Processing Archivist, Maine State Archives (Augusta, ME)

Posted May 5, 2026

About the Position:  

The Maine State Archives, a branch of the Department of the Secretary of State, is seeking candidates for the part-time position of Processing Archivist I within the Archives Services Division. The responsibilities of this essential role include accessioning and processing both paper and digital archival collections, creating finding aids and catalog entries, and scanning archival documents in accordance with industry standards. The Processing Archivist I will work with older archival collections that have not been processed, as well as with modern collections newly transferred to the State Archives. Additionally, this role involves posting historical materials online for public access and maintaining ArchivesSpace catalogue entries according to descriptive standards. The Processing Archivist I also evaluates and improves the storage of archival materials to ensure proper preservation. Work is carried out with limited supervision.  The work schedule is 15 hours per week between Monday and Friday.  

The Maine State Archives strives to make the historical records of Maine State Government widely accessible to the public. The mission of the Maine State Archives is to make the operations of state and local government more efficient, more effective, and more economical through records management by preserving and providing access to the public the permanent historical records of Maine in our custody.  

What We’re Looking For:  

• Team Collaboration: Ability to work effectively within a team, contributing to shared goals and helping others succeed.  
• Communication Skills: Clear and effective communication with colleagues, management, and stakeholders to ensure alignment and clarity.  
• Adaptability: Willingness and ability to adapt to changing priorities, processes, and technologies.  
• Problem-Solving: Strong critical thinking skills to identify issues and propose innovative solutions.  
• Attention to Detail: A focus on accuracy and thoroughness in completing tasks and managing responsibilities.  
• Professionalism: Maintain a positive and respectful work environment through thoughtful, courteous interactions.  

Key Competencies We Value:  

• Emotional Intelligence: Ability to understand and connect with others, showing empathy while maintaining professionalism and accountability.  
• Conflict Resolution & Feedback: Skill in managing difficult situations and offering constructive feedback with tact and respect.  
• Time Management: Strong organizational and multitasking abilities to balance various responsibilities effectively.  
• Commitment to Excellence: Dedication to achieving high standards in service delivery and personal work performance.  
• Continuous Improvement: A mindset focused on improving processes, learning new skills, and supporting team development.  

In this role, you will:

• Arrange, process, and preserve archival collections following professional standards to ensure intellectual control of and public access to state records.
• Utilize ArchivesSpace and related databases, ensuring metadata consistency, discoverability, and staff training on best practices.
• Create and upload records and metadata using controlled vocabularies and perform reparative description of legacy material. 
• Collaborate with Archives and Records Management teams on retention schedules and archival acquisitions. 
• Apply subject expertise for reference services for the public and state agencies.  
• Assist in design and delivery of outreach initiatives to prioritize user experience, including research guides, presentations, and workshops. 
• Evaluate records for accession, deaccession, and conservation needs, applying appropriate preservation methods. 
• Assess confidentiality requirements in compliance with laws and regulations. 
• Participate in professional development to stay current with emerging archival practices and tools. 
• Perform special projects to support agency goals, document complex project management plans and workflow. Contribute effectively as a team member. ​

Preferences will be given to candidates who have:  

• Processing experience in an archival setting. Knowledge of federal and Maine laws and regulations regarding government records, including acquisition, retention, transparency, and confidentiality. 
• Knowledge of records management practices, including retention schedules, databases, policies, and procedures. 
• Knowledge of U.S. and Maine history, state government, and judicial development. 
• Knowledge of archival best practices, including collection management, metadata standards (DACS, ISAD(G), EAD), content descriptions, controlled vocabularies, and born-digital records.
• Skill in scholarly research methods using primary and secondary sources, public records, archival holdings, and electronic databases. 
• Knowledge of basic conservation methods, materials, and environmental hazards affecting records, including safe handling of mold or other contaminants. 
• Proficiency with ArchivesSpace, Microsoft Office, HTML, and other archival or office software tools. 
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, verbally and in writing, explain technical concepts to varied audiences, and to read cursive handwriting.  
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds, climb ladders, and work in dusty environments. 

Minimum Qualifications:  

(Entry level knowledges, skills, and/or abilities may be acquired through, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO the following coursework/training and/or experience).

Foundational education, training, and/or experience in archival services, history, or another related field demonstrating competency in State and American history, working with manual and electronic information systems, managing records and other documents, and utilizing scholarly research sources, methods, and techniques.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. Please note that this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or STEM OPT extensions, and successful candidates will be required to complete an I-9 form upon hire.  

The successful candidate must pass a National Criminal Background check, which may include fingerprinting. 

Contact information:  

Questions about this position should be directed to Terri Kanaris at [email protected]

How to Apply  

To apply, click “Apply for this opening” and upload your cover letter, resume, and any relevant transcripts or certifications to: https://maine.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/Executive/details/Processing-Archivist-I–Part-Time—-Maine-State-Archives_R26-01887?Department=473d696f7b721000e48ca60445f30000. Your resume must include month/year for each position and list related duties and responsibilities. Please note if any experience was part-time.