Job Description

Competition # : 41538

Department: Communities, Culture, Tourism & Heritage

Location: HALIFAX

Type of Employment: Permanent

Union Status: NSGEU - NSPG

Closing Date: \xe2\x80\x8b29-Feb-24 \xe2\x80\x8b (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)

About Us

Nova Scotia\'s culture and heritage contribute to vibrant communities and enrich the quality of life in every part of the province. The Department of Communities, Culture Tourism and Heritage invites Nova Scotians to experience and participate in our rich cultural expression.

By exploring our past, we appreciate where we came from. This enriches our lives today and gives us insight for times ahead. Through investing in our future, we help realize the potential of our people and talents. We foster an environment that embraces ideas and innovation. Jobs are generated and our creative economy flourishes. Encouraging cultural expression brings life to our communities. We each contribute to the province we call home through distinct perspectives and traditions. Together, our diversity defines the uniqueness of Nova Scotia.

About Our Opportunity

Under the general supervision of the Senior Archivist, Archives Services, the Archivist is responsible for the acquisition, appraisal, arrangement and description of records of archival value within the mandate of the Nova Scotia Archives including materials from government and non-government sources.

The Archivist undertakes the professional work in identifying and acquiring materials of archival value by participating in the preparation of records schedules, negotiating with prospective donors and consulting with records analysts and records management staff. This position also undertakes the professional work in establishing and refining physical and intellectual control over holdings, describing records according to accepted standards, conducting and arranging for monetary appraisals of private sector materials, and also providing specialized and in-depth reference services to users.

Duties:

• Develops acquisition contacts and pursuing acquisition leads; negotiating with prospective donors regarding the terms and conditions of acquisition; undertaking in-house monetary appraisals or arranging for external appraisals for tax credit; and preparing applications for certification as cultural property.
• Consults and cooperates regularly with Government of Nova Scotia records analysts, to develop, initiate, update/revise the requisite standards, guidelines, procedures, services and projects needed to regulate and assist in the implementation and improvement of the records management program throughout government with particular emphasis on the role of the Nova Scotia Archives.
• Conducts appraisal of incoming government and private sector records in accordance with archival theory, accepted methodology and Nova Scotia Archives policies. May also, as assigned, review or re-appraise existing holdings.
• Arranges and describes records, regardless of media, in accordance with archival principles, standards, practices, RAD (Rules for Archival Description) and Nova Scotia Archives policies and procedures to produce and update on-line and on-site research and reference tools.
• Advises the Senior Archivist, Preservation Services, of records in need of conservation treatments and preventative conservation measures.
• Participates in the preparation of project proposals and, as assigned, directs implementation of approved projects including supervision of project staff; and serves on various working groups as required.
• Provides specialized and in-depth reference services to researchers as required or assigned.
• Engages in professional development by reviewing relevant literature; attends courses; participates in relevant professional associations.
• Supervises contract/project staff as required.

Qualifications and Experience

Successful completion of a Bachelor\xe2\x80\x99s Degree plus 3 years of experience working in an archival or information management environment; or Mater\xe2\x80\x99s degree + 1 year of experience working in an archival or information management environment. Formal training in archival theory and practice and knowledge of Nova Scotia history, would be considered an asset.

The successful candidate will have demonstrated knowledge of archival standards and best practices, particularly in the areas of arrangement and description, preservation, acquisition and appraisal. The incumbent must have excellent organizational skills, internet skills, computer skills, as well as, communication skills (verbal and written). The successful candidate must have the ability to work well with others in a team environment, knowledge of care and handling best practices for archival materials and the Rules for Archival Description. The successful candidate will also be able to read and translate cursive handwriting.

Assets for this position include:

• Proficiency in spoken French; and
• Formal training in archival theory and practice and knowledge of Nova Scotia history.

We will assess the above qualifications and competencies using one or more of the following tools: written examination, standardized tests, oral presentations, interview(s), and reference checks.

Equivalency

Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.

Working Conditions

• Work is completed primarily in an office environment and on the Archives\xe2\x80\x99 public Reference Floor.
• Some evening and weekend work may be required.
• Occasional lifting and use of ladders is required for accessing materials in archival storage areas.
• Must be able to lift up to 17kg (35 lbs).

Benefits

Based on the employment status and Union agreement, the Government of Nova Scotia offers its employees a wide range of benefits such as Health, Dental, Life Insurance, Pension, General Illness (Short and Long Term), Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs. Click here to learn more about our various benefits offering and eligibility criteria.

What We Offer

• Career development where you have access to career guidance, tools, resources, and ongoing training for every stage of your career
• Engaging workplace: our employees feel valued, respected, connected, and tuned in, we have forward-thinking policies and strategies
• Countless career paths
• Department specific flexible working schedules

Pay Grade: PR 10

Salary Range: $2,251.48 - $2,746.69 Bi-Weekly

Employment Equity Statement:

Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative, at all job levels, of the citizens we serve. The Government of Nova Scotia has an Employment Equity Policy, and we welcome applications from Indigenous People, African Nova Scotians and Other Racially Visible Persons, Persons with Disabilities and Women in occupations or positions where they are under-represented. If you are a member of one of these equity groups, you are encouraged to self-identify on your electronic application.

This is a bargaining unit position initially restricted to current civil service employees represented by the Nova Scotia Government Employees Union (NSGEU). If applying from outside a government office, employees must apply correctly via this link:

Failure to apply correctly means that your application will not be given first consideration as a bargaining unit applicant, and will only be included if external applications are pursued.

External applicants and current casual employees will only be considered if there are no qualified civil service bargaining unit candidates. PLEASE NOTE: Candidates will not be considered for an interview if applications are incomplete or are missing information.

Offer of employment is conditional upon the completion of all applicable background checks and confirmation of credentials, the results of which must be satisfactory to the employer. We thank all applicants for the interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. All questions and concerns may be directed to Competitions@novascotia.ca.

Government of Nova Scotia