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Research Archivist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Research & Client Services Responsibilities In addition to core archival processing, this role provides specialized archival research and reference support across Heritage Werks' diverse client base.

Lead Research Archivist

Olympia, WA ยท On-site

$69K - $93K/yr

The Lead Research Archivist supports government agencies and the public with accessing records, including an increasing number of digital records. This position plays a critical role in overseeing ...

Research & Client Services Responsibilities In addition to core archival processing, this role provides specialized archival research and reference support across Heritage Werks' diverse client base.

Research & Client Services Responsibilities In addition to core archival processing, this role provides specialized archival research and reference support across Heritage Werks' diverse client base.

Research & Client Services Responsibilities In addition to core archival processing, this role provides specialized archival research and reference support across Heritage Werks' diverse client base.

The Lead Research Archivist supports government agencies and the public with accessing records, including an increasing number of digital records. This position plays a critical role in overseeing ...

Research & Client Services Responsibilities In addition to core archival processing, this role provides specialized archival research and reference support across Heritage Werks' diverse client base.

Archivist (Part-Time)

New York, NY ยท On-site

$35 - $40/hr

Fleetwood, the Marking Time project aims to research, archive, exhibit, and amplify artists and activists in their efforts to transform prisons, criminalization, and policing in the United States.

Archivist

Beltsville, MD ยท On-site

$60K - $72K/yr

Provide assistance to researchers, historians, and federal staff using archival collections. * Support reference inquiries by identifying relevant archival materials and retrieving collections from ...

Provide assistance to researchers, historians, and federal staff using archival collections. * Support reference inquiries by identifying relevant archival materials and retrieving collections from ...

Qualifications 0-5 years experience in research and analysis. Master's degree in library and information science from an ALA accredited program with a concentration in information science, archives ...

Abacus Technology is seeking an Archivist to support the digital preservation of analog and digital ... Proficient in MS Office and internet research. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are ...

Archivist

Houston, TX ยท On-site

Qualifications 0-5 years experience in research and analysis. Master's degree in library and information science from an ALA accredited program with a concentration in information science, archives ...

Provides research and teaching support to faculty, staff, and students of the Byrd Center. Serves as an active member of the Byrd Center and assists Center faculty and staff with programming and ...

Qualifications 0-5 years experience in research and analysis. Master's degree in library and information science from an ALA accredited program with a concentration in information science, archives ...

Qualifications 0-5 years experience in research and analysis. Master's degree in library and information science from an ALA accredited program with a concentration in information science, archives ...

Provides research and teaching support to faculty, staff, and students of the Byrd Center. Serves as an active member of the Byrd Center and assists Center faculty and staff with programming and ...

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Research Archivist information

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$28.5K

$72.8K

$119K

How much do research archivist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for research 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 some common challenges faced by Research Archivists when managing large or complex collections?

Research Archivists often encounter challenges such as organizing and preserving vast amounts of materials, ensuring accurate metadata, and balancing accessibility with the need to protect sensitive information. Handling born-digital and digitized records adds layers of complexity, requiring up-to-date technical skills and ongoing collaboration with IT staff. Additionally, Research Archivists regularly work with researchers and other departments to prioritize processing and respond to reference requests efficiently, making strong communication and project management skills essential.

What is a Research Archivist?

A Research Archivist is a professional responsible for collecting, preserving, and organizing historical documents and records to ensure their accessibility for research purposes. They assess, catalog, and maintain archives, often working in museums, libraries, universities, or governmental organizations. Research Archivists also assist researchers in locating and interpreting archival materials, ensuring the long-term preservation of valuable information. Their work is essential for maintaining historical records and supporting scholarly research.

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

To thrive as a Research Archivist, you need expertise in archival science, records management, and historical research, typically supported by a degree in library science or a related field. Familiarity with digital asset management systems, cataloging software, and standards like EAD and MARC, as well as certifications such as Certified Archivist (CA), are often required. Exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and strong interpersonal communication help archivists manage collections and assist researchers effectively. These skills ensure the preservation, accessibility, and integrity of valuable historical records, supporting both institutional goals and scholarly research.

What is the difference between Research Archivist vs Archivist?

AspectResearch ArchivistArchivist
CredentialsMaster's degree in Library Science, Archival Studies, or related fieldTypically a Bachelor's degree; some roles prefer a Master's or archival certification
Work EnvironmentResearch institutions, universities, museums, or librariesArchives, museums, government agencies, or corporate records departments
Primary FocusManaging and providing access to research collections, supporting scholarly workPreserving, organizing, and maintaining historical records and documents
Common UsageUsed in academic, research, and cultural institutionsUsed in historical, governmental, and corporate settings

Research Archivists focus on supporting research activities by managing collections for scholarly access, while Archivists concentrate on preserving and organizing records for long-term retention. Both roles require similar credentials and often work in related environments, but their primary goals differ: research support versus preservation.

More about Research Archivist jobs
What cities are hiring for Research Archivist jobs? Cities with the most Research Archivist job openings:
What states have the most Research Archivist jobs? States with the most job openings for Research Archivist jobs include:
Infographic showing various Research Archivist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 11% Internship, 48% As Needed, 1% Full Time, 31% Temporary, and 8% Nights. Highlights an 100% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,781 per year, or $35 per hour.

Research Archivist

Heritage Werks, Inc.

Duluth, GA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

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

We’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.

You’ll join a passionate team redefining how history is preserved, accessed, and shared—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 they’ve been and envision where they’re going.

What You’ll Do

As an Archivist, you’ll work hands-on with legacy collections of all sizes. You’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

You’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 Werks’ 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

You’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, you’ll do more than preserve history—you’ll help shape how it’s experienced. You’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.