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Trainee Archivist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

STUDENT TRAINEE

Mcnair, TX · On-site +1

$46K - $60K/yr

The Student Trainee will be responsible for: * Using word processing software to produce a wide ... Conducting archival research and current literature to provide written or oral synopses of the ...

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Trainee Archivist information

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$25.5K

$43.5K

$63.5K

How much do trainee archivist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for trainee archivist in the United States is $43,530.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33,000.00 and $51,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a trainee archivist?

Trainee archivists are individuals who are beginning their careers in the field of archiving, usually working under the supervision of experienced archivists. They are responsible for learning how to manage, organize, preserve, and provide access to historical documents and records. Trainee archivists often participate in tasks like cataloguing materials, assisting with research queries, and helping to implement preservation techniques. This role typically serves as an entry point into the profession and may involve formal training or studying for a relevant qualification.

What does a trainee archivist do?

As a Trainee Archivist, you can expect to be involved in a range of tasks such as cataloguing archival materials, assisting with the preservation of documents, and helping respond to research inquiries. You may also participate in digitisation projects, which involve scanning and organising digital records for easier access. Collaboration with senior archivists and other departments, such as IT or conservation, is common, providing valuable exposure to the variety of roles within an archive. These experiences help build a strong foundation in archival practices and can open up pathways to more specialised responsibilities as you progress.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a trainee archivist?

To thrive as a Trainee Archivist, you need attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and a relevant degree—often in history, library science, or archival studies. Familiarity with cataloguing software, digital preservation tools, and archival management systems is typically required, and some roles may prefer candidates pursuing or holding certifications from bodies like the Archives and Records Association. Excellent communication, problem-solving abilities, and a collaborative mindset help you work effectively with colleagues and the public. These skills are crucial for preserving, organizing, and providing access to valuable records and historical materials.

What is the difference between Trainee Archivist vs Archivist?

AspectTrainee ArchivistArchivist
QualificationsTypically pursuing or holding a relevant degree in archives, history, or library scienceUsually requires a degree and some experience in archival work
Work EnvironmentTraining settings, internships, or entry-level positions in archives or museumsFull-time professional roles in archives, libraries, or cultural institutions
ResponsibilitiesAssisting with cataloging, digitization, and learning archival proceduresManaging collections, appraising materials, and implementing archival policies

The main difference is that a Trainee Archivist is in a learning or entry-level phase, gaining skills and experience, while an Archivist is a fully qualified professional responsible for managing archival collections. Trainee roles focus on training, whereas Archivist roles involve independent decision-making and operational duties.

How to train as a trainee archivist?

To train as a trainee archivist, individuals typically pursue a degree in archives, history, library science, or a related field. Gaining practical experience through internships or volunteer work, developing skills in cataloging and digital tools, and understanding archival standards like DACS or EAD are essential for entry into the profession.

What training do I need to be a trainee archivist?

To become a trainee archivist, a relevant bachelor's degree such as history, library science, or archival studies is typically required. Practical skills in cataloging, preservation, and familiarity with archival management software are also important, and some positions may offer on-the-job training or require certifications in records management.
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What cities are hiring for Trainee Archivist jobs?

Cities with the most Trainee Archivist job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Archivist jobs?

The most popular types of Archivist jobs are:

What states have the most Trainee Archivist jobs?

States with the most job openings for Trainee Archivist jobs include:

Infographic showing various Trainee Archivist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, and 8% Part Time. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,530 per year, or $20.9 per hour.

ARCHIVIST TRAINEE

Anne Arundel, MD

Full-time

Dental, Life

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

Introduction

As an Archivist Trainee, the staff member will learn how to provide reference services in the Archives Search Room, interviewing patrons, determining research needs, advising of effective research strategies, ordering materials retrieved from the stacks, and taking records reproductions orders. An archivist trainee also will learn how to assist with monitoring patrons for security and compliance with the Archives rules and regulations. These duties are performed under the direct supervision of the Director of Reference and the Deputy Director. This is an entry level position learning professional archival work providing access to records, a primary component of the mission of the State Archives.\r\n

GRADE

12\r\n

LOCATION OF POSITION

350 Rowe Boulevard, Annapolis, MD 21401\r\n

Main Purpose of Job

As an archivist trainee, the staff member will learn how to provide reference services in the Archives Search Room, interviewing patrons, determining research needs, advising of effective research strategies, ordering materials retrieved from the stacks, and taking records reproduction orders. An archivist trainee also will learn how to assist with monitoring patrons for security and compliance with the Archives rules and regulations. These duties are performed under the direct supervision of the Director of Reference and the Deputy Director. This is an entry level position learning professional archival work providing access to records, a primary component of the mission of the State Archives.

POSITION DUTIES

Provides reference services in the Archives Search Room, interviewing patrons, determining research needs, advising of effective research strategies, ordering materials retrieved from the stacks, taking records reproduction orders, and performing records retrievals. Monitors patrons for security and compliance with Archives rules and regulations. Assists the Search Room Coordinator with training interns and volunteers.\r\n\r\n\r\nProvides reference assistance to patrons who make requests by telephone, traditional mail, and email by conducting basic research, and locating, retrieval, copying, and refiling archival records and writing response letters.\r\n\r\n\r\nAssists with the lobby registration desk as required when other trained personnel are unavailable.\r\n\r\n\r\nAssist in educational outreach, events, career day fairs, academic lectures, and etc.\r\n

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate.\r\nExperience:Four years of experience in professional archival work with publicrecords.\r\nNotes:\r\n1. Candidates may substitute academic credit from an accredited college or university at the rate of thirty credit hours for each year for the required experience.\r\n2. Candidates may substitute two years of experience in the Archival Assistant series classification for required education and experience.\r\n3.Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer in Archivist classifications or Archivist specialty codes in the Library and Archives field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience.\r\n\r\n

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

1) Experience providing assistance to patrons who make requests by telephone, traditional mail, and email by conducting basic research, and locating, retrieving, copying, refiling archival records, and writing response letters\r\n\r\n\r\n2) Experience in educational outreach\r\n

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Employees may be required to lift up to 50 pounds when record shipments arrive and climb ladders. Employees in this classification must exercise caution during the retrieval and replacement of heavy volumes from library shelves, particularly when using library ladders. Employees may work a rotating shift and may be required to work Saturdays.\r\n

EXAMINATION PROCESS

The assessment may consist of a rating of your education, training, and experience related to the requirements of the position.It is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application.Please report all experience and education that is related to this position.\r\n

BENEFITS

\r\nContractual employees who work for an agency covered under the State Employee and Retiree Health and Welfare Benefits Program, have a current employment contract and work 30 or more hours a week (or on average 130 hours per month) may be eligible for subsidized health benefits coverage for themselves and their dependents. As a contractual employee, you will be responsible for paying 25% of the premiums for your medical and prescription coverage, including any eligible dependents you have enrolled. The State of Maryland will subsidize the remaining 75% of the cost for these benefits. You can also elect to enroll in dental coverage, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, and life insurance, but will be responsible to pay the full premium for these benefits.\r\nLeave may be granted to a contractual employee at a rate of one hour for every 30 hours worked, not to exceed 40 hours per calendar year.\r\n\r\n

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

Online applications are highly recommended. However, if you are unable to apply online,the paper application and supplemental questionnaire may be submitted to:Department of Budget and Management, Recruitment andExamination Division, 301 W. Preston St., Baltimore, MD 21201.Paper application materials must be received in our officeby theclosing date for the recruitment. No postmarks will be accepted.\r\nFor questions regarding this recruitment, please contact theDBM Recruitment andExamination Division at Application.Help@maryland.govor 410-767-4850,MD TTY Relay Service 1-800-735-2258.\r\nWe thank our Veterans for their service to our country.\r\nPeople with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.\r\nAs an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruitment, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State's diversity.\r\n

Employment Type: Full-Time