Assistant Archivist
Wellington County consistently ranks as one of the safest communities in Canada and is home to vibrant economies, active and inclusive communities, and beautiful landscapes.
We are committed to building and maintaining a respectful, inclusive and equitable workplace that is representative of the community we proudly serve. The County is looking for individuals who are committed to public service, enjoy collaborating with others and share the County’s values. We value applicants with a diverse range of skills, experiences, and competencies, and are looking forward to welcoming new members to our talented team.
The County offers a generous compensation, benefits and pension package. We also offer ongoing career and development opportunities to our employees, with a commitment to health and well-being.
Posting ID: 1771
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 with at least one saturday a month: 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: 04/18/2025
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.
- Retrieve and re-shelve records from the storage area.
- 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.
- 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.
- Create finding aids, inventories and thematic guides.
- 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.
- Carry out digitization initiatives, using knowledge of current standards and procedures to support the long-term preservation and access to archival records (ie Wellington County newspaper project).
- Prepare, deliver and evaluate in house and offsite archival programmes for the public in coordination with the Archivist.
- Prepare, deliver and evaluate archival educational programmes in coordination with the Archivist, Programming and Curatorial staff.
- Research and write articles for the WCMA newsletter, and other media sources.
- Attend relevant meetings, conferences and workshops to enhance knowledge and best practices relating to archives.
- 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: $58,039.80 - $67,886.00 (2025 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.
The County of Wellington is committed to providing inclusive access and accommodations for disabilities throughout the application and selection process. We are continuously working to improve our systems, policies, and practices to ensure our employees, in all their diversity, can succeed. Should you require accommodation for a disability through the recruitment process, please let us know and we will work with you to meet your needs.
Personal information is collected pursuant to the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and will be used only to evaluate the suitability of applicants for employment.