Officer: Archivist (Post Level 11) – Library and Information Services (Job ID: 6527)
- Location: Bloemfontein Campus, University of the Free State (UFS)
- Job Type: Permanent
- Department: Library and Information Services
- Closing Date: 20 July 2026
- Salary: R464,881.91 – R585,070.51 per annum (depending on qualifications, experience, and budget)
Job Overview
The University of the Free State (UFS) is seeking a qualified Officer: Archivist to join its Library and Information Services team. The successful candidate will support the preservation, management, and accessibility of the University’s digital and physical archival collections while contributing to teaching, learning, and research initiatives. This role is ideal for professionals passionate about digital preservation, records management, and archival best practices.
Key Responsibilities
- Support teaching, learning, and research through effective archival services.
- Implement the University’s Digital Preservation Strategy.
- Preserve and maintain digital and analogue archival collections.
- Ensure long-term accessibility of archival materials.
- Arrange, describe, and appraise archival records according to international archival standards.
- Apply Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for digital archiving and training.
- Develop and facilitate training on records management, digitisation, metadata, and archival standards.
- Collaborate with academic faculties to integrate archival resources into teaching and research.
- Promote the use of archival collections for postgraduate research and historical studies.
Minimum Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree or B.Tech Degree (NQF Level 7) in Archival Studies or a related field.
- At least 2 years’ relevant experience working with archival materials or within a digital archive environment.
Recommended Qualifications and Experience
- Honours Degree or Postgraduate Diploma (NQF Level 8) in Digital Archives or a related field.
- Minimum of 3 years’ experience in a digital archive environment.
- Knowledge of archival systems and archival description standards.
- Understanding of the Provenance Principle.
- Experience within a higher education environment.
- Knowledge of university systems, policies, and procedures.
- Membership or registration with a relevant professional body.
Required Skills and Competencies
- Strong organisational and analytical skills.
- Excellent attention to detail.
- Results-driven with the ability to meet deadlines.
- Knowledge of:
- Metadata standards.
- Archival standards (ISAD(G), ISAAR(CPF)).
- Archive inventories and finding aids.
- Repository preservation and preventive conservation measures.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
- Leadership, teamwork, and collaboration skills.
- Strong communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement abilities.
Salary and Benefits
Annual Salary:
- R464,881.91 – R585,070.51 per annum
Benefits may include:
- Pension fund
- Medical aid
- Group life insurance
- Housing allowance
- Annual leave and sick leave
- Service bonus
- Study benefits
Required Application Documents
Applicants must submit:
- Detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Copies of qualifications (SAQA evaluation for foreign qualifications, if applicable)
- Certified copy of South African ID or passport
- Proof of current or previous employment (appointment letter, service certificate, contract, or recent payslip)
Important Information
- Applications must be submitted online through the official UFS careers portal.
- Incomplete applications will not be considered.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
- Preference will be given to suitably qualified candidates from designated groups in line with the UFS Employment Equity Plan.
- The University reserves the right not to fill the position.
Closing Date: 20 July 2026