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Archivist Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

Edited by Indeed Employer Content Team
Last updated March 4, 2025

An Archivist, or Conservator, assembles, preserves, catalogues and manages historical information, images and other collections to determine their significance and value. Their main duties include deciding which historical items should be kept for public viewing, creating descriptions and organization guidelines for each collection piece and updating and maintaining an archival database.

Archivist Duties and Responsibilities

Depending on the position and their specialization, Archivists usually perform many of the following duties:

  • Analyze materials such as maps, films, documents and paintings, checking their authenticity, physical condition and historical content. By analyzing materials an Archivist is able to spot defects and determine if the material can be included in collections.
  • Preserve collections correctly. Archivists are knowledgeable regarding storing and conservation techniques from various time periods. Certain material needs specific environmental conditions, so Archivists monitor the storage space and security to protect the materials.
  • Archivists design and maintain organizational systems, keeping track of archived material. Most archived materials are stored on databases for easy usage and efficiency. Thus, the Archivist will prepare indexes, meta-tags and material descriptions and, where possible, convert material into digital format.
  • Archivists make material available to the public through scans and copies. Generally, they’ll help persons who want to access the archives to retrieve information or do research.
  • Archivists encourage the public to visit the archives through presentations, lectures, workshops, displays, exhibits or tours.

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Archivist Job Description Examples

Example 1

Job Summary

Summary: Makes and serves coffee/espresso drinks and related food and beverage items. Handles food according to HACCP guidelines and standards for quality food-service operations. Interacts with customers and other employees in a friendly, courteous manner.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Prepares espresso orders for customers and catering using standard measures and recipes.
  • Enters orders accurately into POS device; accepts cash and charge payments.
  • Replenishes condiments, beverages and general supplies while maintaining cleanliness of service area.
  • Ensures proper presentation, portion control and maintenance of proper serving temperatures; follows HACCP standards.
  • Maintains sanitation and orderliness of all equipment, supplies and utensils.
  • Ensures proper food preparation by using approved recipes and following prescribed production standards.
  • Keeps display equipment clean and free of debris during meal service.
  • Cleans equipment and workstation thoroughly before leaving the area for other assignments.
  • Greets customers courteously and interacts in a manner to ensure customer satisfaction. Relays relevant concerns from customers to supervisors.
  • Serves customers quickly and efficiently, and prevents delays in serving lines.
  • Demonstrates a complete understanding of daily menu items and accurately explains them to customers.
  • Serves as an advocate of selling techniques to the customer by establishing good communication and assisting in the buying decision-making process.
  • Ensures all display foods are merchandised attractively per standards. Serves food neatly and attractively per standard.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

    The Benefits

    We are always looking for ways to invest in our people both inside and outside of work to help them achieve their full potential. Both full-time and part-time associates are eligible for the following benefits:
  • Opportunities for Training and Development
  • Retirement Plan
  • Associate Shopping Program
  • Health and Wellness Programs
  • Discount Marketplace
  • Identity Theft Protection
  • Pet Insurance
  • Voluntary Benefits, including Critical Illness Insurance, Accident Insurance, Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Legal Services, and Choice Auto and Home Program

    In addition, full-time positions also offer the following benefits to associates:
  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Life Insurance/AD
  • Disability Insurance
  • Commuter Benefits
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

    Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
    Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer. At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.

    Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity. Los Angeles applicants: Compass Group will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring (Ban the Box ordinance).

    Req ID: 1061471

    Chartwells HE

    Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

    Pay: $12.40 - $19.00 per hour

    Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
  • Employee discount
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Retirement plan
  • Vision insurance
    Shift:
  • Day shift
    Weekly day range:
  • Monday to Friday

    Ability to commute/relocate:
  • Miami, FL 33146: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

    Experience:
  • Guest services: 1 year (Preferred)
  • Barista experience: 1 year (Preferred)

    Shift availability:
  • Day Shift Location: One location

    • Example 2

    STAFF Archivist - Notarial Archives

    General Responsibilities

    In general, the Civil District Court/Notarial Archives staff archivist sees to the balance of preservation of and access to the records of the Land Division of the office of the Clerk of Civil District Court for the Parish of Orleans. When called upon, the Archivist also makes recommendations for preservation of and access to the records of the Civil Division. After observation and study of the Archives and Civil systems, the Archivist should create a general plan for the office in the areas of preservation and access. At the conclusion of each year, the Archivist should submit to the Clerk an annual report on the activities and records received by the office, comparing the progress of activities to the general plan for the office and suggesting priorities for the upcoming year.

    Preservation in General

    Manage the protection of documents from the time of filing through indexing, binding, storage and use in reading rooms. Keep records on storage capacity of office. Allocate space for both incoming acts and existing bound volumes.

    In cooperation with staff conservationists, oversee program of conservation and repair of notarial bindings, and pages, conveyance and mortgage volumes and pages, and Civil District Court case files.

    In cooperation with Deputy Clerks for Conveyance, Mortgage, and Civil Divisions, make recommendations for preservation, repair, and storage of Conveyance and Mortgage volumes and Civil District Court records. This will include devising a plan for these offices to follow, assisting with its execution, and reporting on progress.

    Report to Clerk on preservation needs of collection. Recommend procedures and preservation projects, assessing costs.

    Oversee management of user community. Observe system of use and copying for areas of weakness. Plan for security of records.

    Make disaster plans for office, allocating tasks for categories of staff. Oversee execution of plan in time of emergency. Order and maintain supplies for plan.

    Perform other duties as assigned or required.

    Access in General

    Become completely familiar with Archives collection, history of office, notarial and civil law procedures, and methods of title research.

    Devise and maintain reference services for research community, both in person and via Internet. Oversee reference and outreach services on both 3rd and 5th floors.

    Study, expand, and correct finding aids where needed. Assign staff projects in this area.

    Oversee completion of volume-level inventory of collection on 5th, 3rd, and 2nd floors of office. Including conservation, size and condition of each volume. Assign staff projects in this area for less busy blocks of [website] Requirements include*: *

  • Must be a certified Archivist.
  • A Master s degree in Library and Information Science, Archives and Special Collections, Archival Studies or certification in an equivalent field of study.
  • Minimum of eight years of experience in an office, including supervisory experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

    Job Type: Full-time

    Pay: $40,000.00 - $60,000.00 per year

    Schedule:
  • 8 hour shift
  • Monday to Location: One location

    • Example 3

    Indie Meme is hiring an archivist for the "Indie Meme Archiving project". The organization completes 10 years next year, having served an important role as a culturally diverse and inclusive organization - bringing South Asian flavors through independent film to the city of Austin. The non-profit is also serving the growing South Asian diaspora in Austin as well as building connections between the South Asian and the general Austin community.

    The archivist will work with the Project Manager and a team of dedicated volunteers to compile the archive, as well as liaison with Indie Meme founders and stakeholders. It will involve finding old notes/ marketing material/ film promos/ videos / testimonials by audience members / various landmarks in the life of the organization represented through things . Plan and Facilitate Oral History video and audio recordings of people involved in setting up, growing & supporting the organization over the years. Archiving the growing presence of the South Asian community in Austin as reflected through the Indie Meme audience and so on - over the last 10 years.

    The project is being planned in partnership with (as well as for) the Austin History Center(AHC). It would also involve working closely with the Asian American Community Archivist at AHC.

    Position to report to: Board Member overseeing the project as well as the Archival Project Manager.

    Job Types: Part-time, Contract

    Pay: Commensurate with experience and time provided to the project

    Schedule: Self-determined schedule (within a time-line of deliverables)

    Work Location: Hybrid / remote as well as on location in Austin, TX 78759

    Ability to commute: The candidate must be available for in-person meetings

    Experience: Archival standards: 2 year or more (Preferred)

    Job Types: Part-time, Contract

    Schedule:
  • Choose your own Location: Hybrid remote in Austin, TX 78759

    • Example 4

    Brief Description of Services: The purpose of this contract is to provide Command History documentation support to the XVIII Airborne Corp. The XVIII Airborne Corps maintains an archive of documents in several media pertaining to the The XVIII Airborne Corps, its major subordinate activities, its major missions, and Fort Liberty, North Carolina. This archive enables the History Office to perform its other regulatory missions such as: documenting the activities and accomplishment of XVIII Airborne Corps; providing accurate historical research and analysis support to the Commanding General and his staff; and responding to historical inquiries.

    Place of Performance: The work to be performed under this contract will be performed at the Corps Historian Office, and the Archive building, Fort Liberty, NC, and deploy in support of overseas operations.

    Period of performance : 12 months

    Hours of operation:hours of 0900-1700 Monday thru Friday except Federal holidays or when the Government facility is closed

    Special Qualifications:

  • Education Master s Degree in History from a college that is accredited by a national or regional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, or a Bachelor s Degree accredited by a national or regional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education plus five (5) years working in a Social Sciences field related to writing executive summaries, historical research, or information management in lieu of the Master s Degree.
  • shall have knowledge of generally accepted professional archival techniques and principles.
  • Shall be required to have a minimum three year(s) of experience in duties similar to those which those personnel will be performing
  • Proficient in using basic computer applications to include MS Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) and current information automation and dissemination knowledge management (KM) tools such as SharePoint or other KM tools
  • must be physically able to lift and relocate 30 pound boxes.
  • will receive certification training via course A625: The Army Field Unit Historian within 180 days of contract award. The Commanding General Staff College offers this training via distance learning and can be accomplished during business hours from a government or personal computer.

    General JOB Summary

  • shall be responsible for integration of material into the archive, analyzing and supervising the movement of documents from their current location at the archival office to the headquarters for their processing
  • appraisal of the material for inclusion in the archive
  • supervision of the disposal of records not selected for inclusion
  • establishing the format for the archive of material for inclusion in the archive
  • preservation and maintenance of the records and supervision of the preparation of an archival catalogue and other materials to assist researchers in surveying the collection for its contents
  • supervision of continued integration of the materials into the Command Historian s unified format.
  • shall also be responsible for providing expertise at key record management and liaison meetings and orientations of the archive and retrieving specific documents from the XVIII Airborne Corps Fort Liberty Archive.

    Nature of Assignment:

  • The historian is engaged in studies which are to become parts of a long-range study of greater magnitude, or a part of the overall history of the agency, must possess a thorough understanding of the objectives of their portions of the study and their relationship to the broader whole.
  • Historians engaged in special historical studies must possess a good understanding of the purposes of the studies and the planning or operational needs of the agency officials who have requested them.
  • Similarly, historians engaged in studies in connection with the identification, recognition, preservation, restoration, reconstruction or interpretation of historic sites of importance to the national historical heritage must be fully familiar with both the purposes to be served by their work and the place of their recommendations in the context of the nationwide program.

    Job Types: Contract, Temporary

    Pay: $15.00 - $22.00 per hour

    Schedule:
  • 8 hour shift
  • Day shift
  • Monday to Friday



    Ability to commute/relocate:
  • Fort Bragg, NC: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Preferred)

    Education:
  • Master's (Preferred)

    Experience:
  • Social science: 5 years (Preferred)
  • Historian/Archivist: 3 years Location: In person

    • Example 5

    The Content Archivist/Office coordinator is responsible for a variety of duties primarily including, and not limited to, maintaining and upkeep of News Exposures existing content archives, daily duplication of content onto hard drives, logging/tracking information contained within duplicated content, fulfilling content requests from internal teams, managing/maintaining all office functions including shipping and retrieving of packages, formatting new hard drives and retrieving content from the storage unit. This position reports to the Director of Operations and is a full -time, in-office position.

    Archivist Functions

    - DVD duplication digitizing a set number of DVD files daily, including logging disc information and troubleshooting duplication issues.

    - Archive maintenance organizing, logging, managing, and maintaining News Exposure content archives.

    - Archive Retrieval retrieve archive content for internal teams as requested/needed from within office or at nearby storage unit.

    - Prepare/format and change hard drives as requested.

    Office Functions

    - Shipping and Receiving

    - Troubleshoot Computer Issues

    - Assist in troubleshooting/rebooting archive and team computers

    - Office Maintenance

    - Maintain the office to ensure it is organized

    Miscellaneous

    - A strong attention to detail

    - Strong organizational skills

    - The ability to work well on your own

    - Timely and professional communication skills

    - Ability to lift up to 25 lbs

    Job Type: Full-time

    Pay: $16.00 - $18.00 per hour

    Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • Dental insurance
  • Employee assistance program
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance
    Schedule:
  • Monday to Location: In person

    • Example 6

    Additional qualifiers:
    Motion graphic artist, Videographer, Video editor, Director, Documentarian, Archivist, , Digital content creator, Animator

    Job Overview:

    We are looking to contract a video archivist with experience hunting down archival photo and video assets to create 5-7 minutes of a 10-15 minute presentation.

    This presentation is for a tourist attraction in Times Square NYC. The focus of the presentation is music and the music industry from the 1960’s through today, with an emphasis on Recording Studios and Production throughout the eras.

    Some of the prominent subjects for the video assets we will need are as follows:
    - Popular NYC landmarks and historical sites in the area
    - Old footage and photos of areas like Music row 48th street, the theater district, etc.
    - Moments that illicit the feeling of various musical eras and movements in culture
    - Modern and historical music recording and production techniques

    There is a predetermined list of photo/video assets to start with, as well as, a storyline written out. I am looking for someone to help locate vintage photos, news clips and media.

    Requirements:
    Basic copyright and licensing knowledge is a plus
    If you are able to anime and edit photo/video there may be more opportunity

    Applicant would have access to:
    - Penthouse Records team of artists, songwriters, musicians and engineers
    - The Resources and services of Penthouse Recording Studios NYC
    - A plethora of music and entertainment contacts, projects and campaigns
    - Network with entertainment industry professionals

    This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the preservation of historical materials while utilizing modern technologies to leave a mark on NYC music culture

    Job Types: Part-time, Contract

    Pay: Up to $4,000.00 per month

    Expected hours: 1 – 39 per week

    Benefits:
  • Employee discount
  • Flexible schedule
  • Professional development assistance
  • Referral program
    Schedule:
  • Choose your own hours
    Supplemental pay types:
  • Bonus opportunities



    Experience:
  • Archival standards: 1 year Location: Remote

    • Example 7

    *To apply please go to [website]

    JOB Purpose:Scans documents and manages the maintenance of electronic files and the hard copy filling system for the Tribal Council office. Performs a variety of office support duties. Maintains confidentiality of all information.

    This position description may not include all of the listed duties, nor do all of the listed examples include all tasks which may be found or assigned to this position.

    JOB Duties:

  • Scans, maintains and preserves all Tribal Council documents (ie: Tribal Member files, Resolutions, Meeting Minutes, PR s, Department files for Pueblo of Isleta and Isleta Casino & Resort).
  • Scans all POIs documents and categorizes into the document management system.
  • Ensures compliance with established tribal, state, and federal laws and regulations regarding the filing systems.
  • Sets up and maintains accurate and efficient centralized filing system according to established policies, procedures, and regulations.
  • Sets up and maintains accurate filing systems of all Tribal Elections, Boards and Committees
  • Prepares reports, agendas, forms, directories, and other documents.
  • Maintains and operates office machines, equipment, scanner, and computers. Performs or coordinates general maintenance and repair.
  • Verifies all input for completeness and sets priorities for daily processing.
  • Systematically checks input for accuracy.
  • Remains abreast of current trends and changes in records management best practices.
  • Provides general office support as needed.
  • Answers incoming telephone calls, determines purpose of callers, and forwards calls to appropriate personnel or department.
  • Welcomes on-site visitors, determines nature of business, and announces visitors to appropriate personnel.
  • Answers general questions about Tribal Council and provides general information.
  • Assists with community activities as required.
  • Acts as a poll clerk for tribal elections.
  • Orders, receives, and maintains office supplies as needed.
  • Make copies as needed and assist in preparing Council packets as needed.
  • Adheres to the Freedom of Information Act and Privacy Act requirements when releasing sensitive information and ensure confidentiality of all records (Must Consult with Supervisor before releasing information).
  • Maintains confidentiality of all privileged information.
  • Contributes to a team effort and accomplishes related results as required.
  • Other duties as assigned.

    Supervision Responsibilities:N/A

    Minimum Qualifications/Requirements:

  • High School Diploma or GED.
  • Three years records management experience.
  • Ability to speak Tiwa preferred.
  • Must pass background check for position.
  • Must be able to comply with the Pueblo of Isleta Drug Free Workplace policies.

    Job Type: Full-time

    Pay: $17.57 - $23.72 per hour

    Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance
    Schedule:
  • 8 hour shift
  • Day shift
  • Monday to Friday



    Education:
  • High school or equivalent (Required)

    Experience:
  • Records Management: 3 years (Required)

    License/Certification:
  • Drivers Location: In person

    • Example 8

    Rochester Museum & Science Center
    JOB Posting

    Job Title:Archivist

    Department:Collections

    Direct Supervisor:Assistant Director of Collections and Registrar

    FLSA Status:Non-Exempt

    Full-time/Part-time: Full-Time, 35 hours per week

    Salary:$21.00 per hour

    JOB Summary

    The Archivist collects, organizes, manages, cares for, and interprets a wide range of primary sources that make up the archive, library, and institutional records at the RMSC. This individual is responsible for creating finding aids using current professional standards, and digitizing and encoding primary sources and their metadata to make them available online. As part of the Collections Department team, the Archivist reviews and considers potential acquisitions to the RMSC Archive and Library, responds to reference requests, assists researchers and the public in the use of archival materials including image permissions, and develops policies and procedures for the management of these collections. The Archivist is an authority for digitization standards, digital asset management, copyright issues, and the records retention schedule as it pertains to institutional records. This individual is also responsible for performing library-centered tasks including updating and adding material to LibCat (RMSC s online library and collections catalogue), fulfilling interlibrary loans, and serving as the primary contact with the Rochester Regional Library Council (RRLC). As a key point person for collections-related community engagement, the Archivist must work well with others and demonstrate cross-cultural awareness with a commitment to advancing diversity and inclusion opportunities.

    Duties

  • Organizing, shaping, and providing access to archival collections.
  • Providing for the physical care of archival collections including environmental control, proper housing, and tracking.
  • Responding to image requests, digitizing source material, encoding metadata, and uploading digital assets to LibCat.
  • Creating and maintaining a positive and mutually beneficial working relationship with the regional community in the acquisition, interpretation, and sharing of collections.
  • Developing and maintaining policies and procedures for the archival collections and library based on current standards.
  • Supporting the exhibits and programs of the RMSC by providing technical and interpretive assistance including research, curation, and access to the archive and library.
  • Managing the institutional records retention schedule and working with staff to provide expertise and ongoing professional education about the transfer and proper disposition of permanent retention records.
  • Fulfilling interlibrary loans, responding to reference requests from staff and public as needed, and other basic library functions.

    Supervisory Responsibilities: Direct supervision of volunteers and interns on an as-needed basis.

    Functional Requirements

    Technology, Equipment, Tools:

  • Microsoft Office Products
  • Google Suite
  • OCLC

    Skills:

  • Excellent organizational and research skills including accuracy and attention to detail.
  • Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions in a professional setting.
  • Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw constructive conclusions.
  • Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills with the ability to work either individually or in a team working with community members, museum staff, interns, and volunteers.
  • Skilled in organizing resources and establishing priorities.
  • Comfortable with decision-making in ambiguous situations.
  • Especially motivated, adaptable, and skilled in working with others in cross-cultural environments.
  • Ability to move throughout the building to access collections and transport them to a working area.
  • Ability to work with mechanical and digital equipment and move equipment weighing up to 25 pounds.

    Qualifications

    Education/Experience Requirements: Masters Degree in Library and Information Science or an equivalent combination of education and experience managing and processing archival collections.

    Skills/Competency Requirements:

    The Archivist has the skills *or
  • demonstrates a willingness and desire to learn the skills listed below:

  • An understanding of archival and preservation concepts, methods, and techniques including archival collections management systems and databases.
  • An understanding of library theory, concepts, methods, and techniques and basic library standards and procedures.
  • An understanding of best practices for the arrangement, description, and preservation of archival collections.
  • Experience with digitization methods, including an understanding of metadata for digital objects, digital file formats, and related preservation standards.
  • An understanding of copyright and rights management issues as well as a familiarity with archival ethics and laws relating to archival management.
  • Ability to develop and maintain finding aids using contemporary tools in accordance with professional standards.
  • An understanding of research methods and skill in providing research assistance, including an ability to research records, provenience, and scientific and cultural topics.
  • Skill in searching and maintaining online and other electronic retrieval systems such as OCLC.
  • A familiarity with records management pertaining to institutional records retention for museums.

    Job Type: Full-time

    Pay: $21.00 per hour

    Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
  • Employee assistance program
  • Employee discount
  • Health insurance
  • Health savings account
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
    Schedule:
  • Monday to Friday

    Ability to commute/relocate:
  • Rochester, NY 14607: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

    Education:
  • Bachelor's (Required)

    Experience:
  • Libraries, Archives & Museum Professionals: 1 year Location: One location

    • Example 9

    Position Overview
    The Archivist is charged with developing, implementing, maintaining, and growing systems to collect, preserve, and share analog and digital collections.
    Working closely under the direction of the Associate Director, Archive and Collections, the Archivist preserves and creates access to the history of the organization as well as supported artists and work, while also providing thoughtful and timely responses to inquiries regarding Sundance Institute's Archives and Collection. This includes collaborating with Marketing and Communications, supporting their work to promote the vision of the Sundance Institute and its programs.
    This full-time position is based out of our Park City, UT office with regular hours in our Salt Lake City based archives, and regular opportunities for remote work.Extended hours, including evenings and weekends, will be required at key points throughout the year. This role may be required to travel to other Institute offices and events on occasion.
    Top priorities include but are not limited to

  • Overseeing processes related to the collection, appraisal, arrangement, and description of analog and digital assets.

  • Managing and performing preservation tasks and the processing of analog and digital collections.

  • Managing, monitoring, and auditing systems and processes to ensure accurate collection of incoming archival materials.

  • Conducting outreach to artists and other partners to grow the collection and assess targeted films for preservation and restoration.

  • Serving as primary lead on research, identifying needs, and pulling assets for large-scale content/creative projects and data inquiries.

  • Researching collections to curate, write, and publish archival content for our website, photo galleries, social media, presentations, exhibits, press and marketing materials, and community outreach.

  • Overseeing the monitoring of archives and collections email addresses to fulfill requests for assets and information, field inquiries, and process standard deposit and licensing agreements.

  • Supervising the day-to-day work of archives assistants, volunteers, and seasonal employees to ensure requests are fulfilled and archival assets, including digital photos and videos, are properly processed.

  • Reinforcing asset standards for file formats, usage restrictions, crediting, tagging, and metadata.

  • Developing and implementing digitization plans to ensure access to vital Institute history.

  • Collaborating with the Associate Director to create new initiatives, assess collection policies, and improve processes for the department.

  • Serving as the administrator of the Institute's digital asset management (DAM) system, updating relevant training material, and coordinating training sessions with employees when needed.

  • Developing DAM workflows and functionality in collaboration with seasonal employees, vendors, and internal stakeholders.

  • Overseeing the maintenance and growth of the Archives and Collection database to track the Institute's history and analog collections.

  • Assessing asset collection systems and processes to identify and recommend improvements based on the changing needs of the Institute.

  • Collaborating with the Technology Services Department to monitor, maintain, and assess storage needs, access, and the backup of systems, databases, and collections.

    You have the following direct or transferable skill sets:

  • Legal authorization to work in the United States.

  • 3 years of archival experience.

  • Knowledge of archival theory and practice, as well as current metadata and descriptive standards.

  • Ability to properly manage time, multitask, carry out long-term projects, and work independently.

  • Outstanding written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

  • Ability to curate creative content for digital platforms and an understanding of digital and social media.

  • Excellent research skills, attention to detail, and accuracy.

  • Prior knowledge of Filemaker Pro, Adobe Creative Suite, and Google Applications, and proficiency in both MAC and Windows platforms preferred.

  • Experience using archival databases and digital asset management systems.

  • Familiarity with JavaScript and parsing out data.

  • Working knowledge of film, audio, and video formats, media processing technology batching tools, and content storage computer systems, including local, networks, and cloud storage preferred.

  • Interest in film history a plus.

  • Comfortability speaking in front of an audience preferred.

    You will be successful in this role if you...

  • Proactively develop, build, and improve processes to collect and share our collections.

  • Collaborate across teams/departments and promote work internally.

  • Keep informed of new developments and best practices in the field.

  • Support, mentor, and help develop our junior employees.

    In addition to an annual salary of $54,000.00, this position comes with awesome benefits & perks, including:

  • 25 paid holidays
  • Health, vision, and dental insurance
  • Paid sick, family, and medical leave
  • 401(k) with automatic 3% employer contribution after one year of employment
  • Sundance Film Festival passes and benefits (varies each year)

    Job Type: $54,000.00 per year

    • Example 10

    Archivist--Manuscript Processing

    The Winthrop Group has an immediate opening for a full-time Processing Archivist to arrange and describe a large volume of manuscript materials as part of a team. This salaried, contract position is located in New Haven, Connecticut and will conclude September 30, 2023.

    Key Responsibilities
  • Processes archival materials in accordance with institution's processing guidelines and procedures
  • Applies the principles of baseline processing
  • Collaborates with team members and on-site staff
  • Uses ArchivesSpace software platform to create online finding aids
  • Uses Voyager cataloging module to create original collection-level MARC catalog records
  • Plays an active role in arrangement, description, and preservation of collections
  • Ensures long-term preservation of, and access to, archival materials by implementing best practices in organization, rehousing, and accurate and efficient capture of data and information for finding aids

    Required Qualifications
  • Master's degree from an ALA-accredited library school or equivalent accredited degree with formal training in archival theory and practice
  • Minimum of 2-3 years professional experience
  • Demonstrated knowledge of current national data content and structure standards related to the archival control of collection materials
  • Demonstrated knowledge of archival and library management systems
  • Demonstrated job or school experience with basic preservation and conservation standards for archival and manuscript collections
  • Demonstrated excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communications and analytical ability
  • Experience working collaboratively and independently with varied groups within a complex organization and rapidly changing, team environment
  • Commitment to working as a team member, to problem-solving, and accuracy
  • Demonstrated proficiency in use of ArchivesSpace Content Management System, Voyager Cataloging module, and/or Microsoft Excel

    Preferred Qualifications
  • Good reading ability in modern Italian language, strongly preferred
  • Broad knowledge in the humanities, as demonstrated through academic degrees or an equivalent combination of training or experience
  • Graduate-level training in American or European history or literature

    Compensation

    Annual salary: $58,000 with strong benefits package. All Winthrop full-time employees receive paid time off and annual funds for professional development.

    Work Environment

    Winthrop archivists must provide proof of full COVID-19 vaccination and abide by all client policies and public health guidelines relating to the pandemic.

    Contact Information

    To apply, please send a resume, cover letter, and three references.

    Job Type: Full-time

    Pay: $58,000.00 per year

    Benefits:
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Professional development assistance
  • Vision insurance
    Schedule:
  • 8 hour shift
  • Monday to Friday

    Ability to commute/relocate:
  • New Haven, CT 06510: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Preferred)

    Experience:
  • Archival processing: 2 years Location: One location
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    What Does an Archivist Do?

    Archivists organize, research and review different historical records to decide how significant or valuable they are to history. They often work with an abundance of document types like maps, manuscripts and photographs. Archivists may also work with digital files like websites, sound recordings and films to determine their historical relevance. They typically provide these items to museums with descriptions of the artifact or document and guidelines for preserving and displaying it in their establishment.

    Some Archivists find ways to teach the communities about the historical documents or artifacts they discover by instructing sessions, showcasing their items at exhibits or presenting on certain documents or artifacts for community outreach programs.

    Archivist Skills and Qualifications

    Necessary skills to be a great Archivist include the following:

    • Analytical skills: An Archivist decides which material should be preserved, thus, they need to be able to determine the importance, origin and history of the material they work with.
    • Computer skills: An Archivist needs to access databases and other electronic management tools, so computer skills are vital.
    • Good communication: Archivists interact with the public, helping them retrieve information or providing lectures and presentations, being able to communicate well is important.
    • Organizational ability: Archivists need to store documents and records in a way that’s easily retrievable, developing logical systems for both themselves and the public to use.
    • Technical skills: Much historical material needs to be analyzed and preserved, this means using the right chemicals and techniques according to the type of material such as a painting, documents, pottery or fabrics.

    Archivist Salary Expectations

    The average Archivist salary in the U.S. is $50,395 per year. This salary estimate is based on 219 salaries submitted to Indeed by employees, users or collected from job advertisements over the past 36 months and is for an Archivist with less than one year of job experience.

    Archivist Salary Expectations

    2025-10-0120000.0063469.60131000.00YEARLY
    • Common salary: 63469.60 YEARLY
    • Typical salaries range from 20000.00 - 131000.00 YEARLY
    • Find more information on Indeed Salaries

    *Indeed data – 2025-10-01

    Archivist Education and Training Requirements

    Archivists need a bachelor’s degree in law, library science, history, archival science or a related field, followed by a graduate diploma or degree. Certain colleges or universities may require a Ph.D.

    For a voluntary certification from the Academy of Certified Archivists, a candidate needs a master’s degree and at least one year of experience. Certification makes a person more marketable.

    Archivist Experience Requirements

    Employers usually look for candidates with 1+ years of experience. Experience as an Archivist can be gained by working part-time, as an intern or even by volunteering as an assistant or researcher while studying. Good experience in collection management, exhibit design, research or restoration may be necessary to qualify for a position.

    Job Description Samples for Similar Positions

    Although this is a great Archivist sample job description, you may be looking for something else, such as:

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    Three individuals are sitting at a table with a laptop, a disposable coffee cup, notebooks, and a phone visible. Two are facing each other, while the third’s back is to the camera. The setting appears to be a bright room with large windows.

    Hire your next Archivist today.

    Build a job description

    Frequently asked questions about Archivists

    Job Description Examples

    Need help writing a job description for a specific role? Use these job description examples to create your next great job posting. Or if you’re ready to hire, post your job on Indeed.

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