ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Archiving Assistant Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

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.

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsArchiving JobsArchiving Assistant JobsArchiving Assistant Jobs in Washington

Archiving Assistant information

What is an archiving assistant?

Archiving Assistants are professionals who support the management, organization, and preservation of records and documents within an organization or institution. Their duties typically include cataloging materials, maintaining accurate records, retrieving files upon request, and ensuring the proper storage and security of sensitive information. They may work in libraries, museums, government agencies, or corporate settings, helping to ensure that valuable documents and artifacts are accessible and well-preserved for future reference. Attention to detail and organizational skills are key to succeeding in this role.

What are the typical daily tasks and responsibilities of an archiving assistant?

As an Archiving Assistant, your daily tasks often include organizing, cataloging, and maintaining both physical and digital records. You may be responsible for retrieving documents upon request, ensuring proper storage conditions, and assisting with the digitization of archives. Collaboration with archivists, librarians, and other team members is common, especially when preparing materials for research or public access. Attention to detail and effective time management are crucial, as you often handle sensitive or historical materials that require careful handling.

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

To thrive as an Archiving Assistant, you need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a basic understanding of records management principles, often supported by a relevant certificate or coursework. Familiarity with digital archiving software, cataloging systems, and databases is typically required. Effective communication, discretion, and the ability to work independently are valuable soft skills in this role. These competencies are crucial for accurately preserving, retrieving, and maintaining important records, ensuring information is accessible and securely managed.

What is the difference between Archiving Assistant vs Records Clerk?

AspectArchiving AssistantRecords Clerk
CredentialsHigh school diploma; some roles may require familiarity with archiving softwareHigh school diploma; basic computer skills
Work EnvironmentLibraries, archives, museums, corporate records departmentsOffice settings, government agencies, healthcare facilities
Job ResponsibilitiesOrganizing, cataloging, maintaining archival materialsProcessing, filing, retrieving records and documents
Industry UsageCommon in archival and historical institutionsWidespread across various administrative sectors

While both roles involve handling records, an Archiving Assistant focuses on preserving and organizing archival materials, often in specialized environments like museums or libraries. A Records Clerk manages day-to-day document processing and retrieval in office settings. The roles differ mainly in scope and environment but share foundational skills in record management.

How to become an archiving assistant?

To become an archiving assistant, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with strong organizational and attention-to-detail skills. Some positions may require familiarity with archival software or record management systems, and relevant experience or training in library science or information management can be beneficial.

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

The most popular types of Archiving jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Archiving Assistant jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Archiving Assistant job openings:

Archiving Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Archiving 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.

Archivist

Library Systems & Services LLC

Beltsville, MD • On-site

$60K - $72K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday

Key responsibilities

  • Arrange, describe, and process archival and manuscript collections in accordance with archival best practices and institutional policies.

  • Create and update finding aids, collection inventories, and descriptive metadata to support discovery and access.

  • Assist with preparing archival materials for digitization, including scanning preparation, metadata capture, and quality control review.

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
LAC Federal is seeking a motivated Archivist to support archival collections and special collections management for a federal agency located in Beltsville, Maryland. 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.
Working under the guidance of senior archivists and library leadership, the Archivist will support the processing of archival collections, creation of descriptive metadata and finding aids, digitization preparation, and reference services for researchers. The position supports the mission of the agency to preserve and provide access to historically significant materials related to agricultural research, policy, and innovation in the United States.
This position is ideal for an early-career archivist with foundational training in archival theory and practice and 1-2 years of professional experience in archives, special collections, or cultural heritage institutions.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
  • Arrange, describe, and process archival and manuscript collections in accordance with archival best practices and institutional policies.
  • Develop and maintain collection-level and series-level descriptions using archival description standards such as Describing Archives: A Content Standard (DACS).
  • Create and update finding aids and collection inventories to support discovery and access.
  • Rehouse archival materials in appropriate preservation enclosures including archival boxes, folders, and protective sleeves.
  • Create descriptive metadata for archival materials using established metadata standards such as Encoded Archival Description (EAD) Dublin Core Dublin Core, or other institutional schemas.
  • Enter and update records in archival management systems and digital repositories used by the National Agricultural Library.
  • Assist with quality control and metadata normalization to improve discoverability of archival collections.
  • Assist with the identification and stabilization of fragile or at-risk materials.
  • Prepare archival materials for digitization workflows, including scanning preparation, metadata capture, and quality control review.
  • Apply basic preservation techniques and follow established environmental and handling guidelines for archival materials.
  • Provide assistance to researchers, historians, and federal staff using archival collections.
  • Support reference inquiries by identifying relevant archival materials and retrieving collections from storage.
  • Contribute to outreach activities that promote awareness and use of the library's archival holdings.
  • Maintain documentation of processing activities, collection status, and workflow metrics.
  • Support reporting requirements related to collection processing progress and digitization activities.
  • Assist with collection surveys, inventories, and backlog reduction initiatives.

Requirements
  • Master's degree in library and information science (MLIS) or equivalent graduate degree with coursework in archives management from an ALA-accredited program, OR a graduate degree in history, public history, archival studies, or a related field with formal archival training.
  • 1-2 years of professional or internship experience working in archives, special collections, or cultural heritage institutions.
  • Knowledge of archival principles including arrangement, description, and preservation practices.
  • Familiarity with archival description standards such as DACS and metadata schemas such as EAD or Dublin Core.
  • Experience creating finding aids and working with archival collections.
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Ability to handle fragile materials carefully and follow preservation protocols.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience working in a federal library, research library, or scientific archive.
  • Familiarity with agricultural, scientific, or environmental history collections.
  • Experience using archival management systems (e.g., ArchivesSpace, AtoM, or similar platforms).
  • Experience supporting digitization and digital preservation workflows.
  • Knowledge of controlled vocabularies and authority files used in archival description.

Physical Requirements
  • Ability to handle and process archival materials, including lifting, carrying, and moving archival boxes weighing up to approximately 25-30 pounds, and transporting materials between storage, processing, and research areas.
  • Ability to perform extended periods of desk-based and detailed work, including sitting, standing, and using a computer for metadata entry, scanning preparation, and archival management system updates.
  • Ability to reach, bend, and work with materials stored on shelving, including retrieving boxes from standard library shelving and safely handling fragile or delicate archival materials using proper preservation techniques.

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
$60,000 - $72,000

Apply