Archives Assistant

The University of Victoria Special Collections and University Archives is seeking one (1) dynamic, self-motivated individual with experience and skills in archival arrangement, description, data entry, metadata creation, and exhibit/display preparation for the YCW Internship program. Excellent writing and communication skills are a must.

The duration of the position is for 35 hrs/wk for 6 months, starting Monday, September 11, 2017 – Friday, March 2, 2018, excluding statutory holidays and university closures over the holiday period. The rate of pay is $24.69/hour (inclusive of benefits +4% vacation pay). English fluency is essential, and although French is not required, it would be considered an asset.

Reporting to the Director, Special Collections & University Archivist, the successful candidate will assist with archival inventory work, finding aid revision, database records creation, metadata creation for digitized audio-visual records, as well as promoting and providing access and outreach to the archives at the University of Victoria. The successful candidate may undertake projects at the direction of the Associate Director of Special Collections and the Associate University Archivist.

Tasks include, but are not limited to the following and may be adjusted depending on the successful applicants’ education and experience:

- creating inventories of private and university records presently in the holdings backlog

- drafting archival arrangement schemes

- archival description/metadata creation

- uploading digital content to archival databases, such as AtoM, and to content management systems

- revising legacy finding aids to meet basic standards

- assisting with the planning and design of exhibits/displays, programming and special events related to Special Collections and University Archives

A successful candidate’s profile will include:

- Master of Archival Studies (MAS) or equivalent degree from a Canadian university (preferred); or a Master of Library and Information Studies (MLIS) from Canadian university with a concentration in archival studies; or an undergraduate degree in humanities, fine arts or social sciences with experience working with collections in a Canadian heritage/memory institution (archives, library, museum, gallery, historical society)

- high level of computer skill and digital fluency

- ability to work both collaboratively and independently

- excellent written and verbal communication skills

- excellent organizational skills

- comfort interacting with the public

An individual may be eligible for an internship if they:

• are a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident, or have refugee status in Canada (non-Canadians holding temporary work visas or awaiting permanent status are not eligible);

• are legally entitled to work in Canada;

• will be between 16 and 30 years of age at the start of employment;

• are willing to commit to the full duration of the work assignment;

• will not have another full-time job (over 30 hours a week) while employed with the program;

• are an unemployed or underemployed college or university graduate, that is, not employed full-time;

• are a recent graduate who has graduated from college or university within the last 24 months at the start of employment;

• are not receiving Employment Insurance (EI) benefits while employed with the program;

• have not previously participated in or been paid under this or any other Career Focus internship program funded under the Government of Canada's Youth Employment Strategy.

The University of Victoria is an equity employer and encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities, Aboriginal Peoples, people of all gender orientations, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of the University.

Interested candidates who are eligible under the YCW Internship program are asked to apply in writing, with a cover letter and CV by August 11, 2017. All applications should be addressed to:

Lara Wilson, MA, MAS

Director, Special Collections & University Archivist

University of Victoria Archives

Lower Level Mearns Centre for Learning, McPherson Library, Room A005

Tel: (250) 472-4480

Fax: (250) 721-8215

Email: ljwilson@uvic.ca

Please note that while we appreciate all applications received, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Characteristics of City/Region:

"Victoria is the capital of British Columbia, located at the southern tip of Vancouver Island with a population of 345,000 people. With its mild climate, Victoria can be enjoyed all year-round.

You have your pick of outdoor excitement here. Take a sailing course, hike a mountain, explore the coastline by kayak or drive up island for a weekend of skiing. We've got it all.

Victoria may be surrounded by rainforest but it’s actually a lot drier than nearby Seattle or Vancouver. Annual rainfall is just 23.9 inches and Victoria is home to the warmest winters in Canada. Snow isn’t common in the city, so golfers, hikers and tennis enthusiasts can play outside all year long.

With a vibrant population like ours, there's a great selection of things to do. From international film, music, art and cultural festivals to poetry readings and musical performances, there are countless opportunities."

Taken from http://www.uvic.ca/home/about/victoria/index.php

For more information visit http://www.tourismvictoria.com/