ARCHIVIST TECHNICIAN

Idaho State Archives, a division of the Idaho State Historical Society, has an open full-time classified position for an Archivist Technician

Applications will be accepted through 11:59 PM MST on the posting end date.

About Us

The Idaho State Historical Society is a trusted guide through the state’s history and how it has shaped every aspect of our lives, our land, our communities, our government and our people. Created in 1881 and established as a state agency in 1907, the Idaho State Historical Society (ISHS) is an extraordinary system of cultural and historic resources comprised of the Idaho State Museum, Idaho State Archives, Idaho State Historic Preservation Office, Old Idaho Penitentiary and Historic Sites Program.

Be part of an organization that makes History every day! Join a highly motivated team in a fast-paced environment dedicated to making history essential and accessible through dynamic and gratifying services that inspire, enrich, and engage all Idahoans.

Summary

Statutorily, the Idaho State Archives serves state, county, and city government agencies as the official repository and custodian of permanent records.

The Archivist Technician will provide a high level of paraprofessional program support and promote services of the Idaho State Archives. This position will process records into the archives using complex inventory control procedures and best practices, provide daily reference service and assist in the preservation of Idaho’s historic records.

Job Responsibilities

Archival practices and records management (60%)

• Perform paraprofessional archival work to process (arrange, describe, rehouse, and label) incoming collections, including but not limited to manuscripts, photographs, audio-visual, and government records, with a focus on new donations
• Expand access to archival collections by creating finding aids in ArchivesSpace and records in Versatile according to best practices and internal workflows
• Update and revise existing collection descriptions as needed.
• Apply best practices of preservation methods to materials in all formats.
• Implement records management and preservation strategies for storing historically significant records according to the laws, policies and procedures that govern the Idaho State Archives.
• Keep archival shelves and storage areas orderly and organized per inventory tracking procedures.

Reference service (35%)

• Provide quality customer service to reference requests of the Idaho State Archives Research Center.
• Participate in reference services by staffing the reading room and/or reference desk and respond to patron queries submitted via email, phone, and in-person.
• Perform reference assistance by searching holdings across various catalogs, databases, and internal documents.
• Provide imaging and reproduction services as requested.
• Routinely retrieve, deliver, and shelve historic records.

Other functions and responsibilities (5%)

• Routinely move, position, place and remove boxes weighing to a maximum of 60 pounds.
• Frequently ascend and descend step ladders to remove and place boxes on shelving up to 12-feet in height. Uses hand trucks, pallet jacks and forklifts to transport record boxes.
• Drive utility vans and cargo vehicles up to 16 feet in length for the pick-up and delivery of records.
• Some statewide travel may be required.
• Applicants will be required to pass a background investigation before being hired into these positions, in accordance with Federal regulations regarding the handling of confidential material.
• Participate as a team member in the daily ISA activities to meet the delivery of quality customer service.
• Serve as the back-up to other staff in their absence, including reading room and/or reference desk responsibilities.
• Provide support to agency public programs and outreach efforts as assigned Some weekend and/or evening hours may be scheduled.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Able to manage and prioritize numerous, concurrent projects.
• Deliver high quantity, error-free work in a complex changing environment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Must have the ability to accurately track and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Self-starter, takes initiative, works well independently and as part of a team.
• Able to interact professionally and appropriately with staff, volunteers, and the public.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and relevant database software.
• Effective problem-solving and adaptability skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and respond to change.
• This position requires routinely lifting boxes weighing 40-60 pounds, climbing step ladders while lifting boxes, pick-up and delivery of records boxes, moving records boxes with hand trucks and pallet jacks, driving utility vans and cargo vehicles up to 16 feet in length.

Minimum Qualifications (required)

Some knowledge of:

• Preservation and imaging of archival records-Typically gained by completion of a class or workshop/seminar on digitizing standards and procedures, using imaging hardware and software, and the digitization of historic documents, photos, maps, posters, and other historic media as a preservation medium or at least 6 months of experience using digitizing standards and procedures as an intern, volunteer or employee in archives or library or comparable setting.
• Reference and research methods-Typically met by successful completion of a college-level course that either covered reference and research methods or as part of the course required the use of reference and research methods to complete a project, paper, etc. OR a basic archival methodology course, OR at least six months of experience (work or internship) in an archival or library Special Collections setting, utilizing reference and research methods or comparable experience that required the use of reference and research methods to complete major tasks.
• Records management concepts-Typically gained by completion of academic or professional coursework, seminars, and/or workshops that cover records management, to include the monitoring, organizing, maintaining, and entering of information in written or electronic format OR at least six months experience with responsibility for all aspects of record management, as described.
• Rules and regulations regarding the handling of confidential materials-Typically gained through education and/or formal training (at least 8 hours) specific to the safeguarding of financial, personal or medical information OR at least six months of experience maintaining confidential records in accordance with Public Records Laws and/or professional policies and protocols.

Experience:

• Using basic office related programs-Typically gained by at least two years of experience using MS-Word, Outlook and Internet Explorer. Equivalent word processing, email and calendaring, internet browser programs may be acceptable.
• Valid driver’s license-This position requires a valid driver's license to be able to drive utility vans and cargo vehicles up to 16 feet in length for the pick-up and delivery of records.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with complex inventory tracking software and database applications-Typically gained by academic or professional coursework, seminars, and/or workshops that cover inventory tracking and database applications OR at least six months’ experience with using complex inventory tracking software and database applications.
• Some knowledge of trends and issues for archival preservation and standards-Typically gained by completion of academic or professional coursework, seminars, and/or workshops that cover archival preservation OR at least six months’ experience with archival preservation procedures.
• Some experience with content management systems such as ArchivesSpace-Typically gained by academic or professional coursework, seminars, and/or workshops that cover content management systems OR at least six months’ experience using content management systems such as ArchivesSpace.
• Some knowledge of concepts with archival arrangement and description-Typically gained by completion of academic or professional coursework, seminars, and/or workshops that cover archival arrangement and description OR at least six months’ experience with archival processing.

Benefits

The State of Idaho offers a robust total compensation package, including medical, vision, and dental insurance; PERSI retirement benefits; paid sick, vacation, and parental leave; and 11 paid holidays per year. For additional information related to benefits and/or State programs, please visit https://dhr.idaho.gov/StateEmployees/Benefits.html.*

EEO/ADA/Veteran

The State of Idaho is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, political affiliation or belief, sex, national origin, genetics, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws.

The State of Idaho is committed to access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, auxiliary aids and services are available upon request. If you require an accommodation at any step in our recruitment process, you are encouraged to contact (208) 334-2263 (TTY/TTD: 711), or email ada.coordinator@dhr.idaho.gov.

Preference may be given to veterans who qualify under state and federal laws and regulations.

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