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Archives Assistant Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Kinsley Power Systems

Records Analyst

Washington, DC · On-site

$65 - $95/hr

Coordinate transfer of records to the National Archives * Assist with records schedule development and searching/reviewing of existing records schedules * Conduct records reviews and inventories

New

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 materials documenting the history of agriculture, agricultural science, and related federal programs.

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$13

$23

$38

How much do archives assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for archives assistant in Washington is $23.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $31.30 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an archives assistant?

Archives Assistants are professionals who support the management, organization, and preservation of historical documents and records within archives. They help with cataloging, retrieving, and maintaining archival materials, ensuring they are accessible and well-preserved for research and reference. Their duties often include data entry, assisting researchers, and helping with digitization projects. Archives Assistants play a crucial role in safeguarding important records for future generations.

What are some typical challenges an archives assistant faces when organizing and cataloging materials?

Archives Assistants often encounter challenges such as managing large volumes of unprocessed materials, handling delicate or deteriorating documents, and ensuring that proper cataloging standards are met. Balancing the need for efficiency with the attention to detail required for accurate records can be demanding, especially when dealing with diverse formats like photographs, manuscripts, and digital files. Collaborating closely with archivists and researchers is also essential to ensure materials are accessible and well-preserved for future use.

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

To thrive as an Archives Assistant, you need a solid understanding of archival principles, strong organizational skills, and often a degree or coursework in library science, history, or a related field. Familiarity with digital cataloging systems, archival management software (such as Archivists' Toolkit or ArchivesSpace), and basic digitization tools is typically required. Attention to detail, reliability, and effective communication are standout soft skills for this role. These skills ensure accurate preservation, accessible records, and efficient support for researchers and institutional goals.

What is the difference between Archives Assistant vs Library Assistant?

AspectArchives AssistantLibrary Assistant
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma; some roles prefer library or archival certificationsHigh school diploma; library science certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentArchives, museums, historical societiesPublic and academic libraries
Job ResponsibilitiesOrganizing, cataloging, preserving archival materialsAssisting patrons, shelving books, managing checkouts
Industry UsagePrimarily in archives and historical institutionsIn libraries across various sectors

While both roles involve managing collections, Archives Assistants focus on preserving and cataloging archival materials in specialized settings, whereas Library Assistants primarily support library operations and assist patrons in public and academic libraries.

What are the most commonly searched types of Archives jobs in Washington?

The most popular types of Archives jobs in Washington are:

What are popular job titles related to Archives Assistant jobs in Washington?

For Archives Assistant jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Archives Assistant jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Archives Assistant jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Archives Assistant jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Archives Assistant job openings:

Archives Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Archives Assistant job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,894 per year, or $23.5 per hour.

Archives Technician

Library Systems & Services LLC

Washington, DC • On-site

$22 - $29/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
LAC Federal is seeking a detail-oriented Archival Technicians to support a 12-month project to provide processing and preservation of nationally significant archival collections. Working under the direction of professional archivists, the Archival Technicians will assist with collection assessment, arrangement, rehousing, labeling, inventorying, and preservation activities involving manuscripts, correspondence, photographs, music materials, audiovisual materials, scrapbooks, and other special collections. This position provides an opportunity to contribute directly to preserving and improving access to important cultural heritage collections.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Assist with collection surveys and assessments to identify organization, preservation concerns, and processing requirements.
  • Review, sort, and organize archival materials according to established processing plans and archival procedures.
  • Arrange and rehouse archival materials into acid-free folders, archival boxes, sleeves, and protective enclosures.
  • Label folders, boxes, and other housing materials in accordance with Library of Congress standards and project requirements.
  • Perform foldering, boxing, refoldering, and physical organization of manuscript and archival materials.
  • Assist with processing correspondence, subject files, music manuscripts, photographs, audiovisual materials, scrapbooks, biographical materials, clippings, and related collection materials.
  • Inventory audiovisual materials and other special formats and document required information in project tracking tools and inventories.
  • Identify duplicate materials, damaged items, preservation concerns, and materials requiring special handling.
  • Assist with basic preservation activities, including photocopying newsprint clippings and replacing non-archival housing materials.
  • Enter and update collection inventory information, container lists, and metadata in designated templates and systems.
  • Track work completed and maintain accurate production statistics and project documentation.
  • Follow all handling, security, and quality assurance procedures associated with federal archival collections.

Requirements
Mandatory Qualifications
  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Minimum one (1) year of experience processing archival collections, manuscript collections, special collections, museum collections, library collections, records management collections, or similar historical materials.
  • Experience handling and organizing paper-based archival materials.
  • Ability to follow established archival processing procedures and detailed instructions.
  • Ability to maintain accuracy and attention to detail while working with large volumes of materials.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a project team.
  • Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office applications.
  • Ability to lift and move archival boxes and collection materials weighing up to 35 pounds.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust clearance and Library of Congress access credentials.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Associate's degree or Bachelor's degree in History, Library Science, Museum Studies, Archives, Information Science, Humanities, or a related field.
  • Experience working in an archives, special collections repository, museum, library, historical society, or cultural heritage institution.
  • Experience rehousing archival materials using archival-quality folders, boxes, sleeves, and enclosures.
  • Experience inventorying photographs, audiovisual materials, or other special-format collections.
  • Familiarity with archival arrangement and description principles.
  • Experience creating inventories, container lists, or collection tracking documentation.
  • Experience processing music collections, manuscript collections, or performing arts collections.
  • Experience working on federal government, library, archives, or museum projects.
  • Familiarity with archival preservation and conservation best practices.
  • Strong organizational and time-management skills.

Physical Requirements
  • Ability to lift, carry, push, and move archival materials and storage boxes weighing up to 30 pounds, and transport materials throughout the work area.
  • Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, kneel, reach, and climb step stools or ladders as needed to retrieve, organize, and rehouse archival collections stored on shelving.
  • Ability to perform repetitive manual tasks requiring fine motor skills and visual attention to detail, including handling fragile materials, labeling folders, entering data, 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
$22.00 - $29.00

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