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Reference Archivist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of San Antonio, TX

City Archivist

San Antonio, TX · On-site

$52.73K - $79.10K/yr

Provides reference assistance with research inquiries involving archival materials; answers questions and gives advice on preservation of documents. * Conducts inventory of documents and unprocessed ...

State of Washington

Acquisitions Archivist

Olympia, WA

$58.58K - $78.91K/yr

... reference and scholarship and ensure their proper preservation. Day-to-day duties include advising and training transferring partners, determining the disposition of archival records; records ...

State of Washington

Acquisitions Archivist

Olympia, WA · On-site

$51.84K - $69.74K/yr

Monitors the reference room for the security of archival records, publications, and Archives' equipment. * Monitors research use to assure adherence to collections use policies and procedures.

CSUDH Toro Auxiliary Partners

Project Archivist

Carson, CA · On-site

$67K - $73K/yr

The Archivist may also perform archival reference duties and other duties as assigned. The Payton Archive of Sacred Music consists of music, books, periodicals, documents, audio & visual materials ...

William and Mary

University Archivist

University Archivist Department: CC00054 WM001 | PROV | Swem Library Operating Job Family: Staff ... Cover reference shifts and the welcome desk and reading room. 5% Professional Engagement:

Emory University

University Archivist

Atlanta, GA · On-site

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 May 30, 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 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 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 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 job categories do people searching Reference Archivist jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Reference Archivist jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to Reference Archivist jobs? For Reference Archivist jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Reference Archivist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Reference Archivist job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% As Needed. Highlights an 29% Hybrid, and 71% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,194 per year, or $25.1 per hour.

City Archivist

City of San Antonio, TX

San Antonio, TX • On-site

$52.73K - $79.10K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Salary: $52,732.94 - $79,099.54 Annually
Location : 719 S SANTA ROSA SAN ANTONIO,TX 78204, TX
Job Type: 4A Full-Time
Job Number: 2026-00989
Department: Office of the City Clerk
Opening Date: 05/21/2026
Closing Date: 6/9/2026 11:59 PM Central
Grant Funded: No
FLSA Status: Exempt
Job Summary
Under general direction, is responsible for the development, collection, registration, planning and preservation of the Historic Municipal Archives Program under the Office of the City Clerk. May exercise supervision over assigned staff.
Work Location
Municipal Archives and Records Facility (MARC) 719 S. Santa Rosa
Work Hours
  • 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Monday - Friday
  • Evenings & weekends as needed

Essential Job Functions
  • Appraises, organizes and processes archival collections.
  • Oversees collection management and determines unit task priorities; monitors collections for problems regarding preservation or research access.
  • Digitizes archival materials and creates finding aids.
  • Provides reference assistance with research inquiries involving archival materials; answers questions and gives advice on preservation of documents.
  • Conducts inventory of documents and unprocessed collections and creates finding aids.
  • Converts reel-to-reel data to MP3 format for web access.
  • Scan and photographs documents and creates meta-data for web access.
  • Creates exhibits for display in archival case and outreach activities.
  • Provides reference and research services.
  • Prepares grant applications and budgets.
  • Conducts archival training of the Municipal Archives Programs.
  • Participates in long and short-range work planning.
  • Develops policies and procedures.
  • Researches and recommends technology for preservation of paper and digital records.
  • Performs related duties and fulfills responsibilities as required.

Job Requirements
  • Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university.
  • Three (3) years of experience in archival records, collection and researching historical records, library systems, or related field.
  • Certification with the Academy of Certified archivists highly desirable.
  • Applicants for this position must pass a Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS) fingerprint-based background check and maintain CJIS eligibility. Due to CJIS requirements related to system access, the following will result in being disqualified for this position: Felony Convictions, Felony Deferred Adjudication, Class A & B Misdemeanor Deferred Adjudication, Class B Misdemeanor Convictions, an Open Arrest for Any Criminal Offense (Felony or Misdemeanor), and Family Violence Convictions.
Applicant Information
  • Unless otherwise stated, applicants are permitted to substitute two years of related full-time experience for one year of higher education or one year of related higher education for two years of experience in order to meet the minimum requirements of the job. One year of full-time experience is defined as 30 or more hours worked per week for 12 months. One year of higher education is defined as 30 credit hours completed at an accredited college or university.
  • Applicants selected for employment with the City of San Antonio in this position must receive satisfactory results from pre-employment drug testing and background checks. If required for the position, a physical, motor vehicle record evaluation, and additional background checks may be conducted.
  • Please be advised that if selected for this position, information regarding employment history as it relates to the qualifications of the position will be needed for employment verification. Applicants claiming military service to meet the experience requirement for this position may attach a DD214 to the application.
  • If selected for this position, official transcripts, diplomas, certifications, and licenses must be submitted at the time of processing. Unofficial transcripts and copies of other relevant documents may be attached to the application for consideration in advance.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Knowledge of current archival processes
  • Knowledge of principals and techniques for preservation of physical and electronic records
  • Knowledge of personal computer programs such as MS Office Suite
  • Knowledge of how to use a reel-to-reel player
  • Knowledge of MP3 conversion
  • Knowledge of Texas history
  • Knowledge of municipal government
  • Ability to operate a computer keyboard and other basic office equipment
  • Ability to coordinate division activities with other municipal departments
  • Ability to communicate clearly and effectively
  • Ability to analyze technical and statistical data and make evaluations
  • Ability to supervise, train and evaluate assigned staff members
  • Ability to develop and maintain good working relationships with employees, management, and the public
  • Ability to maintain good public relations with conservation organizations and property owners concerned in the community's historic preservation planning
  • Ability to work with the public and interested citizen groups in the establishment of meaningful goals and objectives for the historic preservation of the City's records
  • Ability to work primarily inside an office environment
  • Ability to perform all the physical requirements of the position, with or without accommodations

Benefits Information
The City of San Antonio (CoSA) strives to provide a competitive compensation and benefit package to attract and retain a highly skilled workforce. To accomplish this, CoSA offers subsidized health care benefits for active and retired employees, paid disability benefits, paid life insurance, as well as automatic participation in a pension program which is currently matched two to one.
For more detailed information, please click on the following link to view Benefits offered by the City of San Antonio:
Note:
  • Part-Time, Temporary, and non-City positions are not eligible for CoSA Benefits.
  • Holiday and Leave benefits for Pre-K 4 SA positions may be different than what is listed at the above link.

Additional Information
The City Of San Antonio is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. This means that the City does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, sex (gender), age, disability, national origin, genetic information, or sexual orientation. All individuals are encouraged to apply and compete for jobs with the City of San Antonio.
If you require assistance at any stage of the application process due to a disability, please contact the so that accommodations may be made to meet your needs. Our telephone number is 210-207-8705 and our fax number is 210-207-2285.
01
Are you a current regular full time or part time CoSA employee?
  • Yes - I am a Full Time City Employee.
  • Yes - I am a Part Time City Employee.
  • No - I am not a Full Time or Part Time City Employee.

02
Are you a veteran or active member of the armed forces?
  • Yes
  • No

03
Are you a SA Ready to Work or Train for Jobs San Antonio (TfJSA) participant?
  • Yes - SA Ready to Work
  • Yes - Train for Jobs SA
  • No

04
What best describes your level of education at the end of the current semester?
  • Some High School
  • High School Diploma or GED recognized by the Texas Education Agency or a regional accrediting agency
  • 30+ completed semester hours (credits) from an accredited college or university
  • 60+ completed semester hours (credits) from an accredited college or university
  • Associate's Degree from an accredited college or university
  • 90+ completed semester hours (credits) from an accredited college or university
  • 120+ completed semester hours (credits) from an accredited college or university
  • Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university
  • Master's Degree from an accredited college or university
  • PhD, JD, or other Post Graduate Degree from an accredited college or university
  • None of the above

05
How many years of experience do you have in archival records, collection and researching historical records, library systems, or related field?
  • None
  • Less than one year
  • 1 year
  • 2 years
  • 3 years
  • 4 years
  • 5 years
  • 6 years
  • 7 years
  • 8 years
  • 9 years
  • 10 years
  • 11 years or more

06
Do you have a Certification with the Academy of Certified Archivists?
  • Yes
  • No

07
Select your knowledge in the below areas:
  • MP3 conversion
  • Texas History
  • Municipal Government
  • None of the above

08
Describe your experience with evaluating and processing collections, documents, and artifacts. What type of collections did you process and explain how you completed the work. If you do not have this experience, please respond with N/A
09
In detail, please describe your experience with preservation and management of archives and special collections in non-textual formats (e.g. photographs, A/V recordings, digital files). Please list the tools and platforms used to implement and facilitate workflows. If you do not have this experience, please respond with N/A
10
I acknowledge for this position I must pass a Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS) fingerprint-based background check and maintain CJIS eligibility. Due to CJIS requirements related to system access, the following will result in being disqualified for this position: 1) Felony Convictions, 2) Felony Deferred Adjudication, 3) Class A & B Misdemeanor Deferred Adjudication, 4) Class B Misdemeanor Convictions, 5) Open Arrest for Any Criminal Offense (Felony or Misdemeanor), and 5) Family Violence Convictions.
  • I acknowledge

11
I understand that if I have a need for a reasonable accommodation to participate in the recruitment and interview process, I can contact the Human Resources Department at AskHR@sanantonio.gov or 210-207-8705. I further understand that if an accommodation is necessary to perform the position for which I have applied, I can contact HR after an offer has been extended.
  • I acknowledge.

Required Question

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