Archivist - Office of Municipal Archives & History

City of Savannah; Savannah (GA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision plan

Pension plan

Tuition reimbursement

Wellness programs

457(b) deferred compensation

12 paid holidays

Job summary

The City of Savannah is seeking an Archivist to safeguard and provide access to the City’s historic records. You will handle appraisal, arrangement, description, cataloging, and preservation, supporting public research requests and internal operations.

The role emphasizes access, transparency, and responsible records management within municipal archives. The ideal candidate has a Master’s in Library Science or related archival studies and at least two years of post-graduate archival experience,

Qualifications

• Master's in Library Science or archival-related field plus two years of post-graduate archival experience.
• ACA/CAMS/CRM certifications preferred; a valid driver's license required.
• Experience with cataloging, classification, preservation, and public reference handling.

Responsibilities

• Cares for archival collections and maintains access through appraisal, cataloging, and preservation.
• Assist staff with records management: transfer, retention schedules, retrieval, disposition, and documentation.
• Fulfills reference requests from the public and city departments.
• Prepare and revise department policies for accessing archival records.
• Supervise public use of archives and provide guidance on accessing materials.
• Update website and digital finding aids; maintain digital collections.
• Contribute to outreach through historical summaries, presentations, or exhibits; train interns and staff.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Archival description

Reference services

Public outreach

Supervision

Interpersonal communication

Education

Master's in Library Science

Archival Studies

Records Management

History (archival coursework)

Job description

Preserve the Past. Shape the Future. Build Your Career Where History Matters!

Are you passionate about history, preserving records, and connecting people with the stories that shape our community? If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and are ready to grow professionally, the City of Savannah may be the perfect place for you!

The City of Savannah Office of Municipal Archives & History is seeking a highly qualified, customer-focused Archivist to join our team and help preserve and share Savannah’s rich history.

Your next chapter starts here! Take the next step and turn your passion for archived and history into a career with purpose.

As the new Archivist, you will be responsible for the appraisal, arrangement, description, and preservation of the City’s archival records. This position ensures access to historical and administrative materials by maintaining physical and digital collections, fulfilling internal and public research requests, and promoting the appropriate use of archival holdings. The role supports long-term records retention and public transparency while performing intellectual and physical tasks related to collection development, cataloging, and public service.

The Municipal Archives collects, manages, preserves and makes accessible records documenting the City of Savannah’s history; administers the records management program and the City Records Center to increase the efficiency of City agencies; and shares the City’s history with City employees, citizens and visitors through outreach activities. The Municipal Archives services reference requests from researchers and the general public which relate to archival and historical City records under its administration in the City Records Center.

The Municipal Archives shares the City’s history through a variety of public outreach activities, including tours of City Hall, permanent and rotating exhibits, and special programs.

As the new Archivist, your work is typically performed in an office, training room, records center, or records storage location. You will be responsible for protecting and providing access to the City of Savannah's records.

We offer great pay, excellent benefits to include medical, dental, and vision plans, life insurance, employee/spouse/child supplemental life insurance, short-term disability, tuition reimbursement, wellness programs, deferred compensation plan (457 B), pension plan, flexible spending account, employee referral program, home purchase assistance and 12 paid holidays!

Women, Minorities, and Veterans Are Encouraged to Apply!

Job Responsibilities

• Cares for the archival collections of the city; creates and maintains intellectual access to the collections through appraisal, acquisition, transfer, arrangement, description, inputting of cataloging records in national bibliographic databases, the identification of preservation and conservation issues, basic preservation and conservation, the identification of suppliers and vendors, disaster planning, and development of goals and objectives.
• Assists departmental staff with records management functions, including transfer, inventory, implementation of records retention schedules, records retrieval, disposition of records, and maintenance of documentation regarding records management functions.
• Fulfills reference requests from public patrons and city departments regarding city records and city history, including identification of available records, dissemination of pertinent information from archival records and reference materials, preparation and writing of original research documents, and referral to other departments and organizations.
• Prepares and revises department policies, procedures, forms, and literature regarding archival collections to help the public and city departments more effectively access city archival records.
• Supervises public use of archival records to ensure proper handling and provides guidance on accessing and interpreting materials.
• Updates the department website and archival collection portals, including providing quality control and maintenance of electronic finding aids and digital collections.
• Contributes to outreach and engagement through the preparation and delivery of historical summaries, presentations, or exhibits (physical and virtually) related to archival holdings.
• Trains and supervises interns, and part-time and temporary staff.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Master's Degree in Library Science (from an American Library Association accredited graduate program), Archival Studies, Records Management or History (with demonstrated course work in archival studies) plus two years of post-graduate experience in archival records/collections accessioning, processing, arrangement, description, cataloging, classifcation, and/or preservation; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Academy of Certified Archivists (ACA), Institute of Certifed Records Managers (CRM), and/or Georgia Records Association (GRA) certifcation preferred. A valid driver's license is required.

Work Location: 2 E Bay St. Work Hours: 8 am - 5 pm, Monday - Friday

Additional Requirements

Background investigation, including supervised drug screen, post offer/pre- employment medical screen; and verification of education, certifcations, and licenses required prior to employment.

• Knowledge of library principles, methods and practices. Knowledge of archival management principles.
• Knowledge records management principles.
• Knowledge of internal and external computer networks and software. Knowledge of computers and modern office equipment.
• Knowledge of city and department policies and procedures. Skill in management and supervision.
• Skill in decision making.
• Skill in compiling information and preparing reports.
• Skill in operating such office equipment as a typewriter, calculator, copier, and facsimile machine.
• Skill in interpersonal relations.
• Skill in oral and written communication.