Government is still searching for a Director of Archives, almost two years after the last jobholder was placed on administrative leave.Karla Hayward was sidelined from the $144,000-a-year post in September 2011 after staff threatened to go on strike over her management of the department.Since then a number of senior civil servants have held the job on a temporary basis.Government recently placed an advertisement in The Official Gazette seeking applicants for the position of full-time director.Ms Hayward’s performance first came into question when Ombudsman Arlene Brock carried out a 2008 review of the department amid allegations of favouritism and a “toxic” work environment. Ms Brock concluded that Ms Hayward should be moved from her front line role.Despite that recommendation, Ms Hayward continued in the job for another three years, until staff threatened action in September 2011 when she was placed on administrative leave.Over the following 13 months Government refused to comment on the matter, despite repeated inquiries from The Royal Gazette.Then, in November 2012, Cabinet Secretary Donald Scott confirmed that “the matter is closed and that the post is vacant”.The recent advert described the position as coming under the general direction of the Permanent Secretary, with responsibility for the overall direction, administration and development of the national Archives and Records Service. The post carries a salary of $144,319 and applicants have until June 19 to apply.