Records OfficerJob Description

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Job Description Sample

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Job Title: Records Officer

Location: Washington, DC / Hybrid

Type: Full-time

About the Role:

We're seeking a detail-oriented Records Officer to manage our organization's information assets. You'll implement records management policies, ensure regulatory compliance, and optimize document workflows across departments.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Develop and maintain records classification and retention schedules
  • Ensure compliance with federal and state recordkeeping regulations
  • Implement digital and physical records management systems
  • Train staff on proper records handling procedures
  • Conduct regular audits of recordkeeping practices
  • Coordinate secure disposal of records per retention policies
  • Manage electronic document management system administration
  • Respond to information requests and facilitate records retrieval

Perks:

  • Comprehensive health and dental insurance
  • Professional development and certification support
  • Flexible hybrid work arrangement
  • Retirement plan with employer matching

Records Officer Responsibilities

Hiring a records officer? Here's what you can expect them to handle:

  • Develop and enforce records retention and disposal schedules
  • Maintain compliance with NARA and regulatory requirements
  • Manage electronic records management systems and databases
  • Conduct training sessions on records management best practices
  • Perform regular audits to ensure recordkeeping accuracy
  • Coordinate digitization projects for legacy records
  • Respond to FOIA and information access requests
  • Collaborate with IT on records system integration
Records Officer Job Description

Qualifications to Be a Records Officer

Here's what a solid candidate typically brings to the table:

CheckmarkBachelor's degree in Information Management, Library Science, or related field
Checkmark3-5 years of records management experience
CheckmarkKnowledge of federal records regulations and NARA guidelines
CheckmarkExperience with electronic document management systems
CheckmarkUnderstanding of information governance principles

Records Officer Prerequisites

Before you even think of hiring, make sure your candidates have:

CheckmarkCertified Records Manager (CRM) or equivalent credential preferred
CheckmarkStrong attention to detail and organizational skills
CheckmarkAbility to interpret and apply retention policies
CheckmarkExperience conducting compliance audits
CheckmarkProficiency in database management and data entry

Records Officer Hard Skills

The “must-haves” on every recruiter's checklist:

CheckRecords Management Software: SharePoint, OpenText, FileHold
CheckDatabase Systems: Access, SQL Server, Oracle
CheckDocument Scanning: OCR technology, digital imaging systems
CheckData Classification: Metadata tagging, taxonomy development
CheckCompliance Tools: Retention scheduling software, audit tracking
CheckMicrosoft Office Suite: Excel, Word, PowerPoint
CheckElectronic Discovery: E-discovery platforms, legal hold management
CheckInformation Security: Encryption tools, access control systems

Records Officer Soft Skills

Tech skills get them in the door—soft skills help them stick around.

CheckExceptional attention to detail and accuracy
CheckStrong analytical and problem-solving abilities
CheckExcellent written and verbal communication
CheckTime management and prioritization skills
CheckCollaborative team player with cross-functional experience
CheckAdaptability to changing regulations and technologies
CheckCritical thinking for policy interpretation
CheckProfessional discretion handling confidential information

Frequently Asked QuestionsAbout Records Officer Hiring

Records Officers typically hold more strategic responsibilities, developing policies and ensuring organizational compliance. Records Administrators focus on day-to-day operational tasks like data entry, filing, and basic retrieval. Officers usually require higher-level credentials and experience.

Yes, while Certified Records Manager (CRM) credentials are valuable, practical experience and relevant education can substitute. Prioritize candidates with proven compliance knowledge and hands-on ERMS experience. Consider supporting certification pursuit post-hire.

Regulatory knowledge should take priority, as compliance violations carry serious consequences. Technical skills can be trained more easily than deep understanding of NARA guidelines, retention laws, and information governance principles. Look for both, but emphasize compliance expertise.

Present a scenario involving conflicting retention requirements or a compliance audit finding. Ask them to classify sample documents or design a retention schedule. Request examples of policies they've written or systems they've implemented.

Watch for candidates who can't articulate specific regulations, lack experience with audits, or show poor attention to detail in application materials. Inability to explain metadata concepts or unfamiliarity with current digital trends indicates outdated knowledge.

Tools and Programs Records Officer Use

Here's what their digital toolbox might look like:

ERMS Platforms

SharePointDocumentum

Scanning Software

Adobe AcrobatABBYY FineReader

Database Tools

Microsoft AccessSQL databases

Project Management

AsanaMonday.com

Compliance Software

RecordLionZasio

Cloud Storage

OneDriveGoogle Drive

Workflow Automation

Power AutomateZapier

Audit Tools

AuditBoardCompliance tracking systems

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