Archives Supervisor

The manager or supervisor of an archive facility is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the Archive Department, which includes managing staff; developing and implementing records management policies; and, ensuring the preservation, organization and accessibility of physical and digital collections. Key duties involve supervising staff; establishing procedures for records retention and destruction; managing storage and access systems; and, preparing budgets and reports. The role requires a combination of management, archival science, and administrative skills to maintain the facility's integrity and serve its users. 

Core Responsibilities: 

• Staff and operations management: Supervise and direct archival and administrative support staff. Oversee daily operations, including records storage, digitization, and preservation activities. 
• Policy and procedure development: Establish and maintain procedures for records management, including retention schedules, destruction, and access to both physical and electronic records. 
• Collection management: Oversee the appraisal, accession, arrangement, and description of archival materials. Ensure the physical and intellectual control of collections. 
• Preservation and access: Implement policies and procedures for the preservation and maintenance of documents and objects. Manage systems for accessing materials for researchers, government agencies and the public. 
• Administrative and strategic tasks: Manage budgets, prepare reports on activities, and develop initiatives to promote the archive's mission. Collaborate with IT and other departments on technology implementation. 

Key Skills: 

• Management: Leadership, supervision, and project management. 
• Archival knowledge: Expertise in records management, preservation techniques, and archival science principles. 
• Technical skills: Proficiency with archive management systems for cataloging, searching, and storing both physical and digital assets. 
• Communication: Strong writing, communication, and interpersonal skills for interacting with staff, users, and other agencies. 
• Detail-orientation: A keen eye for detail is essential for tasks like proofreading and quality control in digitization. 
• While the work is often sedentary, physical activity is required for duties such as climbing ladders, moving heavy carts of records, and handling boxes that can weigh up to 50 pounds. 

• While the work is often sedentary, physical activity is required for duties such as climbing ladders, moving heavy carts of records, and handling boxes that can weigh up to 50 pounds.