Responsibilities and Duties:

The Project Archivist will participate in an IMLS-funded project to broaden access to the Vertebrate Paleontology archives. Working with AMNH collections and Research Library staff, the archivist will participate in the management activities of the project which includes supervising of two graduate student interns and maintaining project metrics. The archivist will work collaboratively with the AMNH collections and Research Library staff to develop basic catalog records for the majority of the collections and Encoded Archival Description (EAD) finding aids for a select number. They will also provide outreach through social media.

Specific duties include: creating work plans, assessing, analyzing, and suggesting arrangement schemes for unprocessed materials; writing finding aids for collections selected during the grant project and creating basic records for others, performing basic preservation work such as unfolding and flattening documents and transferring material to new, acid-free folders and boxes; and flagging material in the Archives for future re-housing and conservation efforts. The position term runs for 12 months with a possibility of extension. The position is full-time, five days a week, onsite at the AMNH, requiring active involvement with the archive material.

Desired position start date: December 6th, 2021.

Required Qualifications:

Applicants should have an ALA-accredited Master’s degree in library and information science or equivalent, with formal training in archival theory and practice, and at least two years professional archival processing experience, preferably in a museum or academic setting. Experience with scientific archives is a plus.

Demonstrated ability to coordinate, and implement complex projects; including experience developing successful project and processing plans, setting goals, establishing timelines, and reporting on milestones and outcomes. Demonstrated success in arranging, describing, and processing archival collections, writing finding aids while leveraging legacy arrangement and description.  

Experience and comfort working with delicate physical collections, experience with flat files, maps, and/or art a plus.

Proficiency working in archival content management systems, such as ArchivesSpace with knowledge of archival description standards, including DACS, EAD, EAC. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Comfort taking the initiative in new settings and knowing when to ask adept questions. 
• Ability to work well both independently and in a collaborative environment. 
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills. 
• Excellent organizational skills including accuracy and a strong attention to detail. 
• Experience managing support staff, interns, or volunteers in archive setting. 
• Familiarity with basic preservation of archival materials, including proper handling, housing, and storage. 
• Awareness of current developments, trends and emerging technologies in the field of archives and records management.