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Indigenous Archivist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Mcgill

Research Assistant 1

Bismarck, ND · On-site

$32.10/hr

This will include searching the archives, gathering material, conducting literature reviews ... We welcome applications from racialized persons/visible minorities, women, Indigenous persons ...

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Indigenous Archivist information

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$28.5K

$72.8K

$119K

How much do indigenous archivist jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for indigenous archivist in the United States is $72,781.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,500.00 and $83,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as an Indigenous Archivist, you need expertise in archival science, cultural heritage preservation, and a deep understanding of Indigenous histories and protocols, often supported by a degree in library science, archival studies, or Indigenous studies. Familiarity with archival management systems, digitization tools, and knowledge of relevant legal and ethical standards is commonly required. Strong relationship-building, cultural sensitivity, and advocacy skills help foster trust with Indigenous communities and stakeholders. These capabilities ensure respectful stewardship, accurate representation, and meaningful engagement in the preservation of Indigenous knowledge and records.

What are some common challenges Indigenous Archivists face when working with culturally sensitive materials?

Indigenous Archivists often encounter challenges related to the respectful management and preservation of culturally sensitive materials, such as sacred objects, oral histories, and community records. Balancing traditional archival standards with Indigenous protocols and community expectations requires ongoing dialogue, adaptability, and cultural competence. Archivists must also navigate issues around ownership, access, and repatriation, ensuring that communities have agency over their heritage while adhering to institutional policies. Building trust and fostering collaborative relationships with Indigenous communities is essential to address these complexities.

What is the difference between Indigenous Archivist vs Archivist?

AspectIndigenous ArchivistArchivist
Required CredentialsRelevant archival certifications, cultural knowledge, sometimes Indigenous community credentialsArchival certifications, library science degrees
Work EnvironmentMuseums, cultural centers, Indigenous organizationsMuseums, libraries, government agencies
Employer & IndustryIndigenous communities, cultural institutionsMuseums, archives, libraries across various sectors
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in Indigenous cultural preservationGeneral archival roles and responsibilities

The Indigenous Archivist focuses on preserving and managing Indigenous cultural materials, often requiring cultural knowledge and community engagement. In contrast, the Archivist handles a broader range of archival collections across various sectors, primarily emphasizing standard archival practices. Both roles involve preservation, cataloging, and access management, but the Indigenous Archivist emphasizes cultural context and community collaboration.

What are Indigenous Archivists?

Indigenous Archivists are professionals who manage, preserve, and provide access to materials significant to Indigenous communities, such as historical documents, photographs, oral histories, and cultural records. They often work to ensure that collections are cared for in culturally appropriate ways and that Indigenous voices are prioritized in archival practices. Indigenous Archivists may collaborate with tribal organizations, museums, libraries, and academic institutions to safeguard and share Indigenous knowledge and history while respecting community protocols and sovereignty.
Infographic showing various Indigenous Archivist job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 67% In-person, and 33% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,781 per year, or $35 per hour.

Assistant Archivist *** Grant Funded

INSTITUTE OF AMERICAN INDIAN &

Santa Fe, NM • On-site

$50K - $55K/yr

Other

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

Description

Summary of Responsibilities:

The IAIA Assistant Archivist reports to the IAIA Archivist and assists in the management of the day-to-day activities of the archives and the RCCNA. The assistant archivist is primarily responsible for processing, description, and preservation of analog and born digital materials transferred to the IAIA Archives by IAIA departments. The Assistant Archivist assists in collection development, including selection and acquisition decisions; and oversees occasional student workers, interns, apprentices, and volunteers; and participate in public programming and social media efforts. This position is full time and exempt. 


Essential Position Functions

Responsible for inventory, selection, arrangement, description, and cataloging tasks in the IAIA Archives.

Assist the IAIA Archivist with planning, policy development, and implementation as well as the oversight of day-to-day operations in the Archives. 

Provide training for work-study and interns. 

Oversee the identification, transfer, preservation, and description of bon-digital records.

Collaborate in the digitization of archival materials including manuscripts, photographs, and audio-visual materials

Perform in-depth research to establish and verify historical facts; prepare written articles, reports, in-house guides, finding aids, and other publications; locate materials for exhibition.

Deliver presentations and workshops, prepare formal correspondence, and provide occasional reports.

Provide reference assistant to visiting researchers, students, staff, faculty, and alumni. 

Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Education, Knowledge, and Skills

Required: 

Bachelors of Arts in museum studies, history, Native American Studies or a comparable degree with coursework demonstrating and ability to understand cultural and historical topics and support the research of undergraduate through doctoral level students

Experience:

o 2+ years of previous experience working in Archives, digitization, libraries, museums, public history, records management and research

Demonstrated understanding of the principles that dictate archival appraisal, preservation, arrangement, and description

Demonstrated knowledge of national standards, vocabularies, and best practices including DACS, EAD, MARC, RDA, LCSH, and AAT.

Superior interpersonal, communication and writing skills 

Demonstrated commitment to diversity, inclusivity, and equity.

Strong problem-solving and project management skills, with an ability to be receptive to changing priorities and to manage multiple work processes and projects simultaneously.

Ability to maintain a high level of detail and accuracy in management and completion of tasks.

Ability to work effectivity in a timely manner on a wide variety of projects concurrently, with concern for the tasks assigned and the goals of the archives.


Preferred:

Graduate degree in library science or related field, with an emphasis in archives, museum studies, and or preservation, AND/OR

Graduate degree in history with an emphasis in archives, museums, or public history.

Experience:

* 2+ years of previous experience working in Archives, digitization, libraries, museums, public history, records management and research, AND/OR

* 2+ years of previous experience working in a public service position in an academic, public history, or research setting, AND/OR

* 2+ years of proven successful management experience working on projects with part-time staff, student employees, or volunteers.

Strong commitment to public service, particularly to working with Indigenous communities, researchers, scholars, and elders.

Experience in the acquisition of archival collections, including working with vendors, collectors, and/or donors.

Knowledge of intellectual property and rights management issues related to archival materials.

Experience managing digitization projects and born-digital archival content

Knowledge of legacy audio and moving image media.

Experience working with oral histories.


Working Conditions:

Work schedule will be set in agreement with the Archivist.

Ability to sit for extended periods of times, utilizing a computer workstation.

Must be able to effectively use all the office equipment listed and not listed in the job description.

Ability to read and interpret basic to complex data/information/guidelines/ procedures, etc. related administrative support to a large and demanding academic staff.

Must be able to carry and/or maneuver items weighing up to 30 pounds.

Ensure the security and confidentially of confidential/sensitive related data/information.

Management has the right to revise this job description at any time, with or without notice.

This job description does not list all the duties of the job.

The job description is not a contract for employment.

Incumbent may be asked by supervisor/manager to perform other duties.

Please apply via IAIA website:  https://iaia.edu/about/employment/     Please upload cover letter and resume


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