Officer: Archivist- University of the Free State x1
Job Details
- Job Title: Officer: Archivist (Post Level 11)
- Job ID: 6431
- Institution: University of the Free State
- Department: Library and Information Services
- Division: Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Postgraduate Studies
- Location: Bloemfontein Campus, Free State
- Contract Type: Permanent
- Occupational Level: Semi-Skilled
- Closing Date: 30 April 2026
Job Description
This role focuses on managing and preserving digital and physical archival materials to support teaching, learning, and research at the university.
The Archivist will play a key role in implementing the Digital Preservation Strategy, ensuring that valuable academic and historical records are well-organised, accessible, and preserved for long-term use.
The position also involves training, collaboration with faculties, and integrating archival resources into academic activities.
Responsibilities
Archiving & Preservation
- Implement the university’s Digital Preservation Strategy
- Ensure long-term preservation and accessibility of archival materials
- Manage both digital and physical records
- Apply archival standards such as ISAD(G) and ISAAR(CPF)
Records Management
- Arrange, describe, and appraise archival records
- Maintain accurate metadata and archival documentation
- Apply Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
Teaching & Training Support
- Facilitate teaching, learning, and research through archives
- Develop and deliver training workshops (digitisation, metadata, records management)
- Collaborate with faculties to integrate archival resources into curricula
Collaboration & Integration
- Work with academic departments on research projects
- Support postgraduate research and interdisciplinary studies
- Promote the use of archival and digital heritage resources
Minimum Requirements
- Bachelor’s or B.Tech degree (NQF Level 7) in Archival Studies or related field
- Minimum 2 years’ experience working with archival materials or in a digital archive
Recommended (Advantageous)
- Honours / Postgraduate Diploma (NQF Level 8) in Digital Archiving
- 3+ years’ experience in a digital archive environment
- Knowledge of:
- Archival systems and descriptions
- Provenance principle
- Metadata and archival standards
- Experience in higher education
- Membership with a relevant professional body
Key Competencies
- Strong attention to detail and organisation
- Analytical thinking and problem-solving
- Knowledge of archival systems, metadata, and preservation methods
- Ability to follow policies and procedures strictly
- Good communication and teamwork skills
- Ability to train and guide others