The Washington State Archives preserves and provides access to millions of legal and historical records of our state and local governments. To meet the needs of our transferring partners, improve discoverability of records, and increase access to the collection, the Archives is expanding its staff and currently hiring for several positions, including a Records Consultant located in Olympia.

The Records Consultant helps government agencies with the management and retention of their public records. As part of a statewide team, this position plays a critical role in providing advice, consultations, and training to help government agencies make the best use of the services provided by the Archives. The Records Consultant also assists with reviewing records retention schedules, supporting the State and Local Records Committees, and serves on Archives teams. We welcome applications from qualified candidates who are excited to join us in helping government agencies to better manage their records, including those destined for preservation and access at the Archives.   

The Office of Secretary of State (OSOS) offers some of the most unique and diverse job opportunities in state government. Its critical responsibilities include: ensuring a fair and accurate elections process; registering corporations and charities; connecting Washingtonians through the power of libraries; and protecting our important government records. Citizens depend on the Archives to research genealogy, state and city history, property transfers, legislative intent, court records, and academic projects. The Secretary of State also administers vital community programs that inspire giving, document our history, and assist crime survivors in avoiding further abuse. This independent office under the state Constitution operates from facilities statewide.  

The OSOS is looking for top-performing employees who embody its core values of integrity, service excellence, visionary leadership, collaboration and teamwork. It is committed to both employee growth and work-life balance. The benefits of working in state government also include potential eligibility for the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.

Records Consultant - Library and Archival Professional 2
Full time, Permanent

This position supports the Archives mandates to gather, disseminate, and train agencies on all phases of records management practices, methods, procedures, and techniques for the efficient and economical storage and preservation of records. The position reports directly to the State Records Manager and provides advice, training, and consultations to government agencies, develops online educational resources, and assists with the development and review of retention schedules.

Please note: Interviews for this position will be conducted on an ongoing basis. It is in the candidate's best interest to apply as soon as possible. The hiring manager reserves the right to fill the position at any time.

Duties

Provides advice and consultation to government agencies
Tasks include: 

• Answers routine questions from external customers relating to archives and records management issues with professional in-depth knowledge;
• Independently conducts on-site consultations to provide advice and assistance to customers on routine archives and records management issues;
• Builds and maintains working relationships with internal and external customers;
• Promotes and facilitates the use of archives services by local and state government agencies.
• Supports and assists the administration of the local records grant program.  

Develops online resources
Tasks include: 

• Develops clear, concise, and easy to follow advice sheets, “How-to” videos, forms/templates, and other tools to assist government agencies with routine archives and records management issues.
• Researches legal issues, best practices and approaches taken in other jurisdictions as part of the development of the online resources/tools using professional in-depth knowledge.
• Reviews existing online resources to ensure they are up-to-date and relevant.

Assists with development and review of retention schedules
Tasks include: 

• Identifies and recommends improvements to retention schedules.
• Assists with the editing of records retention schedules.
• Assists with preparation of meeting agendas, meeting packets, drafting of minutes, and giving public notice of meetings.

Presents training
Tasks include: 

• Presents in-person training and webinars to government agencies and other stakeholders on archives and records management topics.
• Organizes presentation arrangements such as booking venues, organizing catering, registrations, and printing of handouts.

Miscellaneous
Tasks include: 

• Provides backup support to archives’ research services
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Required Qualifications: 

• Master's degree involving archives and records management, history or related field and one year of experience as a professional archivist and/or as a records management professional OR 7 years of professional, full-time experience managing information and records in government or highly regulated records management environment or interpreting, applying, and/or implementing retention schedules may substitute for higher education.
• Ability to efficiently use a personal computer and applicable software to successfully perform the essential job functions of the position.

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:

• Experience with records retention schedules, particularly government.
• Experience presenting training to small and large groups either in-person and/or via webinars.

PLEASE READ: If you have gotten this far and are thinking you do not qualify, consider again. Studies have shown that members of historically marginalized and underrepresented communities, specifically women and people of color, are less likely to apply to jobs unless they clearly meet every single qualification. 
                
At the Office of the Secretary of State, we are dedicated to building a diverse and authentic work force with a foundation of belonging. If you are excited about this role and have relevant experience and skills, but question whether your experience aligns perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply regardless. You may just be the ideal candidate this office needs.

Supplemental Information

Working Conditions
In this position, the incumbent works in an office environment as well as records storage environment. The standard work hours are Monday-Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM though work can be required outside of standard hours to include evenings, weekends, and holidays, particularly when emergency situations. Occasional statewide travel will be required that requires overnight stays at other locations. Communicates information both verbally and in writing primarily with other state and local government agencies and internal stakeholders. They also must represent the Office of the Secretary of State in a competent, confident, and professional manner, including professional dress, have the ability to communicate effectively with customers, co-workers, and business contacts in writing and orally, and have the ability to multi-task while retaining focus on complex issues for an extended period.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

• This position is in a bargaining unit represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) and is subject to the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the State of Washington, The Office of the Secretary of State, and the WFSE.
• Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted.  Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the position
• Current Washington state driver's license or have requested and obtained an appropriate accommodation

How to Apply:

• To be considered for this position you must attach the following:
  • Letter of interest describing how your experience and qualifications relate to the duties and qualifications of the position
  • Current Resume
  • Three Professional references. Personal references will not be considered. 
• You must complete the supplemental questions at the end of this application.  Incomplete responses such as "see resume" will not be considered.  In addition, if the employer you identify in the additional information section is not included on your resume or work experience profile and/or you do not identify an employer, you will not receive credit.
• All veterans must include a copy of your DD214 to receive preference in the hiring process.  You must black out your social security number before attaching it to your application.

The Office of the Secretary of State is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). We do not discriminate on the basis of religion, age, gender, marital status, color, creed, national origin, political affiliation, military status, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any sensory, mental or physical ability. All interested candidates are encouraged to apply. Persons of disability needing assistance in the application process, or those needing the announcement in alternative format, should email hr@sos.wa.gov.