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Assistant Archivist Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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Assistant Archivist information

See Virginia salary details

$28.3K

$72.2K

$118K

How much do assistant archivist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for assistant archivist in Virginia is $72,157.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,000.00 and $82,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an assistant archivist?

Assistant archivists are professionals who support archivists in managing, preserving, and providing access to historical records and documents. Their duties often include organizing archival materials, cataloging collections, assisting researchers, and helping with the digitization of records. They play a crucial role in ensuring that valuable information is preserved for future generations and is accessible to the public or specific organizations.

What kinds of materials and formats does an assistant archivist typically handle, and how are they prioritized?

As an Assistant Archivist, you'll encounter a wide variety of materials, including paper documents, photographs, audiovisual recordings, digital files, and sometimes artifacts. Prioritizing their processing often depends on factors like the physical condition of items, their research value, and institutional priorities set by senior archivists. You'll collaborate with colleagues to assess new acquisitions, respond to researcher requests, and follow best practices for organizing and preserving collections. Staying organized and adaptable is key, as you may need to shift focus quickly based on project deadlines or urgent preservation needs.

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

To thrive as an Assistant Archivist, you need a background in archival science, library science, or a related field, along with experience in organizing and preserving records. Familiarity with archival management software, digitization tools, and metadata standards like DACS is typically required. Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and effective communication help in maintaining accurate records and supporting research requests. These skills ensure that historical materials are preserved, accessible, and properly managed for institutional and public use.

What is the difference between Assistant Archivist vs Archivist?

AspectAssistant ArchivistArchivist
CredentialsBachelor's degree in history, library science, or related field; some certifications preferredBachelor's or master's degree; professional certification often required
Work EnvironmentSupporting roles in archives, museums, or libraries; supervised settingManaging collections, making decisions, overseeing staff
ResponsibilitiesAssisting with cataloging, organizing, and digitizing collectionsAppraising, acquiring, and managing archival materials independently

The Assistant Archivist typically supports archival operations under supervision, focusing on organization and digitization. The Archivist holds more responsibility, managing collections and making independent decisions. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds, but the Archivist position demands more experience and certification.

What are the most commonly searched types of Archivist jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Archivist jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Assistant Archivist jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Assistant Archivist job openings:

Infographic showing various Assistant Archivist job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,157 per year, or $34.7 per hour.

Student Archival Stacks Assistant - Federal Work Study (Student Wage)

Charlottesville, VA • On-site


The University of Virginia
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 10K+ employees

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 35 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

211th of 627 rated colleges and universities

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by students


$16.71/hr

Part-time

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

**Federal work-study students only**

Overview:

This position reports to the Archivist in Technical Services unit and requires a minimum commitment of 7 hours per week while reliably maintaining a work schedule. The work area's temperature is generally below 65 degrees Fahrenheit to better preserve the collections, so employees should dress accordingly.

Main duties:

  • Organize and shift archival boxes and other materials according to complex shelving arrangements.

  • Confirm call numbers against library catalog records and shelve newly cataloged archival materials.

  • Label and barcode boxes and ensure accuracy with inventories.

  • Assist in the preparation of collection materials for transfers to off-site storage.

  • When needed, properly retrieve manuscript, university archive, and rare book materials for researcher requests and use in the reading room. This work includes working and communicating with Public Services staff.

  • Additional duties may include individual projects assisting Technical Services team members as necessary.

Required Qualifications:

The ability to handle rare and special materials with care is required. This position requires excellent organizational skills, experience using Microsoft Word and Excel, the ability to lift boxes that weigh up to 40 lbs., working in a cold environment, and the ability to use ladders, book trucks, and other types of library equipment to retrieve and reshelve materials. The ability to handwrite neatly and legibly is also required and a handwriting sample may be requested.

Good communication skills; reliability in scheduling; accuracy and attention to detail; ability to multi-task and finish tasks in a timely manner; ability to use strong analytical skills; ability to work and solve problems independently, as well as closely with others; ability to work in a restrictive, high security environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience working in a special collections library or archive, or any library work experience; familiarity with the Library of Congress Classification system; experience with reading varied call number systems; familiarity with 18th, 19th, and 20th century materials; familiarity with rare book and archival principles and practices; familiarity with U.S. and Virginia history, or American literature. Foreign language skills are a plus.

Compensation: $16.71/hr. Available to undergraduate and graduate students beginning August 25, 2026, and ending May 14, 2027.

Scheduled Hours: 10 hours per week. Working hours are from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday-Friday.

For more information about the Albert & Shirley Small Special Collections Library, please visit http://small.library.virginia.edu/

Passing a background check is required for this position.


MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Resume required. Cover letter optional.
Education: Current UVA students. Federal Work-Sudy required.
Experience: None
Licensure: None

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The ability to handle rare and special materials with care is required. The ability to lift boxes that weigh up to 40 lbs., working in a cold environment, and the ability to use ladders, book trucks, and other types of library equipment to retrieve and reshelve materials.

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA's commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.


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About University of Virginia

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The University of Virginia is distinctive among institutions of higher education. Founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819, the University sustains the ideal of developing, through education, leaders who are well-prepared to shape the future of the nation.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Charlottesville, VA, US

Year founded

1819


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