Archivist

About This Role

This archivist role at Offaly County Council is responsible for the comprehensive management, custody, care, and conservation of local records and archives for the county. The role involves implementing structures for archive management, overseeing a five-year Archives Plan, and managing extensive historical records, including the Rosse Papers from Birr Castle Archives. The archivist will also promote best practices in physical archive storage and digitisation, and guide the Corporate Services Department in implementing the National Retention Policy for Local Authority records.

Responsibilities

• Manage the proper custody, care, and conservation of local records and archives for Offaly County Council and the Offaly Historical Society
• Put in place structures to deliver proper management of archives as per Local Government Acts of 1994, 2001, and 2011
• Oversee the drafting and implementation of a five-year Archives Plan for the County Archive Service
• Manage the extensive historical records for each Council Department
• Be responsible for the conservation of records and archives over 30 years old
• Manage the entire collection of the Rosse Papers from Birr Castle Archives
• Actively promote best practice in terms of physical archive storage
• Streamline storage requirements through a programme of digitisation as deemed appropriate
• Use the AtoM online cataloguing programme
• Liaise with Offaly History and relevant Offaly County Council departments on equipment, digital resources, and ICT policies and procedures
• Guide Offaly County Council’s Corporate Services Department to implement the National Retention Policy for Local Authority records
• Oversee the cataloguing, managing, storage, preservation, and conservation of Offaly County Council archives
• Be a member of County Offaly’s Heritage Forum and work closely with the Heritage Team and Offaly Library Service Team
• Manage a budget and the County Archive building at Axis Business Park
• Make archives held at Offaly Archives available for inspection by the public as appropriate
• Actively promote Archives to the public through presentations, talks with historical societies, meeting potential donors, exhibitions, and social media channels
• Devise and manage an outreach education programme for County Council staff
• Develop initiatives to work with primary level, second level, and third level students
• Manage all catalogues, databases, and electronic platforms including www.offalyarchives.com

Important Details

• Application deadline: 31 Dec 2026, 04:00 PM

About the Company

Offaly County Council is a local government authority.