Summer Student: Archival Assistant

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Job Summary

The Leeds and the Thousand Islands Archives through Leeds and the Thousand Islands Public Library, is seeking a detail-oriented and tech-savvy Summer Archival Assistant. This role offers a unique opportunity to preserve local history while gaining hands-on experience in digital asset management and community outreach.

The ideal candidate would preferably be currently enrolled in a post-secondary program which involves one of the following: Library and Information Science, Archives, Museum Studies, or an equivalent related field.

This position is subsidized by Canada Summer Jobs and requires a commitment to 30 hours per week for a period of 9 weeks (June-August).

Compensation: starts at $19.45 per hour plus 4% in lieu of vacation.

Responsibilities include:

· Digital Asset Management: Organize the Archives’ digital library by renaming files according to established naming conventions and identifying/removing duplicate records

· Quality Assurance: Systematically review digital images to verify clarity, resolution, and metadata accuracy.

· Digitization: Operate scanners to convert physical photographs, documents, and records into high-quality digital formats.

· Social media & Marketing: Assist in creating engaging content for Facebook and Instagram to highlight archival finds; help design basic marketing materials to promote the Archives.

· Physical Curation: Help maintain the physical archive space, including the organization of shelves, boxes, and office equipment.

· Administrative Support: Answer library and archives inquiries in a timely and professional manner in consultation with volunteer supervisors.

· Other duties as required

Qualifications and Skills

We are looking for a student who is organized, energetic, self- motivated, collaborative, patient and possesses the following technical skills.

· Operating Systems: High proficiency with Windows 11 and standard file management (folders, paths, and cloud storage)

· Software: Experience with Adobe Photoshop (for basic image cropping/touch-ups) and the Microsoft Office suite. Familiarity with archival databases or metadata, AtoM (Access to Memory) Software is an asset.

· Must be comfortable working with or learning various technologies including archival and library record management software systems, scanning, productivity software and photo or image editors.

· Digital Literacy: Strong understanding of the internet and social media platforms (Facebook and Instagram) for professional use

· Detail-Oriented: A “keen-eye” for spotting duplicate files and low-quality scans

· Physical Ability: Must be comfortable lifting archival boxes (11.3 km/25 lbs.) and moving office equipment as needed.

· Interest in History: A passion for local heritage or library sciences, archives or museum studies are considered a major asset. Previous experience working in libraries and archives is preferred.

Strong organizational with attention to detail, demonstrating the ability to handle materials with care while following established procedures for collections management.

Oral and written communication skills along with the ability to document and describe materials clearly and accurately. Must be able to read handwritten documents in print or in cursive.

Other Requirements/Eligibility

· Must be a student (aged 15-30)

· Must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident

· Must be legally entitled to work in Canada in accordance with relevant provincial or territorial legislation and regulations. (This includes having a valid Social Insurance Number at the start of the summer job).

· For successful applicants aged 18 or over, a satisfactory current Criminal Record Check is required.

· Driver’s License would be ideal or access to personal transportation is required to the Archives site

Job Type: Seasonal
Contract length: 9 weeks

Pay: $19.45 per hour

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• On-site parking

Work Location: In person