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Assistant Archivist Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

Conduct complex research using an archive dating back to 1835. Use and locate various formats of records and interpret data to form accurate conclusions. Assist elected officials, real estate ...

Conduct complex research using an archive dating back to 1835. Use and locate various formats of records and interpret data to form accurate conclusions. Assist elected officials, real estate ...

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Assistant Archivist information

See Wisconsin salary details

$28.8K

$73.5K

$120.1K

How much do assistant archivist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for assistant archivist in Wisconsin is $73,462.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,000.00 and $84,300.00 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 Wisconsin?

The most popular types of Archivist jobs in Wisconsin are:

What are popular job titles related to Assistant Archivist jobs in Wisconsin?

For Assistant Archivist jobs in Wisconsin, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Assistant Archivist jobs in Wisconsin look for?

The top searched job categories for Assistant Archivist jobs in Wisconsin are:

What cities in Wisconsin are hiring for Assistant Archivist jobs?

Cities in Wisconsin with the most Assistant Archivist job openings:

Infographic showing various Assistant Archivist job openings in Wisconsin as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,462 per year, or $35.3 per hour.

Research and Instruction Assistant - LTE

Madison, WI • On-site, Remote

$17/hr

Part-time

PTO

Posted yesterday

New


State Of Wisconsin rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 130 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Introduction
The Wisconsin Historical Society , considered one of the nation's finest historical institutions, is a State of Wisconsin government agency as well as a mission-driven entrepreneurial organization. The Wisconsin Historical Society (WHS), founded in 1846, ranks as one of the largest, most active and diversified state historical societies in the nation. As both a state agency and a private membership organization, its mission is to help people connect to the past by collecting, preserving, and sharing stories. At its core, WHS believes that increasing the public's knowledge of history has profound societal, cultural, and economic benefit. Its library, archives and collections, historic sites and museums, historic preservation office, and extensive educational programs and community outreach are focused on our vision to enrich and transform lives through unparalleled access to history. Click here for more information about WHS' mission, vision, and core values.
Position Summary
The Research and Instruction Assistant is responsible for supporting the implementation of the Society's primary source literacy and research instruction program. The program includes National History Day, information literacy instruction for UW-Madison courses, and various other instruction and learning opportunities with K-12 schools, higher education, and community groups.
This position will work closely with the Head of Instructional Programming and the National Historical Day Coordinator to develop curricular materials, plan and assist research & instruction visits, and facilitate regional and state National History Day in Wisconsin contests. The Research and Instruction Assistant plays an important role in the Wisconsin Historical Society's (WHS) educational mission by creating and delivering programs that support learners as they become scholars and historians.
The Research and Instruction Assistant reports to the Chief Learning Officer. Daily tasks and responsibilities are determined by the Head of Instructional Programming, who serves as the Team Lead for this position.
Responsibilities
Support information literacy instructional programming for UW-Madison learners:
  • Work closely with Head of Instructional Programming to assist with creation and preparation of instruction sessions.
  • Use UW-Madison Libraries catalog and other discovery tools to research collections holdings for use in sessions.
  • Assist with creating instructional materials such as worksheets, slides, and digital modules.
  • Assist with in-person instruction sessions as needed
Support middle and high school student learning connected to National History Day:
  • Coordinate and facilitate student research visits to WHS Library and Archives during the fall semester.
  • Guide students to learn how to use the library catalog and navigate the library stacks.
  • Revise and update curricular resources to support student research.
Provide NHD contest logistical support:
Collaborate with team members
Schedule:
In the fall, tasks primarily support class visits to the Historical Society for research and instruction. This may take place in classrooms, virtually, and at the WHS Library and Archives. Hours of work occur Monday - Friday, between 9 am and 5 pm.
In the winter and spring, tasks continue to support class visits, but grow to include support for the NHD contest season. Hours of work generally occur Monday - Friday, between 9 am and 5 pm, but occasional work on weekends for regional and states contests will be expected.
In the summer, tasks are primarily aligned to revising and developing preparatory materials for students and teachers. Hours of work will occur between Monday - Friday, between 9 am and 4 pm.
Salary Information
Pay is$17.00 per hour with a weekend differential of 80 cents per hour. This classification is in schedule and class 13-04.
Please note this is a Limited Term Employment position so it does not include paid time off or benefits upon hire.
Job Details
A criminal background check will be conducted by WHS prior to an offer of employment to determine if the circumstances of any conviction may be related to the job.
This is a Limited Term Employment (LTE) position and limited to 1,039 hours. This position will be part time and average 20 hours per week.
Wisconsin residency is required for Limited Term Employment positions.
Limited Term Employment (LTE) positions are not civil service classified positions, do not give any rights to permanent civil service classified positions and do not lead to permanent status.
WHS does not sponsor work visas. Any appointment made will be contingent on the applicant being able to prove valid status to work in the United States.
Certain positions within WHS may allow remote/work from home flexibility for a portion of their work schedule, depending on the needs of the position and the work unit. This topic and any remote work flexibility that may be available will be discussed in more detail in the interview process.
Qualifications
  • Enrollment in or coursework towards an MLIS degree preferred, but not required.
  • Enthusiasm for teaching and engaging students in the study of history literacy, research, and civic engagement in an informal learning environment.
  • Must be available to support the NHD regional and state contests, which take place during the winter and spring seasons.
  • Excellent communication and organization skills and ability to effectively engage with large groups.
  • Understanding of and experience with research tools such as library catalogs, finding aids, and databases
  • Ability to work weekend and evening hours for a limited number of programs and events.
  • Ability to drive preferred.

How To Apply
Apply online! To apply, click "Apply for Job" to start the application process. Then, you will access your existing account or to create a new account if you don't have an account. Once you are logged in, click "Apply for Job." Follow the steps outlined in the application process and submit your application.
Your letter of qualifications and resume are very important parts of your application and are used during our evaluation process to determine your qualifications as they relate to the job. For instructions on developing your resume and letter of qualifications for your application and what should be included in these materials, click here .
Submitted materials will be evaluated and the most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the hiring process.
We are an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer seeking a diverse and talented workforce.
Questions can be directed to dawn.garcia@wisconsinhistory.org or (608) 264-6670
Please see the Frequently Asked Questions for general wisc.jobs user information and technical assistance.
Deadline to Apply
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

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