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Archivist, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison WI

Job Working Title: ARCHIVIST 13-03925
Type of Employment: Full Time (40 hrs/week)
Salary: $17.072 to $22.500 per hour depending on experience and qualifications, plus excellent benefits ($35,646 to $46,980 annual salary). This position is in pay schedule and range 13-04. A six-month probationary period will be required.
Contact: Brian L. Schroeder, Human Resources Specialist, Telephone 608/264-6409, [email protected]

Deadline to Apply: 10/27/2013
Completed application materials must be received by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, October 27, 2013

This position is located in the Library-Archives Division of the Wisconsin Historical Society in Madison. The Division supports the study of Wisconsin, United States and Canadian history by managing one of the largest history libraries and archives in the United States. The archives provides access to collections totaling more than 100,000 cubic feet including: manuscript and State Archives collections documenting the history of Wisconsin, and extensive national manuscript collections documenting the history of organized labor, mass communications, civil rights, and social action in the United States. The archives also houses an estimated 2 to 3 million images. The Wisconsin Historical Society is located on the campus of the University of Wisconsin-Madison and provides archives reference services to a broad general public and academic audience.

Job Duties:
For a copy of the position description and job duties click Processing Archivist. Under the general supervision of the Head of Cataloging and Collection Management, the position arranges and describes; improves intellectual control through online finding aids; and makes recommendations and prepares for digitization selected private records collections in the Society’s holdings inclusive of all formats and media. Additionally, this position acts as a subject expert to work on the improvement of physical and intellectual control of selected visual materials collections. Oversees the work of part-time employees and acts as the Archives’ Volunteer Coordinator.

Special Notes:
1. A criminal background check will be conducted prior to offer of employment to determine if the circumstances of any conviction may be related to the job.
2. The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 requires employers to hire only individuals who are eligible to work in the United States. Upon reporting for work, an individual will be expected to present proper evidence establishing employability.
3. Verification of academic degrees will be conducted prior to an offer of employment.

A Well Qualified Candidate Will Have:
Master’s Degree in Library Science with an archives specialization.
Experience processing/accessioning archival materials in textual, visual, and/or digital formats.
Knowledge of metadata standards and protocols used in archival description and finding aids.
Excellent interpersonal communication skills.
Excellent writing skills.
Ability to work both collaboratively on a team as well as independently.

Job Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
1. Knowledge of archival standards, methods, theory, and contemporary practice, as typically acquired in an archives graduate school program or comparable certification.
2. Knowledge/skills/ability to complete archival analysis and appraisal techniques for private and public and records.
3. Knowledge of metadata standards and protocols (e.g. EAD, MODS, METS, Dublin Core)
4. Knowledge of XML schemas and related mark-up tools.
5. Knowledge of archival and library cataloging rules and procedures.
6. Knowledge/skills/ability with using MS office applications.
7. Ability to adapt readily and effectively to the rapidly changing world of information systems, and to each succeeding generation of tools needed for locating and accessing information and data.
8. Ability to work effectively as a member of a team and oversee the work of student employees.
9. Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both in writing and verbally, with supervisors, colleagues, and state agency records staff.
10. Ability to repeatedly lift and move records containers weighing up to 35 pounds.
11. Able to legally operate a motor vehicle from the Wisconsin Department of Administration State Fleet in the State of Wisconsin.
12. Ability to read standard textual records in order to perform normal appraisal and processing activities.

How To Apply: In addition to submitting a résumé, you’ll be preparing a detailed written response to one online exam question. You may preview the question on the WiscJobs website. The total length of your response should be limited to a total of two pages for the entire Exam. This question and your response are considered to be an Examination for this position and will be used to determine your eligibility for this vacancy. Write clearly and concisely and use examples to support your statements when necessary. If you omit information requested on this announcement, your application may be rated ineligible. Since the answer to the question will be scored independently, be sure to provide a complete answer for the question. Do not reference your resume or any other part of your application materials.

To apply online, visit the WiscJobs website. During the application process, you will be asked to create a login and submit your application materials online by copying and pasting your responses into appropriate fields. 

Completed materials must be received by 11:59 pm on Sunday, October 27, 2013.

Application materials and the examination will be evaluated and the most qualified candidates will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process.

Questions may be directed to:
Brian Schroeder, Human Resources Specialist
Wisconsin Historical Society
816 State St
Madison, WI 53706-1482
Phone: 608-264-6409
Fax: 608-264-6415
Email: [email protected]