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Archival Processing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... archival processing, cataloging, and preservation, across a variety of both digital and physical asset types. This position must be able to successfully collaborate with subject matter experts ...

Assistant Archivist

Boston, MA · On-site

$29.48 - $38.32/hr

Develops and implements processing plans independently * Arranges and describes archival collections * Prepares finding aids and indexes to collections * Completes first reviews of previously ...

Your responsibilities will include leading collection assessments and content surveys, organizing and processing archival materials both physically and intellectually, and performing advanced ...

The department collaborates with colleagues across the Libraries to explore and develop technology-enabled solutions for efficient processing, archival discovery, and long-term sustainability of ...

Support digital preservation functions including processing and transformation of digital objects, capture of metadata, and utilization of the Open Archival Information System (OAIS) model as a ...

Archival Supervisor

Arlington, VA · On-site

$93K - $144K/yr

Leading archival collection development through acquisition, processing, and preservation of physical and digital materials; * Developing and implementing unit policies, procedures and tools to ...

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Archival Processing information

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$15

$35

$52

How much do archival processing jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for archival processing in the United States is $35.18, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.28 and $46.63 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive in Archival Processing, you need a background in library science, archival studies, or history, with knowledge of archival principles and metadata standards. Familiarity with archival management systems, digital preservation tools, and descriptive standards like DACS or EAD is typically required. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and effective written communication help you accurately arrange, describe, and make archival collections accessible. These competencies ensure the preservation, discoverability, and integrity of valuable historical records for research and reference.

What are some common challenges faced in archival processing roles, and how can they be addressed?

One of the most common challenges in archival processing is dealing with incomplete, unorganized, or deteriorating collections. Archivists must often make judgment calls about how to arrange and describe materials to maximize their accessibility while preserving their integrity. Time constraints and limited resources can also add pressure, making prioritization and efficient workflow management essential. Collaborating closely with colleagues, such as reference archivists and digital specialists, can help address these issues and ensure collections are processed effectively and made accessible to researchers.

What is archival processing?

Archival processing is the methodical arrangement, description, and preservation of archival materials to make them accessible and understandable for researchers and the public. This process involves sorting records, removing duplicates, rehousing materials in appropriate containers, and creating detailed finding aids or inventories. The goal is to protect the integrity of the records while ensuring they can be easily located and used in the future. Archival processing is a crucial function within libraries, museums, and other institutions that manage historical collections.

What is the difference between Archival Processing vs Archivist?

AspectArchival ProcessingArchivist
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in library science, archives, or related fieldOften requires a master's degree in library science, archives, or history
Work EnvironmentInvolves organizing, cataloging, and preserving collections in archives or repositoriesIncludes managing collections, providing access, and overseeing archival materials in various institutions
Industry UsagePrimarily used within archives, museums, and special collectionsCommonly used in libraries, museums, and archival institutions

While both roles involve working with archival materials, Archival Processing focuses on organizing and preserving collections, whereas an Archivist manages access, provides reference services, and oversees the overall archival program.

More about Archival Processing jobs
What cities are hiring for Archival Processing jobs? Cities with the most Archival Processing job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Archival Processing jobs? The most popular types of Archival Processing jobs are:
What states have the most Archival Processing jobs? States with the most job openings for Archival Processing jobs include:
Infographic showing various Archival Processing job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% Full Time, 70% Part Time, 5% Temporary, 15% Contract, and 5% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,181 per year, or $35.2 per hour.
Archivist

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Warner Bros. Discovery rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 53 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 65 rated media


Job description

Welcome to Warner Bros. Discovery... the stuff dreams are made of.
Who We Are...
When we say, "the stuff dreams are made of," we're not just referring to the world of wizards, dragons and superheroes, or even to the wonders of Planet Earth. Behind WBD's vast portfolio of iconic content and beloved brands, are the storytellers bringing our characters to life, the creators bringing them to your living rooms and the dreamers creating what's next...
From brilliant creatives, to technology trailblazers, across the globe, WBD offers career defining opportunities, thoughtfully curated benefits, and the tools to explore and grow into your best selves. Here you are supported, here you are celebrated, here you can thrive.
Your Role
Since 1923, Warner Bros. has been the industry leader in entertainment. Over that time, the company amassed an unparalleled collection of artifacts related to stories it told - a collection that was formalized in 1992 with the creation of the Warner Bros. Archives. From production to consumer products to marketing and beyond, anything that is created by human endeavor at WBD is something that the Archives helps to preserve and protect. The Archivist will work closely with the wider WBD Global Archives team to support the creation and implementation of best practices in archival processing, cataloging, and preservation, across a variety of both digital and physical asset types. This position must be able to successfully collaborate with subject matter experts, vendors, and extra-departmental partners within the wider WBD business by making previously undiscoverable assets readily accessible for research, promotion, and exhibition purposes. They will help optimize the processing, inventorying, and cataloging of the Archives' digital and physical assets and be comfortable working with a wide range of systems and tools in support of this work.
Your Responsibilities
  • Processing and inventorying digital and physical production assets according to best Archives practices from intake to long-term storage.
  • Creating new catalog records, remediating metadata, and reporting on database problems.
  • Participating in regular maintenance and inspection of Archives assets with the wider WBD Global Archives team.
  • Provide material support to Supervisor, Archives in systems evaluations, metadata remediation efforts, cataloging normalization, and reporting on metrics for KPIs.
  • Provide input on wider WBD Global Archives planning and strategy documents, including collection policies, digital preservation specifications, and business requirements.

Experience & Qualifications
  • Minimum 5 years' experience cataloging production assets related to film and television history is required.
  • Previous experience working within an Archive supporting a film and television industry environment is strongly preferred.
  • Previous experience working with databases and collection management systems, including performing metadata remediation and creating crosswalks for metadata migration, is preferred.
  • Familiarity with LTOs and digital archiving best practices is strongly preferred.
  • Familiarity with processing physical, digital, and complex Archives assets according to best practices is preferred.
  • Strong project management skills are advantageous.
  • Excellent organizational, communication, and critical thinking skills.
  • Meticulous attention to detail.
  • Ability to stay on task and work unsupervised.
  • MLIS degree or equivalent years of experience is required

How We Get Things Done...
This last bit is probably the most important! Here at WBD, our guiding principles are the core values by which we operate and are central to how we get things done. You can find them at www.wbd.com/guiding-principles/ along with some insights from the team on what they mean and how they show up in their day to day. We hope they resonate with you and look forward to discussing them during your interview.
Championing Inclusion at WBD
Warner Bros. Discovery embraces the opportunity to build a workforce that reflects a wide array of perspectives, backgrounds and experiences. Being an equal opportunity employer means that we take seriously our responsibility to consider qualified candidates on the basis of merit, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, mental or physical disability, and genetic information, marital status, citizenship status, military status, protected veteran status or any other category protected by law.
If you're a qualified candidate with a disability and you require adjustments or accommodations during the job application and/or recruitment process, please visit our accessibility page for instructions to submit your request.
In compliance with local law, we are disclosing the compensation, or a range thereof, for roles in locations where legally required. Actual salaries will vary based on several factors, including but not limited to external market data, internal equity, location, skill set, experience, and/or performance. Base pay is just one component of Warner Bros. Discovery's total compensation package for employees. Pay Range: $42,875.00 - $79,625.00 salary per year. Other rewards may include annual bonuses, short- and long-term incentives, and program-specific awards. In addition, Warner Bros. Discovery provides a variety of benefits to employees, including health insurance coverage, an employee wellness program, life and disability insurance, a retirement savings plan, paid holidays and sick time and vacation.

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