Government Archivist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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.
WHS is committed to being a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization because we truly believe this is the most effective way to attract, engage, and retain the best talent and the most meaningful way to support our mission.
Click here for more information about working for WHS.
Position Summary
This position has overall responsibility for the acquisition, appraisal, and preservation of scheduled Wisconsin state government agency records series with historical value in all formats. This position serves as the Agency Records Officer and is responsible records management of the WHS's records including writing record schedules, managing disposition, and managing the WHS's use of the State Record Center. Working in coordination with the accessioning archivist, this position also plays a role in the arrangement and description of state agency record series. The work of this position involves frequent contacts with outside agencies, institutions, and individuals. This work is accomplished in cooperation with public records staff, Wisconsin Historical Society IT staff, and staff at the Department of Administration.
As a member of cross-functional teams and a member of the Collections Division, this position encourages and contributes to an inclusive, rewarding, and inspiring workplace where constant learning cultivates a sense of belonging. This position will contribute to a culture of inclusivity and equity while working collaboratively across the organization. The state agency records archivist supports the needs of Society staff across divisions and larger Society strategic pursuits while modeling empathy, clear communication, and adaptability to changes in practices within the cultural heritage field.
Salary Information
The salary will be between $29.00 - $32.00 per hour plus excellent benefits. Pay on appointment for current or former state employees may vary according to the applicable pay provisions found in the Wisconsin State Compensation Plan. This position is in pay schedule 13, range 04. The classification is Archivist. A 12-month probationary period will be required.
Visit this link for a calculator of State of Wisconsin benefits: https://dpm.wi.gov/Pages/Employees/RewardsCalculator.aspx
Job Details
A criminal background check will be conducted prior to an offer of employment to determine if the circumstances of any conviction may be related to the job.
Interested permanent classified state employees should complete this application process to apply.
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.
This position is hybrid with some remote work, but the majority of time will be in the office.
Qualifications
Please make sure to describe the following qualifications within your resume and/or letter of qualifications in order to be considered for this position.
Minimally qualified candidate will have experience in the following:

• Accessioning or processing archival collections
• Creating descriptive information for archival collections such as catalog records, container lists, or finding aids
• Appraisal or selection of material for inclusion in an archival collection or for disposition

In addition to minimum qualifications, a well-qualified candidate will additionally have experience in one of the following areas:

• Writing record retention/disposition schedules
• Direct experience with public records (state or local) in an archives setting

How To Apply
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 for resume and letter of qualifications instructions. .
Submitted materials will be evaluated and the most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the hiring process.
WHS is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer seeking a diverse and talented workforce. Veterans, women, people of color, LGBTQIA+, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. We provide reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities.
Questions may be directed to jan.zadra@wisconsinhistory.org . or (608) 264-6409.
Please see the Frequently Asked Questions for general wisc.jobs user information and technical assistance.
The State of Wisconsin offers a special program for qualified veterans with a 30% or greater service-connected disability. If you are a qualified veteran, please visit the Veterans Employment page for application instructions to be considered for the Veterans Non-Competitive Appointment program.
Deadline to Apply
Applications are due at 11:59PM on June 8, 2026.