Westmeath County Council is seeking a dynamic, creative, and motivated individual to fill permanent post of Archivist. The role of Archivist is to manage the day-to-day operations of the Archives, delivering high-quality archival services and supporting the Council’s vision of preserving Westmeath’s heritage and making it accessible to all. The successful candidate will work closely with colleagues in the Library Service and other Council departments, under the supervision of the County Librarian and Senior Executive Librarian.
 

The duties to be assigned include the following, although this list is not exhaustive and may be reviewed from time to time as organisational needs may require:
 

• Catalogue, maintain and organise Westmeath County Council’s archival collections and provide strategic direction and best practice in the management and future protection of that collection.
• Manage and extend Westmeath County Councils Digital Archives to maximise online public access to original collections.
• Provide a professional, efficient, and courteous archive service to staff, elected members, and the public through multiple communication channels.

• Work with internal and external stakeholders to develop and implement a strategy and programme for Digital Preservation for born digital public records and record keeping systems.
• Manage the processing of archival collections, maintaining catalogues in accordance with ISAD(G) standards.
• Oversee daily operations of the frontline archival service including archives budget, staffing, preparation of funding tranches, procurement, research, and storage facilities.
• Lead the design and delivery of the county archive facility.
• Undertake ongoing research into new and evolving opportunities for digital preservation.
• Prepare, process and manage digital archives using appropriate systems/software and advise on formats, method of transfer, metadata standards.
• Work with internal and external stakeholders to develop and implement a strategy and programme for Digital Preservation for born digital public records and record keeping systems.
• Manage performance and service delivery in partnership with libraries, align with council policies and targets.
• Raise the profile of the Archives through events, exhibitions, publications, and outreach programmes.
• Build and foster partnerships, networks and promote public engagement with Westmeath’s archival holdings, history and heritage.
• Support the implementation of the Council’s Records Management Policy.
• Initiate and implement digitization projects and develop a digital repository.
• Liaise with internal stakeholder groups like Data Protection, Culture Team, and Westmeath Heritage Forum.
• Ensure compliance with Section 65 of the Local Government Act 1994 (as amended).
• Undertake additional duties as assigned by the Line Manager.