Library Archivist

St. James Parish Government is hiring a Library Archivist under the Operations Department.

JOB FUNCTION: This position is responsible for managing the parish archives, including acquiring, preserving, and making accessible records and historical materials, while also managing staff, budgets, and public outreach. This is a highly visible position. A working knowledge of archive management, organization, procedure, policy, and service is necessary. This position requires the ability to plan, direct, and coordinate collections, services, programs, and the work of others. This is an exempt position. This position is classified as essential during declared emergencies or natural disasters.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  Includes any combination of the following illustrative examples of duties and responsibilities including but not limited to:

·       Work with Parish Government and the Library Supervisor to assess the initial collection and define the scope and purpose of the newly created parish archives.

·       Draft a mission statement, collection development policy, and other policies and procedures necessary for the successful functioning of the parish archives.

·       Assist with determining the hours of operation, resources and furnishings necessary to house and preserve the collection, and appropriate staffing.

·       Advise on the selection, implementation, and administration of software and systems for records management;

·       Serves as the main Records Officer St. James Parish and act as a liaison between parish government and the State Archives on all matters related to records management.

·       Works with each department to ensure compliance with public records law including designating one or more records coordinators, creating/renewing records retention schedules and ensuring department compliance with the appropriate schedules, submitting disposal requests, reporting damaged/lost records, etc.

·       Capable of developing and maintaining a genealogical archive for St. James Parish.

·       General supervision of the archive facilities and those who are employed by the library as archive staff

·       Maintains close and open communication with the Library Supervisor on problems, short and long term requirements, priority changes and provides input for long range division plans and systems requirements

·       Responsible for the promotion of the archives and its services

·       Oversee acquisition, preservation, organization, digitization, and use of collections

·       Provides access to the collection and assistance to the public in its use

·       Carries out those policies adopted by the Parish Council and the Library Board and adhere to state and local governance of the archives

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: Supervises all aspects of the parish archives.  Supervises the archives staff.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. This document outlines the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities required. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE: This position requires a Masters of Library and Information Science from an accredited School of Library and Information Science. Graduate Certificate in Archival Studies, Records and Information Management, and/or three years experience in archives management preferred.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

·       Must have strong public relations skills

·       Knowledge of office machines and their use

·       Ability to type 40 words per minute

·       Comfortable with the use of computer software

·       Familiar with the parish automation system

·       Must be able to provide transportation to and from work, run errands when necessary and be comfortable traveling to library-sponsored workshops that may require over night stays. Also must be qualified to drive parish vehicles

·       Must have excellent verbal and written communications skills

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representatives of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This job is primarily considered a desk job; however, the person in this job will be expected to work with the collection. While performing this job, the employee must be able to climb a ladder to retrieve materials from shelves approximately seven feet from the ground. They must be able to bend to retrieve library materials from the bottom shelf on the ground level. Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. Must be able to push or pull a loaded book cart that weighs approximately 60 pounds. Sometimes moving equipment such as computers and furniture will be expected. In addition, the lifting and packing of manuscripts, records, or artifacts in boxes or bags is expected.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment for this position is primarily inside the archives building located in Lutcher; however may involve assisting the public in either public library branch or in the community.

St. James Parish is committed to providing equal employment opportunities.  The parish will not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis including, but not limited to veteran status, race, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, agree or political affiliations.

Salary : $45,000 - $55,000