Collections Archivist, Whitman College, (Walla Walla, WA)

Posted October 14, 2024

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

The Whitman College and Northwest Archives curates materials that document the history of Whitman College and the Walla Walla region as well as rare books and other special collections housed in Penrose Library. The archives collects, preserves, provides access to, and promotes the use of these materials for teaching, learning, and research.

The primary area of responsibility for the Collections Archivist will be to develop and maintain workflows for the accessioning, arrangement and description of new and backlogged manuscript and archival materials in all formats, using applicable professional standards and best practices. The position will also oversee born-digital processing and audiovisual format migrations. This work will include surveying collections; developing and prioritizing processing workflows; prioritizing the preservation of digital material; completing necessary rehousing and arrangement work; identifying priorities for digitization; and managing digital archival collections in ARMINDA, Whitman’s Islandora-based digital repository platform.

Compensation: $65,950 – $70,000

DUTIES:

Collections Management

• Develop and carry out policy and workflows created in accordance with professional standards for:
  • Accessioning, arrangement, and description of regional manuscripts and institutional records including analog, hybrid and born-digital materials.
  • Preservation of digital materials, both born-digital and reformatted content, including strategizing for their continued relevancy. 
• Create collection management records, track events, containers and locations, and develop models for assessing collections.

Archival Systems

• Manage the Orbis Cascade Alliance-mandated ArchivesSpace software and finding aid host site, ArchivesWest.
• Collaborate with the ARMINDA administrator to organize and oversee digitization projects and manage metadata and policies related to archival collections in ARMINDA.

Public Service & Outreach

• Assist the Archivist and Head of Special Collections in conducting reference interviews in person, by phone, by post, and by email and in staffing the main public service desk.
• Work with institutional offices, faculty, student groups, and community partners to acquire and promote the use of institutional and local history records.
• Support information management needs of the Maxey Museum. 

Supervisory

• Train and supervise student archives assistants working on processing and digitization projects.
• Supervise and maintain AV reformatting equipment and digital processing station. 

General

• Serve on library-wide teams and campus committees, including the Digital Services Team and the Collections Committee. Participate in planning and policy making in a shared decision-making environment.
• Actively participate in regional consortia; pursue continuing educational, professional or scholarly activity.
• Other duties may be assigned by the Archivist & Head of Special Collections or Director of Penrose Library.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

Must be able to explain and/or demonstrate possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities to safely perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation. Specifically,

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact and collaborate with diverse individuals, teams and groups.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective and positive working relationships with the College’s leaders as well as students, faculty, staff, donors, alumni and the general public.
• Ability to advance the College’s core values of diversity, equity, inclusion and antiracism.
• Ability to pay strict attention to detail and accuracy; ability to determine and follow an efficient, sequential workflow.
• Possess specific computer skills, including standard office applications including Microsoft Suite and Google Drive; have the ability to learn specialized software systems including ArchivesSpace, Islandora, and Adobe Products.
• Ability to stay on task in an environment where there are frequent interruptions to routine assignments and special projects

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s degree from an ALA accredited program with an emphasis or coursework in archival management.
• One year professional or pre-professional experience in archival processing.
• Ability to provide reference, outreach, and collection management services. 
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and antiracism, and experience applying this commitment to work in libraries, archives or special collections.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Knowledge or experience in archival theory, methodology and practices, including:
  • Experience with ArchivesSpace or other archival management systems; 
  • Descriptive systems and principles including DACS, EAD, XML, MARC21 and Library of Congress Name Authority Files and Subject Headings.
  • Born-digital processing and digital preservation. 
  • Audio-visual digitization and reformatting.
• Knowledge of or interest in the history and culture of the inland Pacific Northwest.
• Experience supervising student workers.
• Familiarity with Spanish is desirable.

Please note that while the description details both required and preferred qualifications, we want applicants to be aware that they do not need to have all of the preferred qualifications to be considered for this position. If you meet the minimum qualifications and have passion for the work, you are encouraged to apply.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Work environment is primarily inside the Whitman College Archives, which may include working in elevated or confined areas. The Collections Archivist may be exposed to dust, pollen, and other related contaminants generated by manuscript or archival material.

BENEFITS:

Whitman College offers a competitive benefits program that is designed to attract qualified candidates and retain talented employees.

How to Apply:

Application review will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. 

START DATE: January 2025

To see the full job description and apply visit the site below:

Collections Archivists