Job Opening Title:
Archivist
Name of Employer:
Michigan Technological University
Job Site Location (City, State) :
Houghton, MI
Application Deadline:
Minimum Degree Requirement:
Master’s degree in library and information science from an ALA-accredited program or recognized, comparable international program • Graduate coursework in archival studies
Years of experience required:
1-3 months
Salary Range:
$48,000 – $51,000
Job Opening URL:
https://www.employment.mtu.edu/en-us/job/493851/archivist
Job Description (if URL to posting not available). Include instructions for how to apply.:
Summary
The full-time, term Archivist position will provide key, in-person functions for the Archives, including research and reference services, archival instruction and course-integrated curriculum support, and assistance with accessioning, arrangement, basic preservation, and description of physical archival materials in a variety of formats. Some outreach support for existing programs, like Michigan History Day, will be expected for this position. While this position will not have any direct supervisory duties, there is an expectation that this position will assist with overseeing the quality of student work and may be responsible for creating projects appropriate for student assistants. General oversight of the reading room, stacks, and workroom will be expected, including upkeep of public and staff spaces, including basic pest and environmental monitoring.
Responsibilities and Essential Duties
Provide research support and reference services at the highest levels of excellence and cordiality to the campus community and beyond
Provide oversight and continuous improvement of the reading room and remote reference services
Assist in providing archives instruction to Michigan Tech courses and other educational partners
Accession, arrange, and describe archival collections following best practices and standards for archival and bibliographic metadata
Prepare finding aids in compliance with national standards for increased exposure and discovery
Assist with research and writing for social media
Assist with mentoring and checking quality of work of student assistants and interns
Commit to learning about continuous improvement strategies and applying them to everyday work. Actively engage in University continuous improvement initiatives.
Apply safety-related knowledge, skills, and practices to everyday work.
Required Education, Certifications, Licensures
• Master’s degree in library and information science from an ALA-accredited program or recognized, comparable international program
• Graduate coursework in archival studies
Required Experience
1-3 months experience in an archival practicum, internship, or equivalent.
Desirable Education and/or Experience
1 year of experience working in an archival environment, library, or museum.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities
• Demonstrated familiarity with archival accessioning, arrangement, and description
• Demonstrated understanding of an archival collection management system
• Knowledge of contemporary archival practices, policies, and procedures
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal
• Detail oriented with strong research skills, especially historical research methods
• Goal oriented and self-motivated with exceptional time management
• Ability to work independently with little or no supervision
• Genuine interest in and commitment to building a strong, collegial, cooperative team
• Willing and able to contribute to a respectful university campus and local community
• Strong customer service skills
• Knowledge of DACS and experience applying archival descriptive standards
• Competency in Google Suite (Docs, Drive, Sheets, etc.)
Desirable Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities
Experience with ArchivesSpace through coursework, work experience, or volunteer experience
Some knowledge of Michigan history, especially Copper Country or Upper Peninsula history
Demonstrated knowledge or familiarity with the mission, collections, and activities of the Michigan Tech Archives
Competency in integrated library systems, such as Alma/Primo
Experience with cleaning and conservation and/or preservation of paper-based collections
Knowledge of basic care and description of museum collections
Interest in contributing to key departmental goals and projects: digitization and digital preservation, increased accessibility of audiovisual materials, education and outreach (including social media), development of improved cataloging standards, collaboration with community organizations, expansion of materials pertaining to indigenous communities, incorporation of archival materials into GIS databases, preservation of rural history, etc.
Experience and comfort in public speaking and/or classroom instruction
Demonstrated success in working with persons with a wide variety of personal characteristics and viewpoints.
Work Environment and/or Physical Demands
WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.
• Ability to lift boxes weighing up to 40 lbs and push carts weighing up to 100 lbs
Required Training and Other Conditions of Employment
Every employee at Michigan Technological University will receive the following 4 required trainings; additional training may be required by the department.
Required University Training:
Employee Safety Overview
Anti-Harassment, Discrimination, Retaliation Training
Annual Data Security Training
Annual Title IX Training
Background Check:
Offers of employment are contingent upon and not considered finalized until the required background check has been performed and the results received and assessed.
Other Conditions of Employment:
Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without the need of an employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of your appointment, and maintain eligibility without sponsorship throughout your appointment.
Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) % (1=100%)
1.0
FLSA Status
Exempt
Appointment Term
2 years
Archives Gig 