Metadata Specialist

State of Wisconsin; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 80,231,000 - 85,962,000; Full time

Job summary

The Wisconsin Historical Society is seeking a Metadata Specialist Project Position to support digitization and discovery efforts by creating descriptive metadata and populating records with access points using established vocabularies. This role will link digital assets across discovery systems and catalogs, working within a collaborative team to enhance access to Civil Rights archival materials.

The position emphasizes experience with digital asset management, metadata creation, and handling

Qualifications

• Experience creating metadata for digital assets for discovery.
• Experience using a variety of DAM and discovery systems.
• Experience working with archival/artifact collections, including handling fragile materials.
• Experience using OrangeLogic’s OrangeDAM, Cortex.
• Experience using controlled vocabularies and taxonomies.
• Knowledge of the Civil Rights Movement in U.S. history.

Responsibilities

• Create descriptive metadata and populate records with access points using authority files and vocabularies to facilitate discovery.
• Link digital assets across discovery systems and finding aids to improve access.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support digitization and discovery initiatives.

Skills

Digital asset management

Metadata creation

Archival handling

Tools

CONTENTdm

Argus

ArchivesSpace

Aviary

PastPerfect

TIND DA

Mukurtu

OrangeDAM

Cortex

Job description

Introduction

The Wisconsin Historical Society, considered one of the nation's finest historical institutions, is a State of Wisconsin government agency as well as a mission-driven entrepreneurial organization. The Wisconsin Historical Society (WHS), founded in 1846, ranks as one of the largest, most active and diversified state historical societies in the nation. As both a state agency and a private membership organization, its mission is to help people connect to the past by collecting, preserving, and sharing stories. At its core, WHS believes that increasing the public's knowledge of history has profound societal, cultural, and economic benefit. Its library, archives and collections, historic sites and museums, historic preservation office, and extensive educational programs and community outreach are focused on our vision to enrich and transform lives through unparalleled access to history. Click here for more information about WHS’ mission, vision, and core values.

WHS is committed to being a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization because we truly believe this is the most effective way to attract, engage, and retain the best talent and the most meaningful way to support our mission.

Click here for more information about working for WHS.

Position Summary

Under the supervision of the Director of Collections Information & Management, the Metadata Specialist Project Position works as part of cross-functional teams to support the Wisconsin Historical Society’s digitization and discovery initiatives. The Metadata Specialist Project Position is an integral part of the team responsible for creating descriptive metadata and populating records with access points using Library of Congress subject and name authority files, and other thesauri and vocabularies to facilitate the discovery of digital assets related to some of the Society’s Civil Rights archival materials. This position will also link digital assets in various discovery systems such as finding aids and catalog records. This position will work in a collaborative team environment to facilitate discovery and access to materials covered by the grant.

Salary Information

The salary will be between $28.00 - $30.00 per hour ($58,240 - $62,400 annually) in accordance with the provisions of the current Compensation Plan. Civil service classification is Archivist. This position is in pay schedule 13, range 04.

Visit this link for a calculator of State of Wisconsin benefits: https://dpm.wi.gov/Pages/Employees/RewardsCalculator.aspx

Job Details

A criminal background check will be conducted prior to an offer of employment to determine if the circumstances of any conviction may be related to the job.

Permanent classified state employees who are eligible for consideration (transfer, voluntary demotion, or former employees as a reinstatement) should complete the application process to apply.

WHS does not sponsor work visas. Any appointment made will be contingent on the applicant being able to prove valid status to work in the United States.

SPECIAL NOTE: This is a 2-year project position with an end date of February 28, 2028.

Qualifications

• Experience using a variety of digital asset management and discovery systems (e.g. CONTENTdm, Argus, ArchivesSpace, Aviary, PastPerfect, TIND DA, Mukurtu)


• Experience creating metadata for digital assets for discovery


• Experience working with archival and/or artifact collections, including experience handling fragile materials

• Experience using OrangeLogic’s OrangeDAM, Cortex


• Experience using controlled vocabularies and taxonomies


• Knowledge of the Civil Rights Movement in United States history

WHS is an Equal Opportunity and affirmative action employer seeking a diverse and talented workforce.

Veterans, women, people of color, LGBTQIA+, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. We provide reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities.

Questions can be directed to [e-mail]. or [phone].

Please see the Frequently Asked Questions for general wisc.jobs user information and technical assistance.

Applications are due at 11:59PM on September 7, 2026.