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Archival Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Archivist

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$73K - $85K/yr

Arrange and describe archival materials in accordance with approved processing plans and established archival standards. * Establish and maintain series, subseries, and folder-level organization of ...

Archivist

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$43.76/hr

Apply archival principles and best practices to the arrangement, preservation, and description of materials * Identify preservation concerns and perform rehousing, photocopying, and stabilization of ...

Archivist

Northridge, CA ยท On-site

$4.2K - $6.2K/mo

Accessions archival collections across the unit, including creating accession records and other required documentation and performing basic preservation work. * Processes archival collections ...

Archivist

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$43.76/hr

Apply archival principles and best practices to the arrangement, preservation, and description of materials * Identify preservation concerns and perform rehousing, photocopying, and stabilization of ...

Archivist

Northridge, OH

$4.2K - $6.2K/mo

Accessions archival collections across the unit, including creating accession records and other required documentation and performing basic preservation work. * Processes archival collections ...

Archivist

Northridge, OH ยท On-site

$4.2K - $6.2K/mo

Accessions archival collections across the unit, including creating accession records and other required documentation and performing basic preservation work. * Processes archival collections ...

Supervisory Archivist

Washington, DC ยท On-site +1

$121K - $158K/yr

Apply professional archival principles and methods of archival collections development, arrangement, preservation, documentation, and description to the organization and management of CFCH's archival ...

Archivist

Burbank, CA ยท On-site

... 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 ...

Supervisory Archivist

Washington, DC ยท On-site +1

$121K - $158K/yr

Apply professional archival principles and methods of archival collections development, arrangement, preservation, documentation, and description to the organization and management of CFCH's archival ...

You will serve as both a hands-on archival expert and a strategic advisor, guiding complex projects from assessment through activation while mentoring others and helping shape best practices across ...

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Showing results 1-20

Archival information

See salary details

$28.5K

$72.8K

$119K

How much do archival jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for archival in the United States is $72,781.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,500.00 and $83,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Archival vs Archivist?

AspectArchivalArchivist
CredentialsOften requires knowledge of archival standards, records management, and sometimes certifications in archival scienceTypically holds degrees in archival studies, history, or library science, with certifications in archival management
Work EnvironmentInvolves managing, preserving, and organizing collections of records and documents, often in archives or records centersWorks directly with collections, cataloging, and providing access to historical or organizational records in archives or libraries
Industry UsageUsed broadly to describe the process or field of managing records and documentsRefers specifically to the professional role or person responsible for managing archival collections

In summary, 'Archival' generally describes the field or process of managing records, while 'Archivist' refers to the professional who performs these tasks. Both roles require similar credentials and work environments, but 'Archivist' is the specific job title for individuals working directly with collections.

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

To thrive as an Archivist, you need a background in library science, history, or archival studies, often supported by a master's degree and knowledge of records management principles. Familiarity with digital asset management systems, cataloging software, and standards such as DACS or EAD is typically required. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are vital soft skills for managing collections and assisting researchers. These skills ensure the accurate preservation, accessibility, and integrity of valuable records and historical materials.

What are archival jobs?

Archival jobs involve the management, preservation, and organization of historical documents, records, and other materials of long-term value. Professionals in archival roles, often called archivists, work in libraries, museums, government agencies, and corporations to ensure that important information is properly stored and accessible for research or reference. Their tasks can include cataloging collections, developing digital archives, and helping researchers locate specific materials. Archival jobs require attention to detail, organizational skills, and often a background in history, library science, or information management.

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

Archival professionals often face challenges related to preserving delicate or deteriorating materials, managing large volumes of records, and adapting to rapidly evolving digital technologies. Balancing preservation with accessibility can be difficult, as users expect both secure storage and easy access to information. Collaborating closely with IT teams and staying current with best practices in digital archiving can help address these challenges, as can ongoing professional development and clear communication with stakeholders.
More about Archival jobs
What cities are hiring for Archival jobs? Cities with the most Archival 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 jobs? States with the most job openings for Archival jobs include:
Infographic showing various Archival job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,781 per year, or $35 per hour.
Archivist

$73K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
LAC Federal is seeking an experienced Archivist / Project Manager to oversee a 12-month project to provide processing, arrangement, description, preservation, and management of significant archival collections documenting prominent figures in American music history. The Archivist / Project Manager will serve as both the technical lead and day-to-day project manager responsible for collection assessment, processing plan development, archival arrangement and description, finding aid creation, metadata management, quality assurance, and coordination with agency personnel. This position offers an opportunity to contribute directly to preserving and expanding public access to nationally significant cultural heritage collections.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Serve as project lead and primary point of contact for contract performance and technical execution.
  • Conduct collection surveys and assessments to evaluate physical condition, intellectual organization, preservation concerns, restrictions, and processing requirements.
  • Research collection provenance, acquisition history, and processing history to support processing decisions.
  • Develop and maintain collection processing plans, schedules, workflows, and project documentation.
  • Arrange and describe archival materials in accordance with approved processing plans and established archival standards.
  • Establish and maintain series, subseries, and folder-level organization of archival collections.
  • Process correspondence, subject files, music manuscripts, photographs, audiovisual materials, scrapbooks, biographical materials, and related archival formats.
  • Rehouse materials into archival-quality folders, boxes, sleeves, and protective enclosures.
  • Create and maintain collection metadata, inventories, and finding aids.
  • Enter and update archival description information in designated systems and templates.
  • Review deliverables to ensure compliance with project requirements, processing standards, and quality assurance procedures.
  • Prepare reports, track project progress, and coordinate project activities with Library of Congress staff.

Requirements
Mandatory Qualifications
  • Master of Library Science (MLS) or Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) from an ALA-accredited institution.
  • Minimum three (3) years of professional archival experience performing archival processing, arrangement, and description.
  • Experience conducting collection assessments and developing processing plans.
  • Experience organizing and processing manuscript, archival, or special collections materials.
  • Experience creating archival descriptions, inventories, and finding aids.
  • Knowledge of archival principles, methods, and best practices.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a professional research environment.
  • Ability to lift and move archival materials weighing up to 35 pounds.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Four (4) or more years of professional archival processing experience.
  • Experience processing music collections, performing arts collections, or manuscript collections.
  • Knowledge of American music history.
  • Ability to read and interpret music notation.
  • Experience processing photographs, audiovisual materials, scrapbooks, oversized materials, and mixed-format collections.
  • Experience developing archival finding aids using established archival description standards.
  • Experience performing preservation assessment and archival rehousing activities.
  • Experience serving as a project lead, team lead, or supervisor on archival projects.
  • Experience supporting federal libraries, archives, museums, or cultural heritage institutions.
  • Familiarity with Library of Congress archival processing practices and standards.

Physical Requirements
  • Ability to lift, carry, push, and move archival materials, records, and storage boxes weighing up to 30 pounds, and transport materials throughout archival storage and work areas.
  • Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, reach, and climb step stools or ladders as needed to access collections stored on shelving and perform collection assessments and processing activities.
  • Ability to perform repetitive tasks requiring fine motor skills, visual acuity, and sustained attention to detail, including handling fragile archival materials, preparing finding aids, entering metadata, and working at a computer for extended periods.

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
$73,000 - $85,000