Archivist, University Archives and special Collections (Tenure track)

Applications are invited from qualified individuals for a full-time, tenure track archivist position within University Archives and Special Collections (UASC) at the University Library. This position includes a research component and is in scope of the University of Saskatchewan Faculty Association. We are seeking a new colleague to join a team passionate about the preservation and use of UASC collections, located in our newly renovated facilities to be opened in 2026. The successful candidate will cover a range of functional areas in both public and technical services and have a leadership role particularly in the acquisition and accessibility of archival collections. They will also contribute to library-wide projects and priorities.

Reporting to the Dean through the University Archives and Special Collections (UASC) Division and working closely with the UASC team, the successful candidate will be responsible for:

• Acquisition of external archival collections (lead)
• Arrangement and description of archival collections (lead)
• Participation in UASC reference and outreach services
• Participation in UASC records management services
• Participation in the development and delivery of instruction sessions
• Participation in the curation of physical exhibitions
• Collaboration on digital projects

Research and scholarly work is a requirement for tenure-track librarians and archivists as defined in the University Library Standards for Promotion and Tenure. Examples of University Library faculty members’ scholarly work can be found in HARVEST. Faculty members are expected to participate in collegial activities and are encouraged to engage with academic or professional organizations.

Qualifications
A Master of Archival Studies degree, ALA-accredited Master of Library and Information Science degree, or international equivalent is required for this appointment. Candidates nearing completion of their degree are also encouraged to apply.

The Search Committee welcomes applications from candidates who demonstrate knowledge and experience in some or all of the areas listed below:  

• Evidence of advanced current knowledge of archival practice, including standards, practices, policies, and technologies
• Experience with appraisal, arrangement, description, and preservation of archival records
• Experience with acquisition of archival collections, including development of effective donor relations
• Experience providing archival reference and instruction to internal and external researchers
• An understanding and commitment to decolonizing practices in archives and libraries
• Knowledge of or experience in archival practice for balancing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility perspectives
• Knowledge of or experience interpreting and applying legislation (e.g., copyright, access/privacy) applicable to the access and use of archives
• Experience with institutional records management, including development of retention and disposition schedules
• Experience with digital records transfer and processing workflows
• Experience with institutional governance and administrative structures
• Experience with software applications to manage archival and digital collections (e.g., AtoM, ArchivesSpace, Preservica, Islandora) and demonstrated aptitude for learning similar technologies
• Knowledge of Canadian and/or prairie history
• The ability to develop and sustain a formal program of research
• Strong research, analytical and problem-solving skills, particularly in relation to archival records and collection management
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team, and to engage with colleagues from diverse backgrounds and with diverse perspectives, including active collaboration with and guidance of team members engaged in archival work
• Experience developing and maintaining effective professional relationships
• Strong organizational skills, including the ability to balance multiple priorities, deadlines, and changing project parameters

The Search Committee welcomes applications from candidates who demonstrate knowledge and experience in some, but not necessarily all, of the areas listed above. Candidates who are excited about this role are encouraged to apply.

Salary and Benefits
Salary information for this position for the 2026-2027 academic year is as follows: Assistant Librarian: $95,187 to $113,527; Associate Librarian: $113,527 to $135,535; Librarian: $135,535 to $164,879.

This position includes a comprehensive benefits package: dental, health and extended vision care plan; pension plan, life insurance (compulsory and voluntary), academic long term disability, sick leave, travel insurance, death benefits, an employee assistance program, a professional expense allowance, and a flexible health and wellness spending program.

About Saskatoon
Saskatoon is situated along the banks of the South Saskatchewan River, on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis. Saskatoon is a vibrant, livable city known for its natural beauty, friendly community, and diverse cultural and leisure offerings. Although Saskatoon is the largest urban centre in the province with a population of over 300,000, its residents enjoy short commute times and some of the lowest apartment rental and housing prices in the country.

About the University of Saskatchewan
The University of Saskatchewan is one of the top research-intensive, medical doctoral universities in Canada, and is home to world-leading research in areas of global importance, such as water and food security and infectious diseases. USask has a reputation for excellence in teaching, research, and scholarly activities and offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs to a student population of over 25,000.

About the University Library
As one of Canada’s leading research libraries, the University Library serves as the intellectual hub of USask, providing resources, services, and spaces that facilitate inquiry, discovery, and knowledge creation. Our Strategic Framework focuses on building scholars and decolonizing the library. The University Library is committed to developing welcoming, responsive, and accessible services and resources to support our diverse clientele, with a strategic focus on Indigenous peoples.

The University Library has a robust digital library and is physically distributed across six locations on campus to support the learning, teaching, and research communities. We are structured in four functional divisions: Collections and Discovery, Learning and Curriculum Support, Research Support Services, University Archives and Special Collections. For more information, visit the University Library website.

About University Archives and Special Collections
University Archives and Special Collections (UASC) constitutes the official memory of the University of Saskatchewan. Primary strengths across published, print and archival collections include the University of Saskatchewan; Canadiana; Saskatchewan and the western provinces; the 2SLGBTQI+ community, gender and sexuality; Indigenous communities, Northern Canada and the circumpolar north; agriculture and horticulture; art, artists, photography and galleries; literature and authors; medicine and the sciences; performing arts including music and theatre; politics and public policy; and rare books and medieval manuscripts.

In 2026, UASC will move into newly renovated space. The 5th floor of the Murray Library will be home to transformed collections, public, and employee spaces, including a climate-controlled vault built to national preservation standards; a reconfigured reading room that can accommodate a variety of research needs; a commons area accessible when the library is open, to host rotating and semi-permanent exhibits; a presentation room for classes and experiential learning; and a large employee work area to accommodate individual and collaborative work.