The South Peace Regional Archives is hiring!
We are currently accepting applications for our Archives Assistant and Access Assistant positions!
Please note: Both positions are reliant on funding from the Young Canada Works program, so all applicants will need to be eligible for that program. Please see more details below.
Position Details
Position Title: Archives Assistant
Position Type: Temporary Contract, 5 May, – August 22, 2026
Hours: 35 hours per week; Tuesday – Saturday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Hourly Wage: $20.00 per hour
Location: South Peace Regional Archives; Grande Prairie, Alberta
Position Closing Date: March 23, 2026
Direct Supervisor: Executive Director
Position Summary:
The purpose of the South Peace Regional Archives is to encourage the appreciation and study of the history of the South Peace River area by acquiring, preserving, and making accessible to the public records that reflect the cultural, social, economic and political history of this area. The Archives Assistant contributes to that purpose by providing public education regarding the importance of archives and processing archival records so that they are available for public research. In addition, the Archives Assistant contributes the Archives’ response to the TRC Calls to Action by producing Indigenous-centered content.
Qualifications
The Archives Assistant is a young adult, ages 16-30, with an interest working in the cultural heritage field and in the history of the South Peace area of Alberta.
An ideal candidate for this position would demonstrate:
- Relevant experience or education in archival studies, library science, information studies, history, social sciences, humanities, or a related field.
- Awareness of Canadian history
- Interest in learning about Indigenous cultural heritage and how Archives are working towards reconciliation
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work both independently and as a team member
- Strong communication and research skills
- Ability to complete computer projects using Google Suite, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Experience with Microsoft Access and Publisher would be an asset.
- Ability to lift 40 pounds (i.e. archival boxes documents) regularly
The Archives Assistant position is contingent on the Young Canada Works Program funding. Therefore, the successful candidate must meet the eligibility criteria for YCW:
- Be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident, or have refugee status in Canada. Note: Non-Canadian students or graduates holding temporary work visas or awaiting permanent status are not eligible.
- Be legally entitled to work in Canada.
- Be between 16 and 30 years of age at the start of employment
- Be registered in the YCW online candidate inventory.
- Be willing to commit to the full duration of the work assignment.
- Not have another full-time job while employed in a YCW job.
- Have registered as a full-time* student in the semester preceding the YCW job (*as defined by your educational institution)
- Intend to return to full-time studies* in the semester immediately following the YCW summer job (*as defined by your educational institution).
Duties and Responsibilities
The position will introduce a student to a wide range of duties in cultural heritage. Specific duties include, but are not limited to:
- Engaging in hands-on training with Archives staff and volunteers
- Assisting in planning educational programs and social media campaigns
- Preparing and presenting public programming
- Conducting research using archival resources and records
- Processing archival materials, so they are available for consultation
- Digitizing and transcribing archival materials
- Assisting researchers in the South Peace Regional Archives Reading Room.
- Writing articles for publication in the Telling Our Stories magazine.
- Networking with professionals and enthusiasts in the heritage field
- Participating in professional development opportunities such as Spirit of the Peace meetings, and other virtual workshops and classes, as time permits.
To Apply
Applicants must forward an application consisting of a resume and cover letter no later than 23 March 2026 to be considered for this position. Incomplete applications will not be considered for this position.
Applications must be sent to South Peace Regional Archives Executive Director Ellyn Vandekerkhove via email at Director@SouthPeaceArchives.org.
Candidates selected for an interview will be required to provide two references knowledgeable of their qualifications for this position.
The South Peace Regional Archives is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities, new Canadians, and others who may contribute to the diversity of our organization.
This position is contingent on funding from the Young Canada Works Program. Funding success is not guaranteed. The South Peace Regional Archives will notify candidates selected for an interview of funding status when it becomes available.
Position Details
Position Title: Access Assistant
Position Type: Temporary Contract, 5 May, – August 22, 2026
Hours: 35 hours per week; Tuesday – Saturday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Hourly Wage: $20.00 per hour
Location: South Peace Regional Archives; Grande Prairie, Alberta
Position Closing Date: March 23, 2026
Direct Supervisor: Executive Director
Position Summary:
The purpose of the South Peace Regional Archives is to encourage the appreciation and study of the history of the South Peace River area by acquiring, preserving, and making accessible to the public records that reflect the cultural, social, economic and political history of this area. The Access Assistant contributes to that purpose by providing public education regarding the importance of archives and processing archival records so that they are available for public research. In addition, the Access Assistant contributes the Archives’ response to the TRC Calls to Action by producing Indigenous-centered content.
Qualifications
The Access Assistant is a young adult, ages 16-30, with an interest working in the cultural heritage field and in the history of the South Peace area of Alberta.
An ideal candidate for this position would demonstrate:
- Relevant experience or education in archival studies, library science, information studies, history, social sciences, humanities, or a related field.
- Awareness of Canadian history
- Interest in learning about Indigenous cultural heritage and how Archives are working towards reconciliation
- Interest in learning about underrepresented communities in Archival collections
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work both independently and as a team member
- Strong communication and research skills
- Ability to complete computer projects using Google Suite, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Experience with Microsoft Access and Publisher would be an asset.
- Ability to lift 40 pounds (i.e. archival boxes) regularly
The Access Assistant position is contingent on the Young Canada Works Program funding. Therefore, the successful candidate must meet the eligibility criteria for YCW:
- Be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident, or have refugee status in Canada. Note: Non-Canadian students or graduates holding temporary work visas or awaiting permanent status are not eligible.
- Be legally entitled to work in Canada.
- Be between 16 and 30 years of age at the start of employment
- Be registered in the YCW online candidate inventory.
- Be willing to commit to the full duration of the work assignment.
- Not have another full-time job while employed in a YCW job.
- Have registered as a full-time* student in the semester preceding the YCW job (*as defined by your educational institution)
- Intend to return to full-time studies* in the semester immediately following the YCW summer job (*as defined by your educational institution).
Duties and Responsibilities
The position will introduce a student to a wide range of duties in cultural heritage. Specific duties include, but are not limited to:
- Engaging in hands-on training with Archives staff and volunteers
- Assisting in planning educational programs and social media campaigns
- Preparing and presenting public programming
- Conducting research using archival resources and records
- Developing comprehensive research guides on a variety of topics
- Digitizing archival materials
- Assisting researchers in the South Peace Regional Archives Reading Room
- Writing articles for publication in the Telling Our Stories magazine
- Networking with professionals and enthusiasts in the heritage field
- Participating in professional development opportunities such as Spirit of the Peace meetings, and other virtual workshops and classes, as time permits.
To Apply
Applicants must forward an application consisting of a resume and cover letter no later than 23 March 2026 to be considered for this position. Incomplete applications will not be considered for this position.
Applications must be sent to South Peace Regional Archives Executive Director Ellyn Vandekerkhove via email at Director@SouthPeaceArchives.org.
Candidates selected for an interview will be required to provide two references knowledgeable of their qualifications for this position.
The South Peace Regional Archives is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities, new Canadians, and others who may contribute to the diversity of our organization.
This position is contingent on funding from the Young Canada Works Program. Funding success is not guaranteed. The South Peace Regional Archives will notify candidates selected for an interview of funding status when it becomes available.
About the South Peace Regional Archives
The South Peace Regional Archives (SPRA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to gathering, preserving, and sharing the historical records of our region. We add value to people’s lives by increasing their understanding and appreciation of the past. The Archives provides access to our records through our public reading room, outreach events, website, and social media. Our dedicated team of staff and volunteers serve an area with a combined population of more than 120,000 people, within the boundaries of Birch Hills County, the City of Grande Prairie, the County of Grande Prairie, the Municipal District of Greenview, the Municipal District of Spirit River, and Saddle Hills County.
About Grande Prairie
Grande Prairie is the heart of the Peace Region, located in Northwestern Alberta. It is the largest city North of Edmonton, Alberta’s capital city, and the largest city in Treaty 8 territory. With a population of 70,385 people according to the 2024 municipal census, Grande Prairie also acts as a regional hub serving people from across Northern Alberta, Northern British Columbia, and the Northwest Territories.
There are a wide variety of recreation and cultural opportunities to explore in the City. The Northwest Polytechnic Institute provide a range of educational options. Anyone interested in sports and recreation can enjoy a network of parks and trails, or state of the art recreational facilities such as the Design Works Centre. We also have a huge arts and culture communities, with venues such as the Montrose Cultural Centre, the Centre for Creative Arts, and the Grande Prairie Live Theatre. We are an energetic city full of opportunity – find your place today!