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Reference Archivist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Conducting thorough reference interviews to clarify research needs, define scope, and provide ... MLIS with Cataloging and/or Archives Specialization * Certified Archivist (CA) designation ...

Archivist

Northridge, OH ยท On-site

$4.2K - $6.2K/mo

Archivist Apply now Job no: 559038 Work type: Staff Location: Northridge Categories: Unit 9 - CSUEU ... Assists researchers with ready reference, information, and directional questions; refers more ...

Conducting thorough reference interviews to clarify research needs, define scope, and provide ... MLIS with Cataloging and/or Archives Specialization * Certified Archivist (CA) designation ...

Conducting thorough reference interviews to clarify research needs, define scope, and provide ... MLIS with Cataloging and/or Archives Specialization * Certified Archivist (CA) designation ...

Conducting thorough reference interviews to clarify research needs, define scope, and provide ... MLIS with Cataloging and/or Archives Specialization * Certified Archivist (CA) designation ...

Conducting thorough reference interviews to clarify research needs, define scope, and provide ... MLIS with Cataloging and/or Archives Specialization * Certified Archivist (CA) designation ...

Supervisory Archivist

Washington, DC ยท On-site +1

$121K - $158K/yr

Apply professional archival principles and methods of archival collections development, arrangement ... Maintain reference research of national and international traditional music and cultures and ...

Archivist

New York, NY ยท On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

Monitor Archives email and respond to external reference requests Education and Experience * MS in Library Science with focus on Archives * BA with an area of concentration in history, particularly ...

Supervisory Archivist

Washington, DC ยท On-site +1

$121K - $158K/yr

Apply professional archival principles and methods of archival collections development, arrangement ... Maintain reference research of national and international traditional music and cultures and ...

The University Archivist is responsible for supervising the Records Manager and provides general ... references including a current or previous supervisor. Candidates applying by April 27, 2026 will ...

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Reference Archivist information

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$11K

$52.5K

How much do reference archivist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for reference archivist in the United States is $52,194.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,000.00 and $52,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Reference Archivist?

A Reference Archivist is a professional who assists researchers, students, and the public in accessing and interpreting archival materials. They manage requests for information, guide users in finding relevant documents, and ensure that archival records are preserved while being accessible. Reference Archivists often work in libraries, museums, government agencies, or historical societies, and may also create finding aids and educational materials to help users understand collections. Their expertise helps bridge the gap between archival resources and those who need them.

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

To thrive as a Reference Archivist, you typically need a master's degree in library science or archival studies, along with strong research and organizational skills. Familiarity with archival databases, digital asset management systems, and metadata standards like EAD or MARC is essential. Exceptional communication, customer service, and problem-solving abilities help Reference Archivists assist diverse users and collaborate with colleagues. These competencies ensure efficient access to archival materials, preservation of historical records, and high-quality service to researchers and the public.

How does a Reference Archivist typically collaborate with researchers and other departments within an organization?

Reference Archivists work closely with researchers, historians, and internal departments to facilitate access to archival materials. They assist users in navigating finding aids, respond to reference queries, and provide guidance on handling and interpreting archival documents. Collaboration often involves coordinating with records managers, digital archivists, and conservation staff to ensure materials are accessible and preserved. This teamwork ensures that both internal stakeholders and external patrons can make the best use of archival collections.

What is the difference between Reference Archivist vs Archivist?

AspectReference ArchivistArchivist
Required CredentialsMaster's degree in Library Science or Archival Studies, certifications like CA or ALASimilar educational background, often with specialized archival certifications
Work EnvironmentPublic and academic libraries, archives, museumsArchives, historical societies, museums, government agencies
Job FocusAssisting users with research, managing reference collectionsPreserving, organizing, and maintaining archival collections
Common Search/ComparisonOften compared for roles involving user assistance and reference servicesMore focused on preservation and collection management

The main difference is that a Reference Archivist primarily assists users with research and reference services, while an Archivist focuses on preserving and organizing collections. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and work in archival environments, but their core responsibilities differ in focus.

More about Reference Archivist jobs
What cities are hiring for Reference Archivist jobs? Cities with the most Reference Archivist job openings:
What states have the most Reference Archivist jobs? States with the most job openings for Reference Archivist jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Reference Archivist jobs? For Reference Archivist jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Reference Archivist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 49% Locum Tenens, 17% As Needed, 3% Full Time, 23% Temporary, 7% Nights, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,194 per year, or $25.1 per hour.
Research Archivist

Research Archivist

Heritage Werks, Inc.

Duluth, GA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

Are you someone who sees the story in every document, photo, and file?

Weโ€™re hiring an Archivist who brings equal parts of precision and curiosity. Someone who thrives on structure, thinks critically, and is excited to dig in and contribute to high-profile projects across a wide range of industries.

Youโ€™ll join a passionate team redefining how history is preserved, accessed, and sharedโ€”through cataloging, preservation, digital platforms, and more.

Who We Are

At Heritage Werks, we believe every story deserves to be preserved and shared. We partner with world-class brands, sports franchises, fashion icons, and mission-driven organizations to safeguard their most meaningful materials and bring them to life in ways that inspire connection.

We preserve history. We protect generational legacies. And we do it all with care, purpose, and a forward-thinking approach. Our work honors the past while making it meaningful for today and relevant for the future, helping people and organizations celebrate where theyโ€™ve been and envision where theyโ€™re going.

What Youโ€™ll Do

As an Archivist, youโ€™ll work hands-on with legacy collections of all sizes. Youโ€™ll collaborate with clients and team members to process, preserve, and unlock the value of historical assets through:

  • Conducting collection assessments and content surveys
  • Organizing and processing archival materials, both physically and intellectually
  • Performing descriptive cataloging and applying metadata standards
  • Writing clear, accessible finding aids and content inventories
  • Recommending and selecting assets for digitization
  • Applying preservation best practices
  • Conducting in-depth research and distilling findings into concise briefs
  • Learning client histories and championing archival recommendations in a consultative role

Youโ€™ll balance speed and accuracy while navigating multiple projects, clients, and deadlines with professionalism and poise.

Research & Client Services Responsibilities

In addition to core archival processing, this role provides specialized archival research and reference support across Heritage Werksโ€™ diverse client base. Responsibilities include:

  • Providing specialized archival research support across a wide range of client projects and industries
  • Conducting thorough reference interviews to clarify research needs, define scope, and provide estimates to complete requests
  • Prioritizing and delivering multiple concurrent research requests based on client needs, urgency, and project timelines
  • Pivoting efficiently between tasks to accommodate quick-turn research requests while maintaining quality and accuracy
  • Collaborating across departments, including project management, archival teams, and client-facing partners, to deliver timely and actionable results
  • Translating research findings into clear summaries, insights, and recommendations for internal teams and clients

What You Bring

Youโ€™re detail-driven and deadline-ready. You thrive in a team environment but are equally comfortable working independently. You're naturally curious, highly organized, and passionate about preserving history in ways that are both meaningful and modern.

Requirements

Qualifications

  • 3+ years of archival processing experience
  • MLIS with Cataloging and/or Archives Specialization
  • Certified Archivist (CA) designation preferred
  • Ability to lift up to 40 lbs and move materials as needed
  • Willingness to travel occasionally for project needs
  • Strong project and time management skills
  • Willingness to work at any location of Heritage Werks as per business requirements
  • Excellent verbal, written, and presentation communication skills
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office and familiarity with digital archival tools
  • Self-motivated, results-oriented, and adaptable in fast-paced environments

Core Competencies

  • Client Orientation
  • Accountability
  • Results-Driven
  • Focus on Quality
  • Company and Team Alignment

Benefits

Why Join Heritage Werks?

At Heritage Werks, youโ€™ll do more than preserve historyโ€”youโ€™ll help shape how itโ€™s experienced. Youโ€™ll work across industries, building innovative archival solutions that are strategic, functional, and beautifully executed. We offer a collaborative, respectful, and high-performance culture, with competitive benefits and opportunities for growth.

Competitive benefits including:

  • Health Care (Medical, Dental & Vision)
  • Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
  • Paid Time Off & Holidays
  • Family Leave (Maternity & Paternity)
  • Short- and Long-Term Disability
  • Life Insurance (Basic & Voluntary)
  • Training & Development
  • Wellness Resources

Equal Opportunity Employer

Heritage Werks is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe that no one should be discriminated against because of their differences, such as age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity and expression, religion or sexual orientation. All employment decisions shall be made without regard to age, race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, disability status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, citizenship status or any other basis as protected by federal, state, or local law. Heritage Werks is committed to providing veteran employment opportunities to our service men and women.