"Processing Archivist"

The Opportunity

As the Processing Archivist, you will be responsible for preserving, accessioning, and processing archival collections. Working under the supervision of the Head of Manuscripts, Archives & Special Collections (MASC), you will also work independently and collaboratively in a temporary position responsible for accessioning and processing archival collections (primarily analog formats with some digital media) within the University Archives and Manuscript collections. In this position, you will work in coordination with the Manuscripts Librarian and University Archivist to carry out the evaluation, arrangement, re-housing, general preservation activities, preliminary description, and development and editing of finding aids for new, unprocessed, and multi-accession collections. In this role you will require a commitment to providing careful and ethical stewardship of collections by implementing best practices and exercising sound judgment. Your role will work independently and in collaboration with MASC faculty and staff, as well as staff across the library and will manage the work of students who will assist with processing tasks.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Process and arrange archival materials; create finding aids using standard metadata.
• Supervise and train student assistants.
• Ensure preservation and privacy compliance.
• Oversee manuscript processing and digital collection creation.
• Support MASC programming, reference services, and outreach.
• Contribute to unit goals and assist with ad hoc tasks.
• Stay current in archival practices; participate in library and university service.

Additional Information

This is a full-time, 12-month, 2-year fixed-term position, based on the Pullman campus (in-person). Annual Salary: $65,000 - $68,000 | In accordance with RCW 49.58.110, the above salary reflects the full salary range for this position. Individual placement within the range is based on the candidate's current experience, education, skills, and abilities related to the position. Benefits: WSU offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes paid sick and vacation leave; paid holidays; medical, dental, life and disability insurance package for employees and dependents; retirement; deferred compensation and optional supplemental retirement accounts. For a more detailed summary of benefits offered by WSU for Faculty please review the summary of benefits for WSU Faculty and Total Compensation.

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree from an American Library Association accredited Library and Information Studies program at date of hire or advanced degree in related field.
• At least one year of experience arranging, describing, and cataloging archival records, including creating DACS compliant finding aids.
• Demonstrated practical knowledge of archival policies and procedures.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and to exercise discretion, initiative, and judgment.
• Demonstrated ability to work harmoniously and effectively with others.
• Demonstrated ability to work with diverse sets of stakeholders.
• Demonstrated strong writing and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, written, organizational, problem-solving and planning skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Supervisory experience, especially working with students.
• Experience with Encoded Archival Description (EAD).
• Experience with ArchivesSpace.
• Experience navigating complex issues in processing archival collections such as privacy, confidentiality, legal requirements, and cultural sensitivity.
• Experience with archives metadata standards.
• Experience in project management, training students in complex processing tasks, and creating project documentation and workflows.
• Experience providing reference support and customer service in a special collections or archives environment.

About Manuscripts, Archives & Special Collections

For more information about the great work we are doing and to view our mission and values, please visit our website: Libraries Webpage.

Area/College: Libraries. Department Name: Manuscripts, Archives & Special Collections. Location: Pullman, WA.

Application Instructions: Applicants must upload the following required documents to their online application. Application materials should clearly communicate how the applicant meets all required qualifications and additional requirements. 1) Resume 2) Cover Letter.