Archivist  - (25140475) 

Do you want to go to work every day in an amazing building that displays Montana’s history?

Do you want to join an agency of committed, inspired individuals?

Do you want to be a part of a wonderful team of library and archive professionals in an agency dedicated to preserving and sharing Montana’s history?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then the Montana Historical Society (MTHS) might be the perfect place for you! MTHS offers a unique workplace for its employees. It’s filled with friendly and creative staff members who work together to offer the public exciting and innovative ways to experience Montana’s history.

MTHS invites applications for the position of Archivist. The Archives is charged with identifying and collecting non-public records, manuscripts, and documents of historic significance. The Archives is also responsible, by statute, for the collection, organization and preservation of state government and local government records with historic significance. Archives staff acquire, analyze, arrange, and preserve these materials to make them available to the public. Government records provide both public accountability as well as documenting significant events in Montana past and present.

Function: The Archives is a department within the Library & Archives Program of the Montana Historical Society. Under the direction of the State Archivist, this position will be an integral member of the Archives team. The successful candidate will evaluate, acquire, arrange, describe and provide access to a wide variety of historical records of varying formats, along with other duties. Among other tasks, the ability to exercise sound judgment, be detail orientated, have great time management skills, along with a welcoming and friendly attitude, is important to this position.

Other: The Archivist will work a 40-hour a week schedule, Monday through Friday. This position is not eligible for telework.

The MTHS, guardian of Montana’s memories, is in beautiful Helena, Montana. Come join us at the MTHS where we work together to preserve the past, share Montana’s stories, and inspire exploration, to provide meaning for today and a vision for tomorrow!

Representative Duties:

• Preserve collections such as artifacts, artwork, records, photographs, or other materials using professional preservation methods. 
• Organize, identify, catalog, describe, and classify collections to allow easy access to information. 
• Research, locate, negotiate, and acquire new materials for permanent collections, exchange, or loan. 
• Authenticate and appraise collections for historical significance. 
• Create, administer, and maintain cataloging, and databases, incorporating current advances in electronic information technology. 
• Implement policies and procedures for public access to and use of collections. 
• Provide reference services, workshops, instructional educational sessions, and assistance for users needing access to collections. 
• Research and record the origins and historical significance of collections. 
• Provides consultation to other institutions about conservation and preservation of archival materials. 
• Determines priority for archival collection processing based on agency standards, historical significance, and professional standards. 
• Establish and administer policies and procedures for public access and use of archival materials, considering their effect on the historical objects. 
• Address escalated reference inquires and complaints.

Skills:

• Thorough knowledge of modern archival theory, standards, and practices and their implementation. 
• Knowledge of ArchivesSpace or other content management system. 
• Knowledge of MARC, DACS and EAD. 
• An understanding of research methods. 
• Ability to communicate simple and complex ideas effectively, both orally and in writing. 
• Knowledge of Montana and western history preferred. 
• Ability to interact well with Library & Archives visitors. 

Advertised Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to climb, crouch, pull, push, reach, stand, engage in repetitive motions including movements of the hands, wrists, or fingers, move, touch including finger dexterity, communicate, hear including receiving detailed information orally or making fine discriminations in sound and see including color, depth perception or clarity. 
• Must be able to move and stand for several hours at a time. 
• The job requires some lifting of heavy volumes and boxes, but most tasks are performed in an office setting. 

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Library and Information Science with an emphasis on Archives. 
• Alternative qualifications may be considered, such as an MA in History or a related field with a concentration on Montana and Western History. 
• One (1) - Two (2) years of work experience.

The following items must be submitted to be considered for this position (be sure to mark each attachment as relevant): 

• Cover Letter 
• Resume 
• State of Montana Application (online) 

Applicant Pool Statement:  If another department vacancy occurs in this job title within six months, the same applicant pool may be used for the selection. Training Assignment:  Not Applicable  

Salary: $27.90 - 27.90  Hourly    

Telework Eligibility:  Not Telework Eligible Benefits Package Eligibility:  Health Insurance, Paid Leave & Holidays, Retirement Plan     

Number of Openings:  2 

Employee Status:  Regular 

Schedule:  Full-Time 

Job Type:  Standard 

Shift:  Day Job 

Travel:  Yes, 5 % of the Time  

Primary Location:  Helena    

Agency:  Montana Historical Society 

Union:  Montana Federation of Public Employees  

Posting Date:  Feb 27, 2025, 11:44:09 AM 

Closing Date (based on your computer's timezone):  Mar 21, 2025, 11:59:00 PM 

Required Application Materials:  Cover Letter, Resume  

Contact Name:  Beth Strandberg  |  Contact Email:  beth.strandberg2@mt.gov  |  Contact Phone:  406-444-2697 The State of Montana has a decentralized human resources (HR) system. Each agency is responsible for its own recruitment and selection. Anyone who needs a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the agency's HR staff identified on the job listing or by dialing the Montana Relay at 711. Montana Job Service Offices [montanaworks.gov] also offer services including assistance with submitting an online application.

State government does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth or medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, creed, political beliefs or affiliation, veteran status, military service, retaliation, or any other factor not related to merit and qualifications of an employee or applicant.