F/T - Project Archivist, NY Historical Soc (NY)

JOB TITLE: Project Archivist (6 months, Full-Time Position)

DEPARTMENT: Library

REPORTS TO: Curator of Manuscripts

PREFERRED START DATE: Fall 2019

The New-York Historical Society, a preeminent educational and research institution, is home to both New York City’s oldest museum and to one of the nation’s most distinguished independent research libraries. N-YHS is dedicated to presenting exhibitions and public programs, and fostering research that reveal the dynamism of history and its influence on the world of today. Founded in 1804, its holdings cover four centuries of American history, and include one of the world’s greatest collections of books, manuscripts, graphic materials, historical artifacts, and American art documenting the history of the United States as seen through the prism of New York.

JOB SUMMARY:

The New-York Historical Society Library seeks an experienced archivist for a 6 month project to enhance bibliographic and intellectual control over under-described portions of its archival holdings. Under the supervision of the curator of manuscripts, with input from the head of archival processing, the Project Archivist will carry out basic description to ensure a minimum level of intellectual control over unprocessed archival holdings. Collections represented comprise a broad chronological range, though mainly covering the 19^th and 20^th century holdings on diverse aspects of New York and American history.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:

• Produce baseline description, creating box lists and brief summaries for unprocessed and under-described archival collections, as identified by the manuscripts curator
• Use the library’s collection management system, ArchivesSpace, to document resources with varying levels of description
• Carry out physical rehousing and rearrangement of select collections
• Maintain a pace of work that accomplishes the project’s processing and descriptive goals within the set timeframe.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:

• ALA-accredited MLIS or equivalent degree, with concentration in archival studies

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• A minimum of two years’ experience as a professional archivist arranging and describing archival materials
• A track record of success in the timely completion of projects
• Ability to think critically and recommend solutions to complex problems
• Knowledge of and experience with archival standards and best practices, such as DACS and Library of Congress subject headings
• Strong written, oral and interpersonal communication skills
• Experience working with ArchivesSpace preferred
• Ability to work independently and within a collaborative workplace team structure

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  

The position requires the ability to lift and carry for short distances storage boxes weighing up to 40 lbs.

COMPENSATION: $25,000/6-months. Attractive benefits package.

TO APPLY:

Send cover letter, resume, the names and contact information of three references, and a finding aid writing sample (or a link to an on-line sample) to resumes@nyhistory.org. In the subject line please reference the specific job title to ensure your resume is forwarded properly.

The New-York Historical Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer.