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Archival Processing Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Library Systems & Services LLC

Archivist

Beltsville, MD · On-site

$60K - $72K/yr

The Archivist will assist in the arrangement, description, preservation, and access of archival ... Key Duties and Responsibilities * Arrange, describe, and process archival and manuscript ...

Miamioh

Visiting Cataloging Specialist

Oxford, OH · On-site +1

$58K - $63K/yr

Perform cataloging, processing, and descriptive work for a wide range of library, archival, and ... practices. Assist with digitization, digital access, and related workflows that enhance the ...

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How much do archival processing assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for archival processing 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 is the difference between Archival Processing Assistant vs Archivist?

AspectArchival Processing AssistantArchivist
CredentialsHigh school diploma or associate degree; some roles may require a bachelor'sBachelor's or master's degree in library science, history, or related field
Work EnvironmentArchives, libraries, museums, government agenciesArchives, museums, libraries, research institutions
ResponsibilitiesAssisting with cataloging, organizing, and processing archival materialsAppraising, acquiring, preserving, and providing access to archival collections
Common Search IntentEntry-level archival support rolesProfessional archival management and decision-making

In summary, an Archival Processing Assistant typically performs support tasks like organizing and cataloging archival materials, often requiring less formal education. An Archivist, on the other hand, holds advanced degrees and manages entire collections, making strategic decisions about preservation and access.

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

To thrive as an Archival Processing Assistant, you need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a background in library science or archival studies, often supported by a bachelor's degree. Familiarity with archival management software, cataloging systems, and digital preservation tools is typically required. Excellent communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities help you collaborate effectively and ensure accurate documentation. These skills are essential for maintaining the integrity, accessibility, and usability of archival collections.

What are some common challenges faced by Archival Processing Assistants when organizing collections?

Archival Processing Assistants often encounter challenges such as working with incomplete or poorly labeled collections, deciphering handwritten or outdated documents, and ensuring the preservation of fragile materials. They must balance the need for efficient processing with maintaining the integrity and context of archival items. Collaboration with archivists and subject specialists is essential to accurately describe and organize materials, making them accessible to researchers.

What are Archival Processing Assistants?

Archival Processing Assistants are professionals who help organize, catalog, and preserve historical documents and records in archives, libraries, or museums. They work under the supervision of archivists to arrange collections, create finding aids, and ensure that materials are stored properly for long-term preservation. Their duties often include rehousing materials, entering data into databases, and assisting researchers in locating information. This role is essential for maintaining accessibility and organization of valuable archival collections.
What cities are hiring for Archival Processing Assistant jobs? Cities with the most Archival Processing Assistant job openings:
What states have the most Archival Processing Assistant jobs? States with the most job openings for Archival Processing Assistant jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Archival Processing Assistant jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Archival Processing Assistant jobs are:
Archival Processing Assistant jobs near you
Archivist

Archivist

Library Systems & Services LLC

Beltsville, MD • On-site

$60K - $72K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days 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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