Archive Conservation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Montana Historical Society (MTHS) Archives department is charged with identifying and collecting non-public records, manuscripts, and documents of historic significance. The Archives department is also responsible, by statute, for the collection, organization and preservation of state government and local government records with historic significance. Archives staff acquire, analyze, arrange, and preserve these materials to make them available to the public. Government records provide both public accountability as well as documenting significant events in Montana's past and present.

The Archives department is within the Library & Archives Program of the Montana Historical Society. Under the direction of the State Archivist, this position will be an integral member of the Archives team. The successful candidate will evaluate, acquire, arrange, describe and provide access to a wide variety of historical records of varying formats, along with other duties. The position will perform reference services for patrons in person and remotely and provide public presentation and outreach about the Library & Archives collections. Among other tasks, the ability to exercise sound judgment, be detail orientated, have great time management skills, along with a welcoming and friendly attitude, is important to this position.

The Archivist will work a 40-hour a week schedule, Monday through Friday. This position is not eligible for telework.

Representative Duties:  

• Preserve collections such as artifacts, artwork, records, photographs, or other materials using professional preservation methods. 

• Organize, identify, catalog, describe, and classify collections to allow easy access to information. 

• Research, locate, negotiate, and acquire new materials for permanent collections, exchange, or loan. 

• Authenticate and appraise collections for historical significance. 

• Create, administer, and maintain cataloging, and databases, incorporating current advances in electronic information technology. 

• Implement policies and procedures for public access to and use of collections. 

• Provide reference services, workshops, instructional educational sessions, and assistance for users needing access to collections. 

• Research and record the origins and historical significance of collections. Provides consultation to other institutions about conservation and preservation of archival materials. Determines priority for archival collection processing based on agency standards, historical significance, and professional standards. 

• Establish and administer policies and procedures for public access and use of archival materials, considering their effect on the historical objects. 

• Address escalated reference inquires and complaints.

Knowledge of: 

• Modern archival theory standards, and practices and their implementation 

• ArchivesSpace or other content management systems 

• MARC, DACS and EAD 

• Research methods

Preferred Knowledge of: 

• Montana and western history 

Skills:  

• Time management 

• Attention to detail 

• Detail orientated

Ability to: 

• Communicate simple and complex ideas effectively, both orally and in writing 

• Interact well with Library & Archives visitors

Education:  

• Master's degree in history, museum studies, library science, archival studies or related field 

• Alternative qualifications may be considered, such as an MA in History or a related field with a concentration on Montana and Western History

Experience:  

• One to two years of job-related experience 

• Other combinations of education or experience may be substituted

Advertised Physical Requirements:  

• Must be able to climb, crouch, pull, push, reach, stand, engage in repetitive motions including movements of the hands, wrists, or fingers, move, touch including finger dexterity, communicate, hear including receiving detailed information orally or making fine discriminations in sound and sight including color, depth perception or clarity.  

• Must be able to move and stand for several hours at a time.  

• The job requires some lifting of heavy volumes and boxes, but most tasks are performed in an office setting. 

Hours of Operation:  

• The Montana Heritage Center operates seven days a week and is open all holidays except Thanksgiving and Christmas 

• As an employee of the Montana Historical Society your work hours may fall outside the regular Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. schedule

Required Materials: 

The following documents must be submitted to be considered for this position (be sure to mark each attachment as relevant):  

• Cover Letter 

• Resume  

• State of Montana application

Montana Historical Society is participating in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility.  After accepting a job offer and completing Form I-9, your information will be submitted to the Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration for verification.  For more information about E-Verify, please visit the E-Verify website found here, https://www.e-verify.gov/