JOB DESCRIPTION
Applications are invited from suitably qualified persons who wish to be considered for inclusion on a panel from which permanent or temporary vacancies for the position of Archivist (Grade VI) in Monaghan County Council shall be filled.
Cultural Services at Monaghan County Council
The Cultural Services section at Monaghan County Council includes Monaghan County Library Service, Monaghan County Museum, Monaghan Arts Office, Monaghan Peace Campus, the Patrick Kavanagh Centre and Monaghan Creative Communities. Each of these cultural services is distinct and is managed by a specialist and/or team. All cultural areas report to the County Librarian and Head of Cultural Services and work together to ensure that there is alignment in the delivery of cultural services in Monaghan.
The Role
The Archivist will be a member of Monaghan County Council’s Cultural Services’ team and will be responsible for the establishment, development and management of archival services at Monaghan County Council. The Archivist will report directly to the County Librarian/Director of Service or any other senior officer as designated by the Chief Executive.
The successful candidate will lead a review of archival collections at Monaghan County Council and will establish the Monaghan County Archive, in collaboration with colleagues across the Cultural Services team, led by the County Librarian & Head of Cultural Services. The Archivist will be responsible for identifying and appraising archival records to be held in the archive, and will make recommendations on the management, storage, ICT infrastructure needs, information governance compliance, and outreach and engagement opportunities for archival collections at Monaghan County Council.
The Archivist will be responsible for the proper management, custody, storage, care and conservation of local archival records and will put in place structures to provide for the proper management of Monaghan County Council’s archives in compliance with the Local Government Acts of 1994, 2001 and 2011.
This role is an opportunity for an established Archivist to design and develop archival services for the Local Authority from the ground up. The Archivist will oversee the drafting of and implementing of a five-year Archives Plan along with an Annual Operational Plan.
This role is a professional middle management position within the Cultural Services section of Monaghan County Council. The Archivist will be required to work in any location within the Monaghan County Council’s administrative areas. The Archivist will work with Monaghan County Council’s I.T. department to establish procedures and procure equipment such as an Archival Management system.
The Archivist will be a member of Monaghan County Council’s Heritage Forum and will work closely with the Heritage Officer of Monaghan County Council and the team at Monaghan County Libraries, County Museum and will work in partnership with all departments.
The successful candidate will be responsible for making Monaghan County Council Archives available for inspection by the public. The Archivist will actively promote Archives to the public through presentations, exhibitions and the use of social media channels. The Archivist will put in place an outreach education programme for all users of Monaghan County Archive.
Ideal Candidate shall:
* Demonstrate knowledge of best professional practice and appropriate standards with regard to the management of records and archives.
* Demonstrate knowledge of current information governance requirements and legislation, e.g. Data Protection Act 2018, Freedom of Information Act 2014, Copyright and Related Rights Act 2000 etc.
* Have excellent relevant IT experience including experience of working on projects to digitise records.
* Demonstrate strong communication skills including experience in presenting and report writing.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Archivist (Grade VI) shall perform such duties as may from time to time be assigned in relation to employment and as may be appropriate to any function of the council and shall carry out such instructions as may be given in relation to the performance of their duties.
Primary Responsibilities
* County Archives Development Plan
o An audit of current local authority archival material
o Identification of other relevant collections.
o Assessment of existing archival service provision.
* Collaboration and Partnership Building
o Work with relevant Monaghan County Council departments and advisory teams to develop and deliver the archives services, including Libraries, Museum, Heritage Office, IT department and others.
o Be an active member of the Monaghan County Council’s Heritage Forum working to enhance the management, conservation, and promotion of built, natural, and cultural heritage and integration of heritage functions across the county.
o Establish and maintain partnerships and professional networks.
* Standards and Compliance
o Ensure that archive services adhere to professional standards for curation, security, and data protection.
o Develop and maintain relevant policies and documentation to meet these standards.
* Metrics and Legal Compliance
o Maintain accurate service metrics and ensure compliance with all relevant legal requirements.
o Provide service analysis and compile reports as required.
* Reporting and Stakeholder Engagement
o Submit quarterly reports to Monaghan County Council and the Heritage Council.
o Produce an annual report (for publication).
o Liaise regularly with foundational stakeholders to ensure alignment and progress.
* Advisory Role
o Provide expert advice to Monaghan County Council on archives-related matters, including the Council’s legal obligations concerning archives.
* Project funding
o Apply for and deliver projects funded by the Heritage Council and other available sources.
* Performance and Service Management
o Manage performance and service delivery to meet established targets, plans, and policies.
* Frontline Archive Services
o Enable access to archival collections through the development of catalogues, finding aids and other tools, including through the use of technology and digital tools.
o Oversee the day-to-day operations of the public-facing archives services (once operational), including:
+ Professional archivist duties such as surveying, processing, and listing official and private collections.
+ Premises maintenance and storage environment management.
+ Disaster preparedness planning for all stakeholders.
+ Coordinate of collection transfer with Monaghan County Council colleagues.
* Conservation and Digitisation
o Assess and select archives for priority conservation and digitalisation.
* Community Engagement and Promotion
o Plan, organise, and participate in programmes, exhibitions, events, and activities.
o Promote public engagement with archival holdings, local history, and heritage.
o Coordinate with communities to curate events as part of the annual National Heritage Week.
* Other Duties
o Undertake additional duties of a similar nature and responsibility as may be required or assigned from time to time which may include line management responsibilities.
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