Archivist | Sweetwater, TX

The National WASP WWII Museum is hiring an experienced archivist.  Located in Sweetwater, TX, 200 miles west of Dallas/Ft. Worth, the Museum stands on the airfield where the Women Airforce Service Pilots of World War II trained.  To learn more about the Museum and its mission, please visit waspmuseum.org.   

Title: Archivist and Institutional Records Manager  

Department: Collections  

Status: Full Time, Exempt, $3850 monthly 

Supervisor: Collections Manager 

Position Description: The Archivist is responsible for the access to, professional care, daily management, and maintenance of the Museum’s archives including its organization, preservation, and storage, and serves as the Institutional Records Manager. The Archivist refines, implements, and upholds archival policies and procedures with regard to processing, documenting and accessing archival collections. As part of the team, supports Collections Departmental efforts.  

Major Tasks:  

• Supervises and trains archives assistants, interns, students and volunteers. 
• Coordinates and facilitates archives access requests by staff, researchers, research associates, and the public, as well as responding to archives information inquiries and requests. 

• Responsible for researching and responding to copyright and ownership issues. 

• Responsible for providing scans of images and documents as needed using appropriate digital and metadata standards.  
• Coordinates and facilitates archives use in public programs.  
• Coordinates loans with Collections Manger 

• Responsible for archival maintenance. 

• Evaluates and coordinates the re-housing and stabilization of archives.  

• Ensures compliance with government regulations related to archives.  
• Ensures accurate and up-to-date inventories and reconciliation of archives and records, including spot check inventories.  
• Responsible for the appraisal, arrangement, and description of archival collections according to recognized archives standards (DACS, EAD, Dublin Core)  
• Maintains records of and prioritizes processing backlog.  
• Oversees housekeeping and IPM related activities, as pertains to archival vault.  

• Purchases archival supplies. 
• Coordinates the move of archives into new or improved storage conditions.  

• Manages archival policies and procedures 

• Advises the Department in the creation, development, and implementation of collections management policies; archives procedures; procedures manual; departmental goals and preservation planning. 
• Implements and refines the museum’s records retention program in accordance with local, state and federal law.  

• Conduct training for staff regarding records management and transfer of relevant records to the permanent institutional archives  
• Implement current procedures and develop new procedures for archival collections taking into account previous organizational and cataloging systems  
• Ensures current museum archives handling procedures are recorded and enforced. 
• Works with Collections Manager in preparation of proposals, reports, and other associated documents.  
• Responsible for implementation of Archives grant awards. 

• Provides public tours when needed and assists with other programs.  
• Assists with maintaining department’s webpages, as well as verifying legal photo usage on website.   
• Acts as an enthusiastic advocate and personal representative for the Museum in the community by promoting its resources, programs and services.  
• Other duties as needed. Education and Experience  

Requirements:  

• M.A. or M.L.I.S. in Archives, Library Science, Museum Studies, or related field with formal training in archives management and preservation or commensurate experience. 
• Three years of Archives experience required, preferably in a museum setting. 
• Experience and training in records management.
• Experience with professional archives management software and environmental monitoring applications. 
• Supervisory experience. 

Abilities, Skills, and Knowledge:  

• Knowledge of archives preservation requirements, storage needs, and registration procedures for archives. 
• Up-to-date knowledge of professional standards and trends. 
• Familiar with governmental regulations and legal requirements related to archives and experience in compliance with same. 
• Ability to maintain confidentiality in all professional matters. 
• Demonstrated ability to communicate, orally and in writing, with staff, trustees, vendors and others. 
• Good organizational skills and attention to detail. 
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office suite or other similar products. 
• Ability to work independently, as well as part of a team. 
• Must be able to sit, stoop, stand for extended periods of time, lift heavy containers (50 lbs) and handle fragile items 
• Visual acuity and ability to work at computer for extended period of time. Working Conditions: Generally works indoors. Occasional weekend and evening work. 
• Occasional travel. 

How to apply:  

Please submit a cover letter, resume and three professional references to Ann Haub and ann@waspmuseum.org.