Project Archivist Job Description
(Full time, temporary: 12 months, July 2016-June 2017)
The Wildlife Conservation Society [WCS] Archives is seeking a highly motivated and energetic individual for a full-time, 12-month Project Archivist grant-funded position beginning July 2016.
Founded in 1895 as the New York Zoological Society [NYZS], WCS is committed to saving wildlife and wild places worldwide. This initiative is carried out through science, global conservation, education, and the management of the world’s largest system of urban wildlife parks, led by the flagship Bronx Zoo. Documenting the history of this work, the WCS Archives includes records related to the Bronx Zoo, the New York Aquarium, international fieldwork projects, and other WCS institutions and activities.
Responsibilities
Under close supervision by WCS Archivists, the Project Archivist will be responsible for processing several collections and making them accessible for use by researchers and the general public. The successful candidate will arrange and describe approximately 156 linear feet of records documenting the work of NYZS officers and trustees, the Public Affairs division, and NYZS’s annual meetings. Other responsibilities will include:
· Performing basic preventative conservation measures upon fragile and/or at-risk materials
· Identifying and flagging items needing more extensive treatment
· Describing processed collections in Archivists’ Toolkit in accordance with DACS and publishing EAD finding aids on the WCS Archives website
· Creating MARC catalog records for processed collections
· Writing 12 posts highlighting the project work and collections for the WCS Archives blog, Wild Things
Required Qualifications
· MLIS or similar degree with a concentration in archival studies from an ALA-accredited program, or equivalent graduate degree in Archives.
· Demonstrated experience arranging and describing archival collections
· Demonstrated knowledge of archival theory, practice, standards, and best practices
· Excellent attention to detail
· Ability to work both independently and under supervision
· Excellent verbal and written communication skills
· Demonstrated ability to set priorities and meet strict deadlines
· Familiarity with basic preservation techniques for fragile materials
Preferred Qualifications
· Minimum one year of professional experience processing archival collections and creating finding aids
· Demonstrated knowledge of and experience with basic preventative conservation measures for paper documents and photographic prints and negatives
· Demonstrated experience with MARC cataloging for archival collections
· Substantive experience with Archivists’ Toolkit or ArchivesSpace
· Knowledge of the history of zoos and aquariums and/or the history of international wildlife conservation
Salary and Benefits
The Project Archivist will be paid $41,600.
WCS offers extensive benefits including 12 holidays, 15 vacation days, and 10 sick days on an annual basis, as well as life insurance, health/dental/vision coverage, and a retirement savings plan.
Application
To apply, please visit http://www.wcs.org/about-us/careers and search for Job Title “Project Archivist.”
EOE M/F/V/D
