Processing Archivist — PA4629

AMG & Associates, Inc.; Olympia (WA); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

AMG & Associates, Inc. is seeking an experienced Processing Archivist for a full-time contract to support the organization, arrangement, description, preservation, and accessibility of archival collections and historical records.

You will collaborate with archivists, librarians, researchers, and records management professionals to ensure materials are processed accurately, preserved properly, and accessible in accordance with established standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in History, Archival Studies, Library Science, Information Science, or Records Management.
• 3+ years of professional archival processing experience.
• Familiarity with archival standards, cataloging, digitization, and preservation procedures.

Responsibilities

• Assess, organize, arrange, and describe archival collections, manuscripts, historical documents, photographs, and institutional records.
• Process archival materials from accessioning to arrangement, description, and final storage.
• Develop finding aids, collection inventories, catalog records, and descriptive metadata.
• Apply archival standards and procedures for consistent organization and documentation.
• Evaluate preservation needs, handling requirements, and storage conditions.
• Maintain records of contents, processing activities, access restrictions, and preservation actions.
• Support digitization by preparing materials for scanning and verifying metadata.
• Maintain archival databases, collection management systems, and electronic records.
• Identify restricted materials and escalate as needed.
• Coordinate with stakeholders to support access and research needs.
• Assist with acquisition, accessioning, and transfer of new collections.
• Ensure materials are stored and processed per policies and guidelines.
• Review and update descriptions, inventories, and documentation.
• Support research requests by locating and preparing materials for access.
• Maintain confidentiality and follow restricted-records requirements.
• Assist with audits, preservation projects, and records management activities.
• Identify improvements to workflows, metadata quality, and accessibility.

Skills

Organizational skills

Analytical skills

Research skills

Problem-solving

Independent work

Collaborative work

Education

Bachelor's degree in History/Archival Studies/Library Science/Information Science/Records Management

Master's degree in Library/Information Science or Archival Studies

Tools

Archival management systems

Digital repositories

Cataloging platforms

Collection databases

Job description

We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Processing Archivist to join our team on a full-time contract basis. The Processing Archivist will support the organization, arrangement, description, preservation, and accessibility of archival collections and historical records. This role will work closely with archivists, librarians, researchers, records management professionals, and internal stakeholders to ensure archival materials are accurately processed, properly preserved, and accessible in accordance with established standards and organizational requirements.

Key Responsibilities:

Assess, organize, arrange, and describe archival collections, manuscripts, historical documents, photographs, and institutional records.

Process archival materials from initial accessioning and inventory through arrangement, description, and final storage.

Develop and maintain finding aids, collection inventories, catalog records, and descriptive metadata.

Apply established archival standards and procedures to ensure consistent organization and documentation.

Evaluate archival materials for preservation needs, handling requirements, and appropriate storage conditions.

Maintain accurate records of collection contents, processing activities, access restrictions, and preservation actions.

Support digitization initiatives by preparing archival materials for scanning, verifying metadata, and organizing digital files.

Maintain archival databases, collection management systems, and electronic records.

Identify damaged, deteriorating, sensitive, or restricted materials and elevate concerns when appropriate.

Coordinate with archivists, librarians, researchers, and other stakeholders to support collection access and research needs.

Assist with the acquisition, accessioning, transfer, and management of new archival collections.

Ensure archival materials are stored, handled, and processed according to institutional policies and preservation guidelines.

Review and update collection descriptions, catalog entries, inventories, and archival documentation.

Support research requests by locating, retrieving, and preparing archival materials for authorized access.

Maintain confidentiality and follow applicable requirements for restricted, sensitive, or proprietary records.

Assist with archival audits, collection assessments, preservation projects, and records management activities.

Identify opportunities to improve archival processing workflows, documentation practices, metadata quality, and collection accessibility.

Ensure assigned projects, processing targets, and documentation are completed accurately and within established deadlines.

Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in History, Archival Studies, Library Science, Information Science, Records Management, or a related field.

3+ years of professional experience in archival processing, archives management, library collections, records management, or a related field.

Strong understanding of archival arrangement, description, accessioning, preservation, and collection management principles.

Experience developing finding aids, collection inventories, catalog records, or descriptive metadata.

Familiarity with archival standards, cataloging practices, digitization workflows, and preservation procedures.

Strong organizational, analytical, research, and problem-solving skills.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Exceptional attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate archival documentation.

Proficiency with Microsoft Office and digital documentation tools.

Experience with archival management systems, digital repositories, cataloging platforms, or collection databases is preferred.

Ability to handle historical materials carefully and follow established preservation and access procedures.

Ability to manage multiple collections, processing assignments, deadlines, and priorities simultaneously.

Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively with archivists, researchers, librarians, and other stakeholders.

Knowledge of digital preservation, metadata standards, and electronic records management is a plus.

A master's degree in Library and Information Science, Archival Studies, or a related discipline, or relevant professional certifications, is preferred but not required.

Compensation & Contract Benefits

Annual Contract Rate: $85,000–$105,000 per year, commensurate with experience, qualifications, and scope of responsibility.

Schedule: Full-time contract, approximately 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday.

Contract Duration: Initial contract assignment with potential for extension or renewal based on business needs and performance.

Work Arrangement: Remote or hybrid work options may be available depending on project requirements, collection access needs, and organizational policies.

Professional Development: Opportunities for archival training, preservation workshops, digital archives education, and professional development.

Career Growth: Opportunities to develop expertise in archival processing, collection management, digital preservation, metadata, and records administration.

Collaborative Environment: Work closely with archival, library, research, records management, and internal teams on collection preservation and accessibility initiatives.

Qualified candidates will be contacted for an interview.

Equal Opportunity Employer: We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.