Archivist - Arrangement & Description

Join us at the University of Melbourne Archives (UMA) as the Archivist - Arrangement and Description, where your passion for history and organisational skills will shape the future of archival standards.
Working closely with the Deputy Archivist, you'll contribute to the continuous development of UMA's descriptive standards. Collaborating with the Senior Archivist - Digital and Systems and the Discovery Archivists, you'll ensure the implementation of UMA's conceptual data model, staying current with industry best practices.
Your role involves handling medium-sized collections in collaboration with the Archivist - Appraisal and Acquisition, creating processing plans for large unlisted collections, and managing relevant projects. Additionally, you'll collaborate with the Reference Archivist on digitisation projects, enhancing accessibility to our archival treasures.
Your responsibilities will include:

• Enhancing and implementing UMA's descriptive standards using the conceptual data model.
• Creating guidelines and conducting training for UMA staff to ensure consistent description practices.
• Leveraging expertise to arrange and catalog medium-sized collections upon acquisition by UMA.
• Initiating and overseeing projects for describing large, unlisted, and backlog collections.

Who we are looking for
We're on the lookout for a candidate with extensive experience in archives, records, or information management, showcasing a solid understanding of archival practice and industry standards, particularly in large archive settings.
Your strong communication skills will shine as you collaborate seamlessly across various organisational facets. Your track record will demonstrate adept liaison and relationship-building skills, including experience in developing archival collections and assessing their significance, value, and potential for teaching and research. Your expertise in archival collection management systems, coupled with a keen understanding of how to enhance access and discovery through these systems, will set you apart.
You will also have:

• Tertiary qualifications in Archives, Records, Information Management, or a related field, or possess an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge of current and emerging trends in Archives and/or Records and Information Management sectors
• The ability to identify, initiate, and implement continuous improvements to business processes, projects or programs in order to enhance systems, processes, and services
• Knowledge and experience of archival collection management systems, and understanding of the application and use of systems to enhance access and discovery of collections

For further information regarding responsibilities and requirements please refer to the attached PD.
To ensure the University continues to provide a safe environment for everyone, this position requires the incumbent to hold a current and valid Working with Children Check.
This role requires current valid work rights for Australia.
Your new team - Archives and Special Collections
Archives and Special Collections (ASC) develops, provides care for, and facilitates access to the University of Melbourne Archives, Rare Books, Prints, Rare Music, Maps, and East Asian collections. The department is led by the Associate Director, Archives and Special Collections, and University Archivist. The department sits within Research and Collection Stewardship, a sub-portfolio of Scholarly Services led by the Director and University Librarian.
What we offer you!
In addition, we offer the opportunity to be part of a vibrant community and enjoy a range of benefits including generous leave provisions, salary packaging, health and well-being services, and discounts on graduate courses. For more information check out page!
The University of Melbourne
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Be yourself
The University of Melbourne values the unique backgrounds, experiences, and contributions that each person brings to our community and welcomes and celebrates diversity. First Nations people, those identifying as LGBTQIA+, parents, carers, people of all ages, abilities, and genders, and people of diverse ethnicity, nationality, and faith are encouraged to apply. Our aim is to create a workforce that reflects the diversity of the community in which we live. For more information please visit page.
We are dedicated to ensuring barrier-free and inclusive practices to recruit the most talented candidates. If you require reasonable adjustments, please contact Kim Groizard at , with an email containing your name and contact details for a confidential discussion. Please ensure your email is titled "Reasonable Adjustments Request".
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants
We aspire to be the University of choice for Indigenous Australians, with unprecedented investment to attract, nurture, and retain Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and staff. Tangible support through a range of programs and initiatives will ensure that you personally succeed and flourish while at the University of Melbourne.
For further information, including our 2023-2027 Indigenous strategy please visit -
Join Us!
If you feel this role is right for you, please apply with the following documents:

• Resume
• Cover Letter outlining your interest and experience

Please note that you are not required to respond to the selection criteria in the Position Description.
If you have any questions regarding the recruitment process, please feel free to contact Maddison Ryan via email at , ensuring that you include the Position Number and the Job Title as the subject. Please do not share your application to this email address.
Advertised: 30 Jan 2024 12:05 AM AUS Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: 05 Feb 2024 11:55 PM AUS Eastern Daylight Time