Archivist I, Tree Ring Laboratory

The University of Arizona's Tree Ring Laboratory within the College of Science invites you to apply to the role of Archivist I.

As a Project Archivist, you will serve as a cooperator for the National Park Service (NPS) Intermountain Region Museum Services Program within the Archives and Records Management Division. In this engaging role, you will develop and refine processing plans; physically process, arrange, and complete storage upgrades; and perform descriptive cataloging of resource management-based records. You will also prepare finding aids to facilitate the research of collections. Resource management records include natural and cultural resource project records, programmatic records, and records documenting the daily administrative activities of various park units.

The Project Archivist will apply best practices established by the National Archives Records Administration, including scanning, metadata attachment, and storage. Archivists receive materials ranging from single boxes to small batches, which require careful handling and organization. They work on one or two projects at a time, focusing on learning proper techniques and building familiarity with different types of materials. You will be encouraged to develop time management skills by prioritizing tasks within a single project, with regular check-ins and support from supervisors. As you gain experience, there may be opportunities to work on portions of larger projects to expand your skills, always with clear instructions and oversight.

The Laboratory of Tree-Ring Research (LTRR) is a hub of interdisciplinary research, teaching, and outreach at the University of Arizona. Established in 1937, LTRR formalized the scientific study of tree rings in America and has since become a global leader in dendrochronology. Using the information preserved in the annual rings of trees, LTRR researchers work to better understand and quantify the complex interactions among Earth’s climate, ecosystems, and societies. The laboratory is dedicated to developing and advancing novel approaches to address scientific questions of societal relevance while sharing these discoveries and their impacts with researchers, students populations, the general public, resource managers, and policymakers alike. If you are passionate about contributing to meaningful research and outreach in a collaborative and impactful environment, we invite you to join our team.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!

The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs.

In this role, you will:

• Assist in identifying National Park Service (NPS) materials that have permanent value for various record groups, including cultural and natural resources, under guidance.
• Help process materials for each project that are sourced from different external contacts and locations introduced by supervisors, and assist in arranging for the materials to be sent to the Western Archeological and Conservation Center (WACC).
• May occasionally accompany senior staff on trips to nearby sites to observe and learn how to interact with contacts and identify, select, and package materials.
• Under supervision, help organize, digitize, and catalog received materials into the appropriate government databases at WACC.
• Assist in processing, arranging, and cataloging NPS archival records into the Museum Cataloging Management System (MCMS), following established procedures and standards under the guidance.
• Under supervision, assist in handling rare and fragile photographic materials.
• Learn and apply basic cataloging procedures and preservation techniques.
• Work with collections from various locations across the country, including but not limited to WACC collections.
• Assist in identifying the preservation needs of both paper-based and digitally based archival records under the guidance. The role focuses on developing attention to detail and understanding of preservation standards, with guidance and oversight.
• Learn specialized classification systems and their application to various materials while developing basic preservation assessment and classification skills.
• Receive training on new systems and develop proficiency over time with regular support and instruction from experienced staff.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to work as part of a team in completing assignments both at WACC as well as at selected NPS units.
• Familiarity with National Park Service policies and procedures including Director’s Order 19 (Records Management), the National Park Service’s Museum Handbook, NPS-28 (Cultural Resources Guidelines) and NPS-77 (Natural Resources Guidelines).
• Knowledge of the National Park Service’s Museum Cataloging Management Software (MCMS).
• Knowledge of Voyager library program and Library of Congress cataloging principles.
• Knowledge of archival principles set forth by the Society of American Archivists and other leading institutions.

This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through experience required.
• One (1) year of relevant work experience is required.
• Ability to travel to various NPS sites to complete archival work on-site as needed.