Digital Archives Specialist

Things+Time

  • Montreal, QC
  • $30.00 per hour
  • Contract
  • Full-time
  • 8 days ago
  • Apply easily
Job Posting: Digital Archives SpecialistDeadline for applications: Applications close on September 10th, 11:59PM.Organization: Things+TimeLocation: Hybrid (Montreal)Position Type: Independent Contractor (an average of 12 hours weekly, up to a maximum of 288 hours)Work Hours: Must be available to work in the office (Montreal Plateau) on Tuesdays and/or Thursdays. The remaining hours can be completed remotely during regular business hours. Specific days and times will be agreed upon in your contract, but all collaborative work/meetings must take place between 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM.Duration: 6 months, starting late OctoberPay Rate: $30/hourAbout the Position:Things + Time is seeking a motivated and self-directed Digital Archives Specialist to join our team. In this role, you will work with our Project Lead to adapt and develop methodologies around the digital archiving of physical spaces and objects through 3D scanning. Specifically, you’ll conduct research, draft templates and step-by-step guides, help develop a tagging system, and co-facilitate archival sessions with community partners.The ideal candidate is engaged in issues of diversity, accessibility, and decolonization. They are skilled at balancing theory and real-life application; they are knowledgeable about digital preservation and are passionate about developing methodologies. Their work is backed up with experience in field work conducting archival projects with different types of communities. Strong communication, scheduling, and interpersonal skills are essential, as you’ll be a key point of contact with community partners. If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you!About the project(T+T) is a Montreal-based digital archival service and platform that uses accessible 3D scanning technology to preserve objects, spaces, and stories at risk of being lost due to socioeconomic inequities. Our tool enables users to create multimedia storytelling environments by adding annotations—including text, audio, video, images, map points, and links—to 3D objects.As part of our second phase, we are now working towards becoming a registered non-profit. We are still actively building ourselves as an organization from the ground up, which opens space for team members to shape the workplace and future projects.Our mission is to democratize archiving by making tools and processes more accessible —eliminating barriers such as expert knowledge, institutional gate-keeping, and high costs. Stemming from observations of cultural loss during the time of the COVID-19 pandemic, including the passing of loved ones and elders, the closing of historic neighbourhood businesses, Things+Time emerges as a care-based artistic response to these losses.You can see an example of our work here: .Company Culture:
  • We are a young organization focused on archiving in partnership with artists and community organizations.
  • Our team is currently spearheaded by the two co-directors of T+T, working directly with 4–6 contractors and currently building our team of longer-term team members
  • Our team is diverse and rooted in queer, neurodivergent, and disability communities, with many being early in their careers.
  • Flexible work environment: a mixture of remote work, as well as in-studio on Tuesdays and Thursdays
  • We prioritize accessibility, well-being, honesty, and collaboration.
  • We seek to center anti-racist and anti-colonial practices to empower marginalized communities on a by-and-for basis
What We Offer:
  • Opportunity to work on innovative projects in digital archiving
  • Collaborative work environment with a focus on community engagement
  • Chance to contribute to the preservation of marginalized histories
  • Flexible and inclusive work environment
  • Possibility to work remote for some of the hours
Key responsibilitiesThe Digital Archives Specialist works closely with our project Lead and is supported by our Project Manager, Tech team, and Copywriter. Gaps in expertise will be addressed through collaboration with consultants and partners such as the .With the support of our Project Manager, you are expected to keep track of your own timeline and deliverables, and communicate with the rest of the team when changes in scope or timeline are needed.Tasks are split into the following categories: * Create methodologies and templates
  • Methodologies
  • Review existing materials and establish a revamped standard protocol for archival sessions by adapting guides, consulting with experts, and conducting research
  • Develop specialized step-by-step guides for specific scenarios (e.g., working with elders, rapid-response archiving)
  • Create standardized forms and checklists for consistent documentation across archiving sessions
  • With the support of other team members, create training materials for us to teach partners how to conduct their own archival sessions.
  • Create internal preservation protocols for our own files.
  • Conduct research
  • Work in collaboration with the tech team to:
  • Identify and document best practices for file formats, naming conventions, and information sorting
  • Research and propose long-term digital preservation strategies including risk assessments on digital file formats and media in collaboration with our tech team
  • Research and implement improvements to our current tagging system to enhance discoverability and user access across digital collections.
  • Conduct preliminary research into copyright, including rights, reproduction, and ownership related to digitized materials.
  • Conduct testing sessions and community outreach
  • In tandem with the Project Lead, conduct short archival sessions with partner organizations to test and fine-tuning the methodologies we established together.
  • Act as a point person while working with partners, drafting emails and collecting feedback.
  • Help develop an intake questionnaire and process to onboard partners and assess their needs.
  • If relevant, reach out and build relationships with relevant peer organizations to foster collaboration and exchange knowledge.
Skillset:Core Skills & Experience
  • Degree in Library and Information Science, Archival Studies, or related field
  • At least 2 years of experience working in archives or in a related field
  • Experience coordinating archival or digital projects, including timeline tracking, workflow development, and collaboration with multiple stakeholders
  • Experience with digital archiving, including preservation and management of digital assets, metadata creation, and applying industry best practices for file formats, organization, and naming conventions
  • Strong research skills, particularly in rights, reproduction, and ownership related to archival materials; ability to document findings for legal consultation
Diversity:
  • Experience working with marginalized communities (elderly, POC, disabled, immigrant, queer, or other) with cultural sensitivity and care.
  • Familiarity with accessibility frameworks and inclusive archival practices.
  • Understanding and commitment to decolonization in archival practices.
Communication:
  • Excellent collaboration skills, with experience working across interdisciplinary teams, including technical staff, researchers, and community organizations.
  • Strong writing, communication and interpersonal skills (English required, French an asset).
  • Experience creating clear documentation such as protocols, checklists, and training materials.
Personal Qualities:
  • Strong interpersonal skills, including empathy, active listening, and the ability to build trust with diverse stakeholders
  • Proven ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities with minimal supervision
Assets (Preferred, Not Required)
  • Understanding of Indigenous data sovereignty, OCAP principles, or community-centered archival practices
  • Experience in arts, oral history, or memory work contexts
  • Familiarity with Notion
  • Familiarity with 3D scanning technologies and digital tools is a plus
Application InstructionsPlease submit the following to : * Your resume.
  • A cover letter detailing your relevant experience and skills or a video submission (up to 5 minutes)
Applications close on September 10th 2025. If you have been selected for an interview, you will be notified by September 17th. The ideal candidate should be available to start work in late October.Things+Time is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, abilities, and experiences.

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