Reference Archivist

Role Responsibilities

The Provincial Archives of Alberta (PAA) is the primary repository for textual, audiovisual, photographic and other archival records, acquired from both the Government of Alberta (GOA) and private individuals and organizations. Located in Edmonton, reporting to the Director of Access and Conservation Services, and working as part of the PAA team, the Reference Archivist provides client-focused reference service to the documentary heritage of Alberta. In this position, you will be responsible for assisting researchers by orienting them to the resources available at the Archives, and directing them to possible sources that may help answer their research questions.

The roles and responsibilities of the Reference Archivist include:

Excellent customer service - Your commitment to customer service will be evident in your strong interpersonal and communication skills, as you will be required to work with internal stakeholders as well as assist the researching public. To be successful in this role, the candidate should have a thorough knowledge of archival practice and trends including knowledge of the history of the province of Alberta, strong written and oral communication and interpersonal skills, and experience with electronic or digital records management.

Excellent organizational, communication, analytical and research skills – These proficiences are essential to this position as you will be fielding multiple assistance requests and conducting extensive research. This position requires strong analytical and leadership skills. The archivist will encourage public and cultural awareness of archival records through various outreach activities and, when required, participate actively in various committee work within both the Provincial Archives and the Government of Alberta. This position requires a dedicated team player to function within a complex, diverse and changing environment.

Demonstrated awareness of Alberta and Canadian history - To succeed in this role, you will have an understanding of the social context in which records were created. Familiarity with primary historical research techniques is required. Knowledge of the legislation (e.g. Historical Resources Act, Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, etc.) that provide the framework within which the Archives operates is necessary to succeed in this position, meet legal obligations in areas such as the Copyright Act as well as other provincial and federal legislation, which impact access and use of archival records and provide structure to reference service to researchers from the general public.

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.

The Corporate Planning and Reporting Analyst must be able to apply the following competencies:

• Creative Problem Solving: Looks for ways to improve activities and results by doing something that may be new and different in the organization. Ability to move concepts and ideas into reality.
• Agility: The ability to anticipate, assess, and readily adapt to changing priorities, while maintaining resilience in times of uncertainty and effectively working in a changing environment. In this role you will be required to manage multiple projects and tasks from concept through post-implementation in an evolving and changing business environment.
• Drive for Results: Focused on outcomes; you set goals and prioritize work to accomplish them and follow through on duties and tasks and report progress.
• Build Collaborative Environments: You effectively create opportunities for people to share information.
• Systems Thinking: Considers emerging trends when contributing ideas to the development of broader priorities, strategies and approaches.

Qualifications

A Master’s degree in Archival Studies, Library and Information Studies, or History with a minimum 2 years related experience is required. In addition to their resume, candidates are asked to include a cover letter that shows how they have demonstrated one of the above competencies in either current or past roles. Equivalencies will be considered.

Equivalency:

Directly related education or experience considered on the basis of:

• 1 year of education for 1 year of experience; or
• 1 year of experience for 1 year of education

Skills and Assets:

-Knowledge of issues, trends, legislation, standards, policies, procedures and research in archives, records and information management is required for identifying available resources and educating on their use and limitations.

-Understanding of information technologies and systems, including standards and trends in electronic recordkeeping and digital preservation, and the ability to develop and adapt to new technologies and systems.

-Excellent communication, analytical and research skills, as well as knowledge of the disciplines that utilize archival sources, to apply expertise in reference interactions with stakeholders by matching service delivery with stakeholder literacy levels and needs, sharing research techniques, strategies and trends and contributing to systems and databases that enhance service in a professional and confidential manner.

-Experience with a team environment and also working individually as the work environment prescribes, including a strong aptitude for independent decision-making and for acting with initiative, to work efficiently on multiple assignments concurrently as deadlines, benchmarks and issues dictate, by managing tasks and workloads as required.

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: Monday to Friday, 36.25 hours per week.

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.

Final candidates will be required to undergo a security screening.

Please note there is one permanent position. This competition may be used to fill future vacancies across the Government of Alberta, at equal or lower classification and salary.

What we offer:

• 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
• Leadership and mentorship programs