Archivist, Research Access & Discovery

Smithsonian Institution; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 102,000 - 133,000; Full time

Job summary

The Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC seeks an Archivist (IS-1420-12) to plan and administer reference and research services for archival collections. The role includes developing procedures for inquiries, scheduling visits, and providing access to materials.

Responsibilities span advising on archival use, updating finding aids, and maintaining records with DACS/EAD compliance, collaborating with metadata and digital staff to ensure proper control and access across multiple locations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in archival science or a related field with required coursework in archival science, history or government.
• Combination of education and experience acceptable per the job announcement.

Responsibilities

• Plans, coordinates, and administers reference and research services for archival collections.
• Develops procedures for responding to inquiries, scheduling research visits, and providing access to materials.
• Advises museum staff, scholars, and the public on the use of archival collections and ensures compliance with policies.
• Maintains and updates finding aids, collection records, and databases using ArchivesSpace and other archival systems.
• Ensures descriptive records are accurate and consistent with professional standards including DACS and EAD.
• Coordinates updates to collection documentation to support research, exhibitions, and digital access.
• Works with metadata, digital, and collections staff to ensure accurate intellectual control of collections.
• Interprets archival policies and procedures related to access, restrictions, and use of collections.
• Develops and recommends improvements to reference workflows and access procedures.
• Coordinates access to materials stored in multiple locations including Capital Gallery and Pennsy Drive.

Skills

Archival systems

Research access prep

Inventory support

Collections storage

Education

Bachelor's degree in archival science or related

Tools

ArchivesSpace

Job description

The Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC seeks an Archivist (IS-1420-12) to plan and administer reference and research services for archival collections. The role includes developing procedures for inquiries, scheduling visits, and providing access to materials.

Responsibilities span advising on archival use, updating finding aids, and maintaining records with DACS/EAD compliance, collaborating with metadata and digital staff to ensure proper control and access across multiple locations.