Document Preservation Assistant, Department of Planning and Community Development (DPCD) (Salem, MA)
Posted September 3, 2025
TITLE: Document Preservation Assistant
DEPARTMENT: Department of Planning and Community Development (DPCD)
POSITION(S) STATUS: Two positions available; part-time (up to 19 hours per week) non-union role, funded through June 2026 with possibility of extension based on funding
REPORTS TO: Historic Document Preservation Team, led by Senior Planner for Arts & Culture and Preservation Planner
SALARY: $20.00 per hour
JOB SUMMARY
The City of Salem seeks one or two individuals to review, organize, catalog, and box an exceptionally large and invaluable repository of historic building permits and rolled architectural plans dating from 1914-2004 currently being stored in the basement of Old Town Hall, Salem MA. This unique opportunity will provide hands-on experience for emerging historians and archivists to work with an extraordinary trove of significant historical materials.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED
Employee(s) will work under the supervision of a Historic Document Preservation Team consisting of appropriate City Staff, as well as local professionals in the fields of architectural history and archival studies. Duties performed independently under guidance established by Document Preservation Team. Direct project and staff oversight will be managed by the Architectural Historian and Archivist.
MAJOR DUTIES
- On-site sorting, identifying, and cataloging of historic documents
- Data collection and entry of relevant document information
- Organizing and boxing documents
- Indexing and correlating cataloged data to boxed documents
- Other necessary project duties as assigned
QUALIFICATIONS, EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- At a minimum, candidates should have Graduate-level academic background (degree or advanced standing preferred) in archival studies, architectural history, preservation studies, cultural heritage studies, museum studies, or public history; or an equivalent combination of education and experience which demonstrates possession of the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
- Work experience in any of these fields is a plus.
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail are essential.
- Proficiency in data collection and cataloging required.
WORK HOURS
Grant-funded, part-time, temporary position(s), for a total of 800 hours at the rate of $20/hr. Majority of work should take place during regular City business hours, exact work hours can be flexible. Total number of work hours per individual will not exceed 19 hours per week. Once established, consistent and predictable schedule is strongly preferred. Work is expected to culminate by June 30, 2026. An extension is possible dependent on additional funding.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to be mobile, use a computer, and communicate with others. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision in dim light. Additionally, the employee will be required to lift, move, and carry items up to 30 lbs. Handling of dusty/dirty boxes and documents required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Work site is Old Town Hall, 32 Derby Square, Salem MA. Old Town Hall is easily accessible, situated in the heart of downtown Salem and within a 10 min walk of the MBTA commuter rail station. Work will take place mostly in the basement of Old Town Hall, where it can be cold, damp, and musty. Many of the documents are dirty, brittle, and acidic from years of open storage in the basement. Great care and caution will be necessary when working with the documents. Employees can wear masks, gloves, and other PPE, if desired, provided by the City.
HOW TO APPLY
Qualified individuals are encouraged to apply with cover letter/statement of interest and resume/CV (maximum 2 pages) using this email address: [email protected] no later than Tuesday, September 23, 2025.
City of Salem Human Resources
Lisa B. Cammarata, Director
98 Washington St., 3rd Floor
Salem, Massachusetts 01970
The City of Salem is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, gender or gender identity, familial status, disability, ancestry, age, marital status, public assistance status, sexual orientation, veteran history/military status or genetic information.