Project Archivist, New England Historic Genealogical Society, Boston, MA
Posted April 1, 2019
The Project Archivist is responsible for the processing and description of the Reinier Beeuwkes Family Collection.
The Reinier Beeuwkes Family Collection, approximately 1727-1986, contains a significant quantity of original documents, ephemera, and photographs relating to the Beeuwkes, Clark, Drury, and Goodwin families of New England and beyond. Original documents include account books, art, certificates, correspondence, deeds, diaries, genealogical material, newspaper clippings, poetry, receipts, recipes, reminiscences, school papers, and scrapbooks.
This is a temporary part-time (28 hour/week) position. The duration of this position is twelve months and is located within the New England Historic Genealogical Society’s R. Stanton Avery Special Collections in Boston.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
1. The Project Archivist will assume responsibility for the processing and description of the Reinier Beeuwkes Family Collection through the appropriate housing of manuscript material, barcoding containers, identifying materials for conservation treatment, creation of an EAD encoded finding aid according to DACS through ArchivesSpace, and the creation of a MARC record.
2. There will also be opportunities to promote knowledge of the project by writing blog posts and/or articles and giving presentations.
Supervision
The Project Archivist reports to the Manager of Manuscript Collections. However, on a day-to-day basis the work of the Project Archivist will be directed and coordinated by the Archivist.
Typical physical requirements
Candidates for this position should be able to work up to four hours at a computer workstation and should be able to lift archival boxes weighing up to forty pounds.
Minimum Acceptable Qualifications
Education:
A Master’s degree in history, library science (ALA accredited), or a related discipline is required and work experience concerning the processing of manuscript collections.
Experience:
- Demonstrated knowledge of archival principles and practices, particularly those relating to the processing of a manuscript collection are required.
- Experience and familiarity with using an archival content management system and technologies applicable for an archival environment
- Experience working with archival content metadata standards and current practice in archival arrangement and description including DACS (Describing Archives: A Content Standard) and EAD (Encoded Archival Description)
Skills:
- Effective interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills are required.
- Strong organizational and analytical skills with proven success in independently prioritizing work demonstrated in meeting deadlines and in managing complex projects to completion.
Preferred Skills:
- Experience using ArchivesSpace
- Experience with genealogical research
Salary:
$18-21 per hour, depending upon experience (28 hours per week; 52 weeks)
To Apply:
Please email resume and compelling cover letter to Michelle Major ([email protected]), Director of Human Resources. Review of applications will begin May 6, 2019.
No phone calls please.