1

Archives Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Assistant Archivist

Boston, MA · On-site

$29.48 - $38.32/hr

Mary Baker Eddy Library SUMMARY The Assistant Archivist is a full-time position that supports ... for archives, museums, and news organizations. Practical experience with collections management ...

Archive Intern

New York, NY · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

... archives, with more than 40,000 objects. The Archive Intern will support the Archivist and Archive Assistant. The primary focus of this internship is rehousing and inventorying FSCO's wallcovering ...

Archive Intern

New York, NY

$16.50 - $22/hr

... archives, with more than 40,000 objects. The Archive Intern will support the Archivist and Archive Assistant. The primary focus of this internship is rehousing and inventorying FSCO's wallcovering ...

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.

Archivist 2

Nashville, TN · On-site

$51.30K/yr

Collection Services Assistant Director Summary: Process and catalog complex archival collections and assist other staff with use of descriptive standards. Work under the supervision of the Collection ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Archives Assistant information

See salary details

$11

$20

$33

How much do archives assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of May 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for archives assistant in the United States is $20.75, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $27.64 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 are some typical challenges Archives Assistants face 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 Archives Assistants?

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 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.

More about Archives Assistant jobs
What cities are hiring for Archives Assistant jobs? Cities with the most Archives Assistant job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Archives jobs? The most popular types of Archives jobs are:
What states have the most Archives Assistant jobs? States with the most job openings for Archives Assistant jobs include:
Assistant Archivist

Assistant Archivist

Christian Science

Boston, MA • On-site

$29.48 - $38.32/hr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Department: Mary Baker Eddy Library
SUMMARY
The Assistant Archivist is a full-time position that supports preservation, cataloging, registration, and research in collections of The Mary Baker Eddy Library (MBEL).
MBEL is a trusted and authoritative resource on Eddy and the history of the Christian Science movement, providing public access to original materials and educational experiences about Eddy, the ideas she advanced, her writings, and the institutions she founded and their healing mission.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Archival Management Assistance (100%)
  • Follows archival standards and department policies and procedures to ensure the long-term care and preservation of the field and special collections
  • Practices proper handling of all collections materials
  • Catalogs collections items, creating records in collection management systems or editing existing records
  • Assists with responding to research queries about materials in the special collections
  • Develops and implements processing plans independently
  • Arranges and describes archival collections
  • Prepares finding aids and indexes to collections
  • Completes first reviews of previously unreviewed archival materials to determine whether they may be opened for research
  • Participates in large-scale collection processing, scanning, and deaccessioning projects
  • Digitizes documents, manuscripts, and rare books using archival standards and advanced scanning technology for internal and external requests and projects
  • Participates in MBEL-wide projects, such as exhibit development and publishing projects
  • Assists in handling of art and objects for storage and exhibit preparation
  • Assists in research, review, and assessment of art and artifact collections
  • Assists in reviewing donation offers and recommends accepting or declining them based on research and MBEL's established collecting policies
  • Prepares reports and documentation for legal review
  • Writes content for MBEL website, including collection summaries and articles
  • Serves as a super user for MBEL's collections management system, supporting other users and assisting the Archivist in providing training
  • Verifies transcriptions of oral histories
  • Attends conferences and workshops as a representative of MBEL
  • Participates in routine management and housekeeping of the collections spaces

Performs other duties as assigned
STAFF MANAGEMENT AND JOB CONTACTS
Reporting Relationships
Supervisor: Manager of Records Management and Special Collections
Supervises: N/A
Regular Contacts
The Assistant Archivist will primarily support the work of Special Collections colleagues under supervision and guidance from the Manager of Records Management and Special Collections and in consultation with the Archivist. This position will also work closely with all members of MBEL's Research and Collections division and other MBEL staff and may work with other departments in the church organization.
JOB REQUIREMENTS
Education/Experience
Master's Degree in Library and Information Science or two to three years direct experience in archival processing required. One to two years experience in general archival work preferred.
Knowledge/Skills
Knowledge of archival practices of appraisal, arranging, and description required, as well as the ability to quickly learn about and recognize significant people, places, and events related to Mary Baker Eddy, The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and its affiliates, and the history of the Christian Science movement. Clear written and oral communication skills also required. Knowledge of or experience with strategies for historical research preferred.
Technology Skills
Aptitude for learning digital asset management systems, collection management systems, archive collection management systems, and/or records management systems, including knowledge of metadata standards and controlled vocabularies for archives, museums, and news organizations. Practical experience with collections management systems and records management systems a plus.
Work Environment
This position regularly works in an office environment with the opportunity for a hybrid schedule.
Physical Requirements
Must be able to safely lift and move heavy materials (of up to 30-40 pounds), shelve and reshelve materials within repository areas, and maneuver heavily loaded carts.
Christian Science Information
Mother Church membership is required. The ideal candidate values Mary Baker Eddy's life and work, and recognizes the Library's role in furthering the mission of her church.
Pay range: $29.48 - $38.32 hourly
The pay ranges disclosed in our job postings are the compensation ranges the Church reasonably and in good faith expects to pay for a given position at the time of posting.
The offered salary will be determined by factors such as the applicant's relevant education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities; and benchmarking, work location, and internal equity.
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.