Museum Archives Assistant

JOB POSTING

Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc (TteS) is a fast-growing vibrant organization committed to the development and progress of its Band Members and Community. As such, the TteS invites applications from qualified, highly motivated and dynamic individuals to fill the following position.

POSITION TITLE: Museum Archives Assistant

DEPARTMENT: Language & Culture

SUPERVISOR: Museum Staff Supervisor

TERMS: Full-time, permanent

REFERENCE #: 2026-131

Purpose of Position:

The purpose of this Position is to provide professional archival support within the Secwépemc Museum and Heritage Park and will work as an assistant to the Archivist.

The position works with the Museum Archivist while independently completing assigned archival responsibilities in accordance with professional archival standards, TteS policies, Secwépemc cultural protocols, and established Museum procedures. The position also contributes to exhibitions, educational initiatives, community-based research, collections access, and the continued development and improvement of the Museum's archives.

The work is of varied nature including proper care and handling of museum collections, cataloguing and inventory control, researching, assisting with exhibit design, accessioning, front desk support when available and other duties as assigned by the SMHP Archivist, Staff Supervisor, and/or the Language and Culture Department Manager.

Duties and Responsibilities:

The Museum Archives Assistant provides operational and technical support to the Museum Archivist and Registrar/Staff Supervisor and in the care, organization, documentation, and accessibility of archival and archaeological collections. When available assist the Curator in above collections inventory.

A. Archives Operations and Collections Support (75%)

• Assist with the arrangement, description, cataloguing, indexing, scanning, and long-term inventory of archival materials in accordance with established procedures and professional standards.
• Support accessioning and documentation of archival materials, including data entry and description using the Rules for Archival Description (RAD) when applicable, under the direction of the Archivist.
• Maintain accurate records of accessions, deaccessions, loans, and researcher access in both hard copy and digital formats for long-term access.
• Applies knowledge of Secwépemc history, community relationships, terminology, cultural protocols, and Secwepemctsín to archival description and research where appropriate.
• Update and maintain archival records within the Museum’s Content Management System (CMS), in collaboration with the Archivist and Registrar.
• Handles culturally sensitive, confidential, restricted and community-specific archival information in accordance with TteS protocols, archival ethics, privacy requirements, and direction from appropriate knowledge holders.
• Assist with the physical care, handling, and commonsense preservation of archival materials, following approved handling and conservation practices.
• Support the organization and inventory of archaeological materials housed within the Secwépemc Archaeological Repository, under the direction of the Registrar/Staff Supervisor.
• Prepare and maintain physical and digital finding aids to support research access and internal inventory control.
• Assist, and or complete at the direction of the Archivist, with internal and external research requests by locating materials, preparing files, and providing general reference support, as directed.
• Provide courteous, culturally respectful information to visitors and researchers in person, by phone, or via email, within established access protocols.
• Conduct archival, historical, and community-based research in collaboration with TteS staff, Elders, families, and Traditional Knowledge Keepers, ensuring culturally appropriate documentation, interpretation, access, and transfer of knowledge.
• Assesses research requests for scope, sensitivity, restrictions, and required permissions and consults with the Archivist where appropriate.
• Maintains research request tracking systems and contributes to improving researcher access procedures
• Assist with labeling, rehousing, and movement of archival materials (including lifting up to 30 lbs.), ensuring safe handling and appropriate storage.
• Support and progress digitization and documentation projects as assigned.
• Plans, coordinates, and carries out assigned archival projects, including inventories, rehousing, digitization, repatriation, processing, and collection accessibility initiatives.
• Develop projects to further the Archive’s Mission and Vision.

B. Education, Outreach, and Team Support (20%)

• Support museum exhibits and programming by providing archival research and preparation assistance.
• Participate in staff meetings and provide updates on assigned archival work.
• Conduct research and record information in collaboration with TteS staff, Elders, and Traditional Knowledge Keepers, ensuring respectful documentation and appropriate transfer of knowledge for archival purposes.

C. Other Duties (5%)

• Perform other related duties as needed and assigned by the Museum Registrar/Staff Supervisor, Archivist, or Language and Culture Department Manager.
• Learn foundational procedures across museum operations (e.g., front desk coverage, basic exhibit design and development) to assist with operational continuity as required.
• Perform all duties in accordance with TteS policies, archival ethics, and confidentiality requirements.

Financial Responsibility:

This position does not administer a budget for the Secwépemc Museum and Heritage Park but may participate in all strategic planning sessions, make budget recommendations, make orders for the archival purchases and work with the administrator and finance department to submit invoices and so on.

Supervision or Training Duties:

This position does not have any supervisory duties but is strongly encouraged to complete a professional degree as an Archivist or related education. Those working in the Language and Culture department must be willing to participate in Secwepemctsín classes and learn our songs and dances.

Special Requirements:

Must participate in Language and Culture Department activities where appropriate and as assigned by the Manager and SMHP Supervisor

Professional Certification, Education and Experience:

• Diploma or Bachelors in Anthropology Studies, Museum Studies, Archival Studies, Cultural Resource Management, Indigenous Studies, Information and Library Science, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Education with a focus in Indigenous Archives preferred.
• Minimum 3 to 4 years experience working with Indigenous communities, Secwépemc or Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc contexts, is strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of, or demonstrated willingness to learn archival principles, procedures and professional standards. · 2 years minimum using computer applications including Collections databases, content management systems, word processing, spreadsheets, Internet, and Outlook email.
• At least 1 year experience and knowledge of Secwépemc History, Culture and protocols, or a demonstrated commitment to learning Secwépemc culture, Secwepemctsín language, and participating in Language and Culture Department activities.
• Two years’ minimum experience working in museums or archives. Preference for Indigenous museums or archives.
• Willingness to enroll in Secwepemctsin certificate classes.

Skills and Abilities:

• Strong attention to detail and ability to work methodically and accurately.
• Ability to follow established procedures while adapting to varied daily tasks.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills, with demonstrated tact, diplomacy, and cultural sensitivity.
• Strong organizational, planning, and time-management skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team and support multiple priorities.
• Sound judgement, problem-solving skills, and a strong service orientation.
• Ability to work respectfully in a multicultural and community-based environment.
• Flexible, reliable, and enthusiastic approach to learning and contributing to museum operations.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle culturally sensitive information with care and professionalism.
• Self-motivated with exceptional ability to work independently and take initiative on tasks and projects.

Benefits:

• Extended health, dental, and vision
• 7.6% Registered Pension Plan (RPP) matching and Life insurance

HOURS OF WORK: Normal Day shifts – 7 hours. Non-normal shifts may be required.

PAY GRADE: Starting at $25.98 - $30.06 per hour depending on education & experience.