Digital Archivist

Getz Museum; Bardstown, Northern (KY, KY); Hybrid; USD 45,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey History in Bardstown, Kentucky, is seeking a Digital Archivist to build and protect the museum's digital collections, digitizing materials and ensuring long-term access.

You will create metadata, manage DAMS, collaborate with curators and IT, and help develop virtual exhibitions. This role supports preservation and public access, with hybrid work options depending on equipment and project needs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Library Science, Archival Studies, Information Science, Museum Studies, or related field.
• Master’s degree preferred.
• 2+ years experience in a digital archives or digital collections setting.
• Knowledge of archival standards and best practices (e.g., OAIS, PREMIS, METS).
• Familiarity with scanning equipment, image editing software, and file management systems.
• Strong attention to detail and data organization skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively on long-term projects.

Responsibilities

• Digitize archival documents, photographs, and audiovisual materials using museum standards.
• Create and maintain metadata using controlled vocabularies and archival description best practices (e.g., Dublin Core, EAD).
• Implement digital preservation protocols and backup strategies to ensure long-term access.
• Manage digital asset management systems (DAMS) and assist with user access.
• Collaborate with curators, historians, and IT staff to prioritize digitization projects.
• Support the development of virtual exhibitions and online collection portals.
• Train staff and volunteers in digitization workflows and file handling.
• Stay current with emerging technologies and archival standards.

Skills

Metadata creation

Digital preservation

Digitization

Archival standards

File management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Library Science/Archival Studies/Information Science/Museum Studies or related field

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

CONTENTdm

PastPerfect

Omeka

DAMS

Job description

Contract Length Full-Time or Part-Time, Permanent (Hybrid or Grant-Funded Options Possible)

Location Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey History – Bardstown, Kentucky (Hybrid work possible depending on equipment access)

Archival Curation Digital Archivist Digital Collections Digital Preservation Electronic Records Museum Technology

Join the Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey History as a Digital Archivist and play a vital role in safeguarding historical materials in digital form. Help us digitize, organize, and preserve the stories, artifacts, and documents that shape bourbon’s rich heritage.

About the Role

The Digital Archivist is responsible for developing and maintaining the museum’s digital archives, including digitization of physical materials, metadata creation, digital preservation, and access systems. This role ensures long-term integrity and usability of digitized collections, while increasing public and scholarly access to historical materials.

Responsibilities

Digitize archival documents, photographs, and audiovisual materials using museum standards.

Create and maintain metadata using controlled vocabularies and archival description best practices (e.g., Dublin Core, EAD).

Implement digital preservation protocols and backup strategies to ensure long-term access.

Manage digital asset management systems (DAMS) and assist with user access.

Collaborate with curators, historians, and IT staff to prioritize digitization projects.

Support the development of virtual exhibitions and online collection portals.

Train staff and volunteers in digitization workflows and file handling.

Stay current with emerging technologies and archival standards.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Library Science, Archival Studies, Information Science, Museum Studies, or related field. Master’s degree preferred.

2+ years experience in a digital archives or digital collections setting.

Knowledge of archival standards and best practices (e.g., OAIS, PREMIS, METS).

Familiarity with scanning equipment, image editing software, and file management systems.

Strong attention to detail and data organization skills.

Ability to work independently and collaboratively on long-term projects.

Bonus Skills

Experience with content management systems and digital asset platforms (e.g., CONTENTdm, PastPerfect, Omeka).

Knowledge of bourbon or regional Kentucky history.

Understanding of copyright and rights management in digital collections.

Basic coding/scripting knowledge for automation (e.g., Python, XML, XSLT).

Audio and video digitization experience.

What to Expect

Preserve and expand access to fragile or rare materials through responsible digitization.

Maintain structured, searchable records that support research and public engagement.

Ensure digital files are backed up, accessible, and well-documented.

Help the museum advance its mission through digital inclusion and innovation.