ability to read cursive writing.
• Ability to function as an effective team player.
• Superior customer service skills.
• Ability to carry heavy boxes (up to 45 pounds) and climb ladders. Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, and cataloguing software.
• Experience with PastPerfect software is an asset.
• Familiarity with legislation relevant to Archives, including
• Copyright Act, Municipal Freedom of Information and
• Protection of Privacy Act.
• A valid driver’s licence (minimum G2) and a satisfactory driver’s abstract.
• Police Vulnerable Sector Check.

Pay Range: $54,327 – $63,518 (2023 Non-Union Compensation Grid).

Benefits: Long Term Disability, Life Coverage, Accidental Death and Dismemberment, Critical Illness, Extended Health Care, Emergency Travel Assistance, Dental Care; mandatory enrolment, premiums 100% covered.

Pension: Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System (OMERS); enrolment mandatory.

Medical Responsibility Time: Prorated and accrues at 0.5 days/month.  Short Term Disability: 17 weeks coverage at 75% or 100% of pay, based on length of service.

Vacation: Accrues to start at three weeks/annum; increases based on length of service.

Mileage: If applicable, as per CRA allowances.