001 - Intern, Archivist Assistant

Métis Nation of Ontario•Sault Ste. Marie, ON

16d

About The Position

The Archivist Assistant is a one‑year internship opportunity for a recent graduate (within the past year) beginning their career in archives, records management, or cultural heritage. As part of the Powley Institute, the Archivist Assistant supports the preservation, organization, and accessibility of materials that reflect the history, governance, and cultural life of the Métis Nation of Ontario. Working under the supervision of the Archivist and reporting to the Manager, this role provides hands-on experience in archival processing, digitization, metadata creation, and community-focused stewardship practices. The Archivist Assistant contributes to day‑to‑day archival operations, assists with digital and physical preservation activities, and helps maintain clear and accurate documentation across archival workflows. The position also supports reference services, community engagement initiatives, and collaborative projects that strengthen the visibility and accessibility of the Institute’s collections. This internship offers a meaningful professional development experience for an emerging practitioner, providing mentorship, skill‑building, and exposure to Métis‑led approaches to cultural knowledge stewardship and ethical archival practice.

Requirements

Be a citizen of the MNO (Metis Nation of Ontario)
Have graduated within the last year
Have an education in the field of study relevant to the Internship
College Diploma
Less than 1 year of experience
Recent experience gained through coursework, internships, co‑op placements, or volunteer roles in archives, libraries, museums, cultural heritage, information management, or a related setting.
Hands‑on experience with basic archival tasks, such as sorting, arranging, describing, or digitizing records, whether through academic projects, practicums, or community‑based initiatives.
Experience working with digital tools and information systems, including data entry, file management, scanning equipment, or content management platforms.
Experience providing customer service, research assistance, or front‑line support, demonstrating the ability to work respectfully with diverse users, community members, or researchers.
Experience working in team‑based or project‑based environments, showing reliability, communication skills, and the ability to follow established procedures.
Foundational knowledge of archival principles and practices, including appraisal, arrangement, description, and preservation, gained through recent coursework or practical experience in archival studies, library and information science, history, or a related field.
Basic understanding of archival description standards and metadata practices, with the ability to learn and apply tools such as RAD, ISAD(G), Dublin Core, or similar frameworks under supervision.
Comfort working with digital tools and archival management systems, including the ability to support digitization workflows (scanning, file naming, quality control) and maintain accurate digital records.
Strong organizational and attention‑to‑detail skills, with the ability to follow established procedures, maintain clear documentation, and manage multiple tasks in a structured environment.
Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to support researchers, staff, and community members respectfully and professionally, and to explain archival processes in accessible terms.
Ability to handle archival materials safely and responsibly, including following preservation guidelines, environmental controls, and cultural protocols related to Métis and Indigenous knowledge stewardship.

Responsibilities

Supports the processing of archival materials, including sorting, arranging, labelling, and preparing records for long‑term preservation under the guidance of the Archivist.
Assists with the creation of descriptive metadata and finding aids, entering information into archival management systems (such as AtoM) to improve access and discoverability.
Participates in digitization activities, including scanning, file naming, quality control, and uploading digital objects to appropriate repositories following established workflows.
Provides front‑line reference and research support, helping staff, researchers, and community members locate and access archival materials while upholding privacy and cultural protocols.
Monitors the physical condition of archival materials, reporting issues, supporting basic preservation tasks, and ensuring proper handling, storage, and environmental practices.
Supports community‑based archival initiatives, assisting with outreach activities, exhibitions, workshops, and events that promote engagement with the Powley Institute’s collections.
Maintains accurate documentation and tracking of archival activities, including accession records, processing notes, and digital file inventories.
Collaborates with Institute staff and external partners, contributing to project work, special initiatives, and day‑to‑day operations that strengthen the Institute’s archival capacity.
Promotes the values of the organization within the workplace and in the community by demonstrating positive and professional relationships with others (employees, citizens, council, volunteers, advocates, etc.)
Reports all unsafe conditions, hazards or practices, accidents and incidents in accordance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and adheres to all Health and Safety requirements within the MNO’s policies and procedures and provincial legislation.
Performs other job/branch-related duties as required.

Benefits

4% Vacation pay
Pension plan
Annual paid two-week holiday closure in December
16 paid public and employer holidays
15 paid health & wellness days
Challenging, multi-disciplinary work environment that fosters learning and professional development
Substantial educational incentive to promote personal and professional growth
An opportunity to make a direct or indirect impact on the lives of the Métis Peoples across the Province
Employee Assistance Plan
Telemedicine plan
Goodlife corporate membership discount
Bell Mobility's exclusive partner program
Staple's corporate discount
Dell member purchase program
Mark's corporate discount