About the Organization

The Spruce Grove and District Agricultural Heritage Society is a non-profit organization, formed in 1972. We provide facilities, programs and events that bring people together to celebrate agriculture’s influence on the past, present and future of our community. One of our goals is to preserve the history of the community and keep that history alive for both present and future generations. In 1995 the Society purchased the Alberta Wheat Pool grain elevator and the land it resides upon. This building has since become a Provincial Historic Resource. In 2001 the Society acquired and renovated a building so that the newly established Archives of Spruce Grove could preserve the community's history. Over the years the volunteer-managed archives collection has outgrown its space, and a move of the collection is imminent. 

About the position 

This position reports to the Archives Project Committee and the Board of Directors for the Spruce Grove and District Agricultural Society. The Employee will initiate, implement, and lead archival processes and management of acquisition, preservation, and access. Our priority for preservation is family history, local business history, local organization history, and community heritage. 

Location 

120 Railway Avenue, Spruce Grove Alberta. Spruce Grove is a city of about 40,000 people, about 20 minutes west of Edmonton, Alberta. It is located on Highway 16A. 

Notes 

This is a part-time contract position: 24 hours per week, up to 44 weeks. Completion of the project must be before April 30, 2025. Hours can be flexible with prior approval. This is a grant funded position with deadlines for reporting progress. Our site is closed between December 20, 2024, and January 6, 2025. 

Wage is between $28.00 and $39.00 per hour depending on education and experience. 

A move of the Archives collection on or before March 30, 2025, is anticipated. 

Orientation, supervision, and support will be provided by the Archives Project Committee and the Board of Directors of the Agricultural Society. 

Role and Responsibilities 

• After consultation with the organization’s volunteers, develop policies and procedures based upon best practices. 
• Organize, analyze, and describe archival materials using standardized formats following a review of the collection. 
• Develop finding aids. 
• Review and select archival description software. Create a procedure for digitization. 
• Make recommendations and apply preservation measures for the collection. 
• Prepare an archives budget for the Board for September 30, 2024, considering the move of the archives collection. 
• Develop standards and methods to guide volunteers. Develop a volunteer training program. 
• Be willing to partake in professional development if needed for the success of the project. 
• Work with Archives volunteers to improve the organization of materials prior to a move of the collection. 
• Meet weekly or as needed with a member of the Archives Project Committee. A written progress report will be presented monthly to the Board and Archives Project Committee. 
• If all grant obligations are met prior to the grant closing date, digitization of the collection will be initiated by the employee. 

Qualifications 

• A master’s degree in archival studies program or equivalent training and experience. 
• One year of related experience. Archivist or records management experience preferred. 
• Experience with, or knowledge of generally accepted standards of practice for archives is expected. 
• Ability to work effectively without supervision. 
• Familiarity with or Google Sheets and Docs is helpful. 
• Familiarity with scanning and photo management is expected. 
• Experience & knowledge of applicable legislation including FOIP & Copyright Laws. 
• Strong organization and analytical skills. 
• Willingness to manage prompt and professional email communication. 
• Interest in working with volunteers. 
• You must be legally able to work in Canada. 

How to apply. Provide information that clearly and concisely demonstrates how your requirements meet the advertised position. 

Email to Admin2@SpruceGroveAgSociety.com before April 30, 2024