Special Assistant: Archives

Marine Corps Heritage Foundation; Quantico (VA); On-site; USD 27,552 - 34,440; Part time

Job summary

A historical preservation organization in Virginia seeks an Archives Special Assistant to enhance its mission. The role involves assisting with accessioning, processing, and cataloging various archival materials, including photographs and documents. Candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field and demonstrate skills in archival arrangement, digital imaging, and teamwork. This position is limited to 29 hours per week and requires effective organizational and communication abilities.

Qualifications

• Hands-on processing experience with archival materials.
• Demonstrated ability to work well in a team environment.

Responsibilities

• Assist with accessioning, processing, and cataloging archival materials.
• Maintain accurate records in the archive's database.
• Digitize archival materials and create metadata.
• Provide reference and research support.
• Assist in the development of outreach strategies.

Skills

Proficiency in archival arrangement and description

Competency in Microsoft Word and Excel

Experience with digitization tools

Excellent organizational skills

Problem-solving ability

Education

Bachelor's degree in history, museum studies, or related field

Job description

Overview

Working at the Marine Corps History Division, the Archives Special Assistant (SA) will contribute to the History Division's mission by assisting with the arranging, describing, and digitizing of physical and digitized materials. The Archives Assistant will use professional judgment in arranging, describing, and preserving historical materials in accordance with recognized archival best practices and internal standard operating policies.

Location / Schedule

Fully in‑person: This is an in‑person position located at 2044 Broadway Street, Marine Corps Base Quantico, 22134. This position is limited to 29 hours per week with a term not to exceed three years.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the accessioning, processing and cataloging of archival materials, including manuscripts, photographs, maps, and other historical documents.
• Assist with data entry and maintain accurate records in the archive's database and finding aids.
• Assist with digitizing archival materials and creating metadata, ensuring accurate and efficient scanning, and maintaining the organization, accessibility, and security of digital files.
• Assist with the accessioning and processing of audio‑visual and born‑digital materials.
• Assist with basic preservation tasks, such as cleaning, rehousing, and labeling archival materials.
• Assist in providing reference and research support.
• Assist in the development of outreach strategies and initiatives, such as social media creation to increase use and awareness of collections.
• Assist in special projects and other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Education / Experience

• Bachelor's degree in history, museum studies, or related field.

Technological Skills

• Competency in computer applications, including Microsoft Word and Excel, and digital imaging applications.
• Experience with digitization tools and platforms for scanning and a/v recording.

Required Knowledge And Skills

• Proficiency in archival arrangement and description, including hands‑on processing experience and knowledge of current approaches and standards for describing archives and graphic materials.
• Knowledge of best practices for handling, organizing, describing, and preserving photographic archives, including both digital and physical photographic materials.

Other

• Demonstrated ability to work well in a team environment where collaboration, flexibility, problem‑solving, attention‑to‑detail, and efficiency are essential.
• Excellent organizational, project management, and communication skills, both orally and in writing.

Employment Conditions

Applicants who are selected for employment will be required to verify authorization to work in the United States. Offers of employment will be contingent upon passing a post‑offer background check.

Environment And Physical Conditions

The environmental factors and/or physical requirements of this position include the following: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to have ordinary ambulatory skills sufficient to visit other locations; and the ability to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, and manipulate (lift, carry, move) light to medium weights of 10‑20 pounds. Requires good hand–eye coordination, arm, hand and finger dexterity, including ability to grasp, and visual acuity to use a keyboard. The employee frequently is required to be in one position for long periods of screen use, reach with hands and arms, and talk and hear both in person and over devices. The employee interacts in close spaces and frequently with other workers, vendors and clients. May be in situations which require conflict resolution. The position works in an office environment with artificial light and air. Occasionally are exposed to contaminants like dust.

EEO Statement

The Marine Corps Heritage Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other classification protected by law.