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Archival Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Library Systems & Services LLC

Archivist

Beltsville, MD · On-site

$60K - $72K/yr

Enter and update records in archival management systems and digital repositories used by the National Agricultural Library. * Assist with quality control and metadata normalization to improve ...

Tennessee Secretary of State

Archivist 2

Nashville, TN · On-site

$51K/yr

Process and catalog complex archival collections and assist other staff with use of descriptive standards. Work under the supervision of the Collection Services Assistant Director to maintain and ...

Asbury Theological Seminary

Archivist

Wilmore, KY · On-site

Provides research assistance and reference services related to archival materials. * Develops finding aids to assist researchers in identifying and accessing resources. * Promotion & Outreach

Ketchikan Indian Community

Archivist

Ketchikan, AK · On-site

$23.19 - $34.78/hr

... Assistant and coordinates archival functions in compliance with applicable federal, state, tribal, and national best practices. Job Duties & Responsibilities * Appraise, acquire, arrange, describe ...

NorthEastern

Archives Reference Assistant

Boston, MA · On-site

$21/hr

... assistant who will support reference services and public-facing archival work. This work may ... Manage reading room and orient visitors on how to use archival resources such as finding aids or ...

KETCHIKAN INDIAN CORPORATION

Archivist

Ketchikan, AK · On-site

$23.19 - $34.78/hr

... Assistant and coordinates archival functions in compliance with applicable federal, state, tribal, and national best practices. Job Duties & Responsibilities * Appraise, acquire, arrange, describe ...

ASBURY THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY

Archivist

Wilmore, KY

Provides research assistance and reference services related to archival materials. * Develops finding aids to assist researchers in identifying and accessing resources. * Promotion & Outreach

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Archival Assistant information

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$26.5K

$66.6K

$117.5K

How much do archival assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for archival assistant in the United States is $66,561.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,000.00 and $81,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Archival Assistants when handling historical materials?

Archival Assistants often work with delicate, rare, or deteriorating materials that require special care and handling procedures. Ensuring proper preservation while maintaining organizational efficiency can be challenging, especially when processing large volumes of collections. Additionally, accurately cataloging and digitizing records demands strong attention to detail and familiarity with archival standards. Collaboration with archivists and researchers also requires clear communication to balance accessibility with preservation needs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Archival Assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Archival Assistant, you need a background in library science, history, or a related field, along with knowledge of archival principles and organizational systems. Familiarity with archival management software, digital cataloging tools, and preservation techniques is often required. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and effective communication help ensure accurate record-keeping and collaboration with colleagues. These skills and qualities are crucial for maintaining the integrity, accessibility, and preservation of valuable records and historical materials.

What are Archival Assistants?

Archival Assistants are professionals who help manage, organize, and preserve historical documents, records, and other archival materials. They support archivists by cataloging items, assisting with research requests, and ensuring materials are safely stored and accessible. Their work is essential in libraries, museums, government agencies, and other organizations that maintain valuable records. Archival Assistants also help digitize physical records to improve access and preservation. This role requires attention to detail, organizational skills, and a passion for history and preservation.

What is the difference between Archival Assistant vs Library Assistant?

AspectArchival AssistantLibrary Assistant
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma; some roles prefer archival or records management certificationsHigh school diploma; library science coursework or certification optional
Work EnvironmentArchives, museums, historical societiesPublic, academic, or community libraries
Employer & IndustryArchives and historical institutionsLibraries and educational institutions
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between an Archival Assistant and a Library Assistant lies in their work environment and focus. Archival Assistants work primarily with historical records and archives, while Library Assistants support library operations and customer service. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds but serve different institutional needs.

More about Archival Assistant jobs
What cities are hiring for Archival Assistant jobs? Cities with the most Archival Assistant job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Archival jobs? The most popular types of Archival jobs are:
What states have the most Archival Assistant jobs? States with the most job openings for Archival Assistant jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Archival Assistant jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Archival Assistant jobs are:
Archival Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Archival Assistant job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, and 99% Full Time. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,561 per year, or $32 per hour.
Archivist

Archivist

Library Systems & Services LLC

Beltsville, MD • On-site

$60K - $72K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 hours ago

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
LAC Federal is seeking a motivated Archivist to support archival collections and special collections management for a federal agency located in Beltsville, Maryland. The Archivist will assist in the arrangement, description, preservation, and access of archival materials documenting the history of agriculture, agricultural science, and related federal programs.
Working under the guidance of senior archivists and library leadership, the Archivist will support the processing of archival collections, creation of descriptive metadata and finding aids, digitization preparation, and reference services for researchers. The position supports the mission of the agency to preserve and provide access to historically significant materials related to agricultural research, policy, and innovation in the United States.
This position is ideal for an early-career archivist with foundational training in archival theory and practice and 1-2 years of professional experience in archives, special collections, or cultural heritage institutions.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
  • Arrange, describe, and process archival and manuscript collections in accordance with archival best practices and institutional policies.
  • Develop and maintain collection-level and series-level descriptions using archival description standards such as Describing Archives: A Content Standard (DACS).
  • Create and update finding aids and collection inventories to support discovery and access.
  • Rehouse archival materials in appropriate preservation enclosures including archival boxes, folders, and protective sleeves.
  • Create descriptive metadata for archival materials using established metadata standards such as Encoded Archival Description (EAD) Dublin Core Dublin Core, or other institutional schemas.
  • Enter and update records in archival management systems and digital repositories used by the National Agricultural Library.
  • Assist with quality control and metadata normalization to improve discoverability of archival collections.
  • Assist with the identification and stabilization of fragile or at-risk materials.
  • Prepare archival materials for digitization workflows, including scanning preparation, metadata capture, and quality control review.
  • Apply basic preservation techniques and follow established environmental and handling guidelines for archival materials.
  • Provide assistance to researchers, historians, and federal staff using archival collections.
  • Support reference inquiries by identifying relevant archival materials and retrieving collections from storage.
  • Contribute to outreach activities that promote awareness and use of the library's archival holdings.
  • Maintain documentation of processing activities, collection status, and workflow metrics.
  • Support reporting requirements related to collection processing progress and digitization activities.
  • Assist with collection surveys, inventories, and backlog reduction initiatives.

Requirements
  • Master's degree in library and information science (MLIS) or equivalent graduate degree with coursework in archives management from an ALA-accredited program, OR a graduate degree in history, public history, archival studies, or a related field with formal archival training.
  • 1-2 years of professional or internship experience working in archives, special collections, or cultural heritage institutions.
  • Knowledge of archival principles including arrangement, description, and preservation practices.
  • Familiarity with archival description standards such as DACS and metadata schemas such as EAD or Dublin Core.
  • Experience creating finding aids and working with archival collections.
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Ability to handle fragile materials carefully and follow preservation protocols.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience working in a federal library, research library, or scientific archive.
  • Familiarity with agricultural, scientific, or environmental history collections.
  • Experience using archival management systems (e.g., ArchivesSpace, AtoM, or similar platforms).
  • Experience supporting digitization and digital preservation workflows.
  • Knowledge of controlled vocabularies and authority files used in archival description.

Physical Requirements
  • Ability to handle and process archival materials, including lifting, carrying, and moving archival boxes weighing up to approximately 25-30 pounds, and transporting materials between storage, processing, and research areas.
  • Ability to perform extended periods of desk-based and detailed work, including sitting, standing, and using a computer for metadata entry, scanning preparation, and archival management system updates.
  • Ability to reach, bend, and work with materials stored on shelving, including retrieving boxes from standard library shelving and safely handling fragile or delicate archival materials using proper preservation techniques.

Benefits
  • Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
  • Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
  • Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
  • Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
  • Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
  • Short Term & Long-Term Disability
  • Training & Development

EEO Statement
The company and its subsidiaries are an equal opportunity employer and celebrate the population of differences and does not discriminate in its hiring/hiring practices, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Nothing in this job specification restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
Critical features of this job are described under various headings above. They may be subject to change at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons. The above statements are strictly intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of employees in this position.
This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.
To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently.
Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" relationship.
Salary Description
$60,000 - $72,000

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