Archivist Technician
The Idaho State Historical Society is recruiting for (2) two Archivist Technicians.
Applications will be accepted through 11:59 PM MST on the posting end date.
About Us
The Idaho State Historical Society is a trusted guide through the state’s history and how it has shaped every aspect of our lives, our land, our communities, our government and our people. Created in 1881 and established as a state agency in 1907, the Idaho State Historical Society (ISHS) is an extraordinary system of cultural and historic resources comprised of the Idaho State Museum, Idaho State Archives, Idaho State Historic Preservation Office, Old Idaho Penitentiary and Historic Sites Program.
Be part of an organization that makes History every day! Join a highly motivated team in a fast-paced environment dedicated to making history essential and accessible through dynamic and gratifying services that inspire, enrich, and engage all Idahoans.
Summary
The Archivist Technician will provide a high level of paraprofessional program support and promote services of the Idaho State Archives. This position will process archival collections using complex inventory control procedures and best practices, provide access to public records through virtual and in-person reference services, and assist in the preservation of Idaho’s historic records.
Responsibilities
Archival practices
- Perform paraprofessional archival work to process (arrange, describe, rehouse, and label) incoming collections, including but not limited to manuscripts, documents, photographs, and audio-visual materials, with a focus on new donations
- Expand access to archival collections by creating collection inventories and finding aids in ArchivesSpace according to best practices and internal workflows
- Update and revise existing collection descriptions as needed
- Provide assistance with preservation best practices and security of historically significant records according to the laws, policies and procedures that govern the Idaho State Archives
- Keep archival shelves and storage areas orderly and organized per inventory tracking procedures
Reference service
- Provide quality customer service for reference requests through the Idaho State Archives Research Center by staffing the reading room and/or reference desk and responding to patron queries submitted via email, phone, and in-person
- Perform reference assistance by searching holdings across various catalogs, databases, and internal documents
- Provide scanning and reproduction services as requested
- Routinely retrieve, deliver, and shelve historic records
Other functions and responsibilities
- Routinely climb step ladders to lift, move, and position boxes and other materials weighing 40-60 pounds
- Participate as a team member in the daily department activities to meet the delivery of quality customer service
- Serve as the back-up to other staff in their absence, including reading room and/or reference desk responsibilities
- Provide support to agency public programs and outreach efforts as assigned
- Some weekend and/or evening hours may be scheduled
- Some statewide travel may be required
- Perform other duties as assigned
Minimum Qualifications
Some knowledge of:
- Scanning and digitization of records – Typically gained by completion of a class or workshop/seminar on digitizing standards and procedures OR at least 3-6 months’ work experience using digitizing standards and procedures as an intern, volunteer or employee.
- Reference and research methods – Typically met by successful completion of a college-level course that covered reference and historical research methods or required the use of historical reference and research methods to complete a project, paper, etc. OR at least 3-6 months of work experience that required the use of reference and research methods to complete major tasks as an intern, volunteer, or employee.
- Processing archival records and collections – Typically gained by successful completion of a college-level course that covered the organization, arrangement and description of records OR at least 3-6 months’ work experience processing collections as an intern, volunteer, or employee.
Experience:
- Using basic office-related programs -Typically gained by at least one year of experience using MS-Word, Excel, and Outlook. Equivalent word processing, email and calendaring, internet browser programs may be acceptable.
- Valid driver's license- This position requires a valid driver's license to be able to drive utility vans and cargo vehicles up to 16 feet in length for the pick-up and delivery of records.
Preferred Qualifications
- Some knowledge of trends and issues for archival preservation and standards- Typically gained by completion of academic or professional coursework, seminars, and/or workshops that cover archival preservation standards and techniques OR at least 3-6 months’ work experience with archival preservation procedures as an intern, volunteer or employee.
- Some experience with library or archives content management systems -Typically gained by academic or professional coursework, seminars, and/or workshops that cover content management systems OR at least 3- 6 months’ work experience using content management systems such as ArchivesSpace.
- Experience working with complex inventory tracking software, catalogs, and database applications- Typically gained by academic or professional coursework, seminars, and/or workshops that cover using library and archives catalogs and databases OR at least 1 year’s work experience with using catalogs, databases and complex inventory tracking software as an intern, volunteer or employee.
Abilities
- Able to manage and prioritize numerous, concurrent projects
- Deliver high quantity, error-free work in a complex changing environment
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Must have the ability to accurately track and manage multiple projects simultaneously
- Self-starter, takes initiative, works well independently and as part of a team
- Able to interact professionally and appropriately with staff, volunteers, and the public
- Effective problem-solving and adaptability skills
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and respond to change
- This position requires routinely lifting boxes weighing 40-60 pounds, climbing step ladders while lifting boxes, pick-up and delivery of records boxes, moving records boxes with hand trucks and pallet jacks, driving utility vans and cargo vehicles up to 16 feet in length
Benefits
The State of Idaho offers a robust total compensation package, including medical, vision, and dental insurance; PERSI retirement benefits; paid sick, vacation, and parental leave; and 11 paid holidays per year. For additional information related to benefits and/or State programs, please visit https://dhr.idaho.gov/StateEmployees/Benefits.html.*
EEO/ADA/Veteran
The State of Idaho is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, political affiliation or belief, sex, national origin, genetics, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws.
The State of Idaho is committed to access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, auxiliary aids and services are available upon request. If you require an accommodation at any step in our recruitment process, you are encouraged to contact (208) 334-2263 (TTY/TTD: 711), or email [email protected].
Preference may be given to veterans who qualify under state and federal laws and regulations.
