Government Records Archivist

Role Responsibilities

Join the Team That Preserves Alberta’s Story

Are you passionate about history, preservation, and public service? The Provincial Archives of Alberta (PAA), located in Edmonton, plays a vital role in safeguarding Alberta’s documentary heritage and protecting the rights and identity of Albertans. We’re currently seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Government Records Archivist to join our dynamic team.

About the Role

Reporting to the Manager of Government Records, the Government Records Archivist collaborates with a dedicated group of archivists and archival technicians. Together, you’ll appraise, arrange, describe, preserve, and provide public access to government records of lasting significance.

What You’ll Be Doing

• • • Providing Expert Advice: Use your knowledge of provincial legislation and the structure and operations of the Government of Alberta to advise staff on archival best practices and coordinate the transfer of records to the PAA.
      
      
    • Preserving Digital Heritage: Work with our team to manage and expand the government’s digital archives. You’ll help develop and implement policies and procedures for the long-term preservation and secure storage of digital records.
      
      
    • Supporting Researchers: Assist both public and government researchers in accessing archival records. Offer guidance on archival use, access and privacy legislation, copyright considerations, and preservation practices.
      
      
    • Promoting Alberta’s History: Play a key role in educational initiatives and outreach. Support and deliver programs, events, exhibits, and conference sessions that celebrate Alberta’s documentary legacy

Why Join Us?

This is more than a job—it’s a chance to help preserve the past for future generations. You’ll work in a collaborative, mission-driven environment where your contributions make a meaningful impact every day.

Please click on this link to view the job description for this position.

APS Competencies

Competencies are behaviors that are essential to reach our goals in serving Albertans. We encourage you to have an in depth understanding of the competencies that are required for this opportunity and to be prepared to demonstrate them during the recruitment process.

This link will assist you with understanding competencies:
https://www.alberta.ca/system/files/custom_downloaded_images/psc-alberta-public-service-competency-model.pdf.

Specific competencies required for this position include:

Analyzing Systems: The Archivist analyses and considers the long-term archival value of government records retained for permanent preservation with the immediate impact on the diversity of the holdings, political sensitivities and emerging information technologies.

Developing Networks: The Archivist works with managers/supervisors to identify stakeholder groups and initiates or welcomes relationships that foster trust and understanding.

Building Collaborative Environments: As directed, the Archivist develops and implements events, sessions, tours and exhibits for the public and Government, offering opportunities to learn and to share ideas and experiences related to the holdings and the goal of the Heritage Division to promote the exploration of Alberta's history.

Developing Self and Others: The Archivist stays well-informed of developments in archives, history, records and information management and research, and uses their knowledge to educate various groups and staff through formal sessions, conferences, the donation process and reference services.

Solving Problems Creatively: The Archivist assesses questions from a wide audience, employing multiple analytical techniques and requiring resourceful solutions.

Qualifications

Requirements:

University graduation in a related field (Archival Studies, Library and Information Studies, History, Information Management) plus 4 years progressively responsible related experience; or equivalent as described below.

*Masters Degree in a related discipline is preferred.

Knowledge and Experience:

• • • Digital and Information Systems Savvy: Solid understanding of information technologies, electronic recordkeeping standards, and digital preservation practices. Able to quickly adapt to emerging technologies and contribute to the development of new digital systems and solutions.
      
      
    • Archival and Records Management Expertise: In-depth knowledge of current trends, legislation, standards, and best practices in archives, records management, and information governance. Capable of assessing information needs, appraising records, developing workflows, and advising on the use and limitations of archival resources.
      
      
    • Strategic and Project Planning Skills: Proven experience in business planning, strategic thinking, and project coordination—both independently and in collaborative team settings. Strong ability to prioritize, manage multiple assignments, and meet deadlines, all while exercising sound judgment and initiative.
      
      
    • Exceptional Communication and Research Abilities: Strong analytical, research, and interpersonal skills. Able to effectively assist a wide range of users—from researchers to government officials—by tailoring support to their information literacy levels, sharing research strategies, and contributing to the development of user-centered archival systems and tools. Always maintains a professional and confidential approach.

Equivalency:

Directly related experience or education considered on the basis of one year of experience for one year of education or one year of education for one year of experience.

Minimum recruitment standards outline the minimum education and experience required for appointment to a job classification.

Refer to https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-minimum-recruitment-standards.

Notes

Hours of work are 36.25 hours weekly.

This is a permanent position located in Edmonton.

In your resume, please include dates (including months and years) associated with all education and work experience. Also, please indicate whether your work experience is casual, part time or full time.

A cover letter is required along with your resume. Your cover letter and resume will be used as a screening tool to assess your written communication. An additional written assignment may be used as part of the screening process.

Links and information on what the GoA have to offer to prospective employees.

• • • Working for the Alberta Public Service - https://www.alberta.ca/advantages-working-for-alberta-public-service.aspx.
    • Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP) - https://www.pspp.ca.
      
    • Alberta Public Service Benefit Information - https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-benefits.
    • Professional learning and development - https://www.alberta.ca/professional-development-support-directive..
    • Research Alberta Public Service Careers tool – https://researchapscareers.alberta.ca.
    • Positive workplace culture and work-life balance.
    • Opportunity to participate in flexible work arrangements such as working from home up to two days per week and modified work schedule agreement.
    • Leadership and mentorship programs.