
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

Qualifications to Be a Records Officer
Here's what a solid candidate typically brings to the table:
Records Officer Prerequisites
Before you even think of hiring, make sure your candidates have:
Records Officer Hard Skills
The “must-haves” on every recruiter's checklist:
Records Officer Soft Skills
Tech skills get them in the door—soft skills help them stick around.
Records Officer Salary by Experience Level
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
Scanning Software
Database Tools
Project Management
Compliance Software
Cloud Storage
Workflow Automation
Audit Tools
Job Description Examples
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