Regional Archivist Pacific Mountain

The Pacific Mountain Regional Council is seeking an individual to fill the role of Archivist on a permanent full-time basis, 35 hours per week with an anticipated start date of November 15, 2026.

The Pacific Mountain Regional Council (PMRC) Archives is the sole authority and repository for the appraisal and permanent retention of archival records of the Region and pastoral charges that fall within its boundaries. Archival records include all data sources, irrespective of their physical medium, that are created and accumulated by the Region, including textual records, bound registers, photographs, maps and plans, film and video materials, sound and audio materials, publications and ephemera, and born-digital records. The PMRC Archives receives an average of 10 – 15 linear metres of records every year, in addition to digital documents, photographs and audio-visual material.

PMRC is looking for an experienced and collaborative Archivist to provide strategic leadership for the preservation, management, accessibility, and stewardship of the region's archival and historical records. This role is responsible for overseeing archival operations, records management, community engagement, research services, preservation initiatives, and the continued development of archival collections that document the life and ministry of The United Church of Canada across the region.

The successful candidate will combine professional archival expertise with strong leadership, relationship-building, project management, and strategic planning skills to ensure the long-term preservation and accessibility of records while supporting reconciliation, community engagement, and historical research initiatives.

This position represents a current, active vacancy within our organization. For all applications received through The United Church of Canada’s Applicant Tracking System (ATS) and all publicly advertised positions, AI might be used to support certain applicant evaluations. However, all applications are manually reviewed by our hiring team to ensure a fair and thorough evaluation of all candidates. All decisions are made solely by the hiring team.

Position Purpose

The PMRC Archivist will provide efficient and effective archival and records management functions for the PMRC. They will acquire, preserve, and make available their records; advise the Regional Council and communities of faith on archives and records management; maintain liaison with the General Council Archives and community partner organizations; and participate in The United Church of Canada Archives Staff Circle.

Primary Areas of Responsibility 

Leadership and Strategy (15%)

• Develop and implement policies, procedures, and workflows governing the acquisition, appraisal, arrangement, description, preservation, and use of archival records.
• Provide strategic leadership for the management and growth of the Regional Archives in collaboration with the Regional Archives and History Committee and the United Church Archives Staff Circle.
• Plan and oversee physical and digital archival storage systems.
• Lead initiatives to reappraise and deaccession legacy collections in accordance with current archival standards and institutional priorities.
• Coordinate and monitor the work of contractors, students, and project teams to ensure alignment with strategic objectives.
• Partner with church leaders and community organizations on research and social justice initiatives, including projects related to Indigenous records repatriation and historical interpretation.
• Manage the Region's Narrative Histories program, overseeing research, interviews, transcription, publication, and preservation of community narratives.

Financial Management and Stewardship (10%)

• Develop and manage annual operating and project budgets for archival programs and services.
• Monitor expenditures and ensure responsible stewardship of financial resources.
• Prepare grant applications and pursue external funding opportunities.
• Maintain financial records, reconcile expenses, and oversee contractual payments.
• Compile and analyze operational, financial, and statistical data.
• Prepare quarterly, annual, and project reports and contribute to strategic planning activities.

People Management and Leadership (15%)

• Provide leadership, guidance, and supervision to contract archivists, students, interns, and volunteers.
• Foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment that supports professional growth and development.
• Mentor archival studies students and co-op participants through coaching, feedback, and performance management.
• Partner with Human Resources in recruitment, performance management, employee relations, and policy interpretation.

Relationship Management and Outreach (10%)

• Promote awareness and visibility of the Archives throughout the church, academic, and broader community sectors.
• Represent the Archives within professional archival associations, historical organizations, and library networks.
• Build and maintain meaningful relationships with Communities of Faith, donors, Indigenous communities, and culturally diverse communities documented within the Archives.
• Collaborate with community partners, educational institutions, museums, and cultural organizations on programs, research initiatives, and public engagement activities.

Records Management (5%)

• Support records management initiatives across the Regional Council in collaboration with denominational records management staff.
• Provide guidance on records retention, digital recordkeeping, preservation, and information management practices.
• Develop and share resources, tools, and best practices for Communities of Faith regarding records management and archival transfers.
• Manage the storage and confidential destruction of semi-active records in accordance with established retention schedules and policies.

Acquisition, Appraisal, Arrangement, and Description (15%)

• Appraise, accession, and manage incoming archival collections from Regional Councils, Communities of Faith, affiliated organizations, and private donors.
• Coordinate the transfer of digital records into archival repositories.
• Arrange, describe, and process archival collections using established archival standards and descriptive practices.
• Create finding aids and metadata to improve accessibility and discoverability of records.
• Administer archival collections management software and support digital archives systems.
• Manage and maintain the Archives' reference library and artifact collections.

Preservation (5%)

• Develop and implement preservation strategies for physical and digital collections.
• Preserve fragile materials through migration, digitization, and stabilization initiatives.
• Maintain digital preservation processes, including backups, migration schedules, fixity checks, and technology refresh cycles.
• Perform basic conservation treatments and coordinate external conservation services when required.

Reference and Research Services (20%)

• Provide research and reference services to church members, staff, legal representatives, genealogists, and external researchers.
• Conduct legal, property, historical, and genealogical research using archival holdings.
• Digitize and reproduce archival materials in accordance with professional standards and copyright requirements.
• Evaluate and process permissions requests for publication and reproduction of archival materials.
• Facilitate access to Indigenous-related records in accordance with ethical access protocols and applicable policies.
• Research and prepare baptismal, marriage, and burial records for legal and administrative purposes.
• Ensure all access, privacy, and use policies are consistently applied.

Administration and Facility Management (5%)

• Support the work of the Regional Archives and History Committee through reporting and participation in meetings.
• Participate in Regional Council staff meetings, retreats, and annual gatherings.
• Engage in national archives network activities and collaborative projects.
• Oversee relationships with facility management, maintenance providers, security services, and specialized contractors.
• Manage archival supplies, equipment maintenance, and service agreements.
• Monitor environmental conditions and storage capacity to ensure the protection and longevity of archival materials.

Qualifications

• Master of Archival Studies, Master of Information Studies (or a suitable equivalent)
• Digital Archivist certification, training or suitable experience is preferred; and
• Records Management certification, training or suitable experience is preferred.
• 5+ years of work experience in a recognized archive;
• 3-5 years of experience in a Management/Supervisory role; and
• Experience in digital archiving and preservation, and/or public facing user support.
• A thorough understanding of the Canadian Rules for Archival Description (RAD); working knowledge of archival principles and practices, including metadata standards (EAD, Dublin Core, METS, MODS, and PREMIS);
• Knowledge of relevant legislation and/or policies that guide retention, access or restriction to records, including federal and provincial acts and regulations, UNDRIP, and OCAP;
• Knowledge of best practices and guidelines for records management and preservation knowledge for a wide variety of formats, including digital records;
• Computer skills in the use of various software applications: Office 365, Dynamics, SharePoint, One Drive, Teams, Zoom, Adobe Photoshop/Bridge/Acrobat Pro/Premiere, internet and social media. Knowledge of AccessToMemory archives descriptive software, Archivematica and other digital preservation tools;
• Ability to use equipment in the Archives (i.e. microfilm reader, printers, scanners);
• Research skills, knowledge of current research trends and possible future uses of a variety of informational sources;
• Experience in leading, coaching, training, supervising and mentoring students;
• Aptitude for numbers, budgets, financial and reporting skills, including grants;
• Strong communication skills (verbal and written English) together with excellent interpersonal skills and a professional, respectful approach; additional language skills would be an asset;
• Trauma-informed training and/or mental health first aid training would be an asset;
• Familiarity with the ethos, structure, and practices of The United Church of Canada and a working knowledge of the history of The United Church of Canada and its predecessors, particularly in British Columbia.
• Alignment with the vision and values of The United Church of Canada – respect, integrity, passion and diversity;
• Pastoral sensibilities, including compassion, patience, warmth, and excellent listening abilities;
• Deep appreciation and reverence for individual and collective stories.

As part of our ongoing commitment to the Accessibility Disabilities Act, The United Church of Canada will provide The United Church of Canada will provide reasonable accommodations to employees with human-rights related needs.

Working Conditions

This position works from the Pacific Mountain Regional Council Archives, situated on the traditional and unceded territory of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh peoples, and currently located at 312 Main Street, Vancouver, B.C. Any regular pattern of working from home is at the discretion of the supervising Executive Minister. Sitting and viewing a computer screen for long periods, being on the phone for long periods, keyboarding/using assistive devices or software, personal mobility (with or without reasonable accommodation) which permits the employee to physically handle collections, open doors, navigate stairs, and occasionally lift up to 30 pounds will be required. Additional hours and attendance at occasional evening and weekend meetings may be required.

Compensation

The target hiring range for this position is $71,004 to $80,924. with the ability to progress to a maximum of $94,672. This is based on category 7 on our salary range. Placement on the salary range will be based on factors such as internal equity, candidate experience skills and qualifications relevant to the role. Pension and group benefit plans coverage and annual vacation round out this compensation package

The United Church of Canada is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants, including those with disabilities. If you are contacted regarding a job opportunity, please advise us of your accommodation needs at that time.

Closing date for applications is October 14, 2026.