To support government agencies with organizing and transferring both paper and the increasing number of born-digital records, the Washington State Archives is hiring an Acquisitions Archivist for its Puget Sound branch located on the campus of Bellevue College.

The Acquisition Archivist position plays a critical role in appraising, accessioning, arranging and describing archival government records to facilitate public access. This position also supports research services, assists with outreach and serves on Archives teams.

We welcome applications from qualified candidates who are excited to join us in ensuring the preservation, and improving the discoverability, of archival records for present and future research. 

Please note: Interviews for this position will be conducted on an ongoing basis. It is in the candidate's best interest to apply as soon as possible. The hiring manager reserves the right to fill the position at any time.

Special Notes: This position receives an additional 5% geographic assignment pay for being located within King County.

Acquisitions Archivist

This position independently performs professional archives and collections management duties in support of the Archives’ mission to make the state’s archival records available for reference and scholarship and ensure their proper preservation. Day-to-day duties include assisting and determining the disposition of archival records, records processing and preservation, facilitating access to archival materials, and occasional outreach opportunities.

Duties

Acquisition Activities and Collections Management tasks include:

• Independently determines the disposition of archival records through the use of records retention schedules and archival appraisal practices to decide whether records should be accessioned into the collections of the Archives or destroyed.
• Performs independently the arrangement, description, and weeding projects on archival records.
• Attains or creates proper descriptive information for archival records to ensure intellectual control of the collections and the availability of records.
• Applies professional preservation tools to ensure the long-term lifespan of archival records.
• Coordinates with government agencies to pick up incoming records and ensure the smooth transfer of records to archival storage.
• Utilizes state vehicles, including a van, to pick up records.
• Creates original, and/or updates catalog entries in the Archives collection management software.
• Monitors the physical environment of the Archives to ensure the proper environment for the long-term storage of archival records.  
• Performs projects to ensure records match descriptive information. 
• Using a variety of sources; searches the Archives for any records that are temporarily unlocatable. 
• Follows arrangement and description guidelines and manuals to process archival records.

Archival Research tasks include: 

• Provides research services to the public as well as government agencies, consulting manual and electronic collection catalogues to locate archival records.
• Provides copies of archival documents to researchers.
• Monitors the reference room for the security of archival records, publications, and Archives’ equipment.
• Monitors research use to assure adherence to collections use policies and procedures.

Administrative Activities and Outreach tasks include:

• Compiles statistics and reports on acquisitions, reference services and special projects
• Assists with the workflow and assignments for students, interns and/or volunteers
• Conducts tours of the facility
• Creates and coordinates special projects, initiatives, workshops, presentations, and displays which publicize the role and holdings of the Archives
• Seeks out and speaks at allied professional and target audience functions.

Miscellaneous tasks include:

• Stays up-to-date with current trends in the archives and records management profession.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree involving archives and records management, history or related field.
• One year of experience as a professional archivist including duties such as arranging and describing records, making records accessible, digitizing, managing digital records, or records management activities such as interpreting retention schedules, organizing and classifying records and ensuring accessibility and retrieval. 
• Ability to efficiently use a personal computer and applicable software to successfully perform the essential job functions of the position.

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:

• Collection management experience, including selection, weeding, and record maintenance
• Experience using cataloging, archives, or records management software
• Experience with electronic records 
• Experience providing reference services
• Experience working independently, establishing work priorities and adapting to changing business needs, conditions and work responsibilities
• Familiarity with digital imaging software and tools
• Experience using standard office software applications such as Microsoft Office Suite
• Certification by the Academy of Certified Archivists and/or completion of the Society of American Archivists Digital Archivist Specialist (DAS) or Arrangement & Description (A&D) Certificate Program.

PLEASE READ: If you have gotten this far and are thinking you do not qualify, consider again. Studies have shown that members of historically marginalized and underrepresented communities, specifically women and people of color, are less likely to apply to jobs unless they clearly meet every single qualification.

At the Office of the Secretary of State, we are dedicated to building a diverse and authentic work force with a foundation of belonging. If you are excited about this role and have relevant experience and skills, but question whether your experience aligns perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply regardless. You may just be the ideal candidate this office needs.

Supplemental Information

Working Conditions

In this position, the incumbent works in an office environment, temperature cooled records storage environments, and warehouses. Willingness and ability to work in adverse conditions (working with moldy or dusty materials or in areas that are cramped and/or somewhat confining). Must be able to handle fragile and photographic materials with care and safety. Requires the ability to sit or stand for long periods of time. The standard work hours are Monday-Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM though work can be required outside of standard hours to include evenings, weekends, and holidays, particularly when emergency situations. Occasional statewide travel will be required to transport records.  Ability to move and maneuver records storage containers, as well as oversize bound volumes and flat documents that can weigh as much as 40 lbs., ability to use ladders and other lifting devices to retrieve records as high as 30’ in the air, and ability to drive a 16’ box truck for long and short distances throughout the state with or without reasonable accommodation. 

Communicates information both verbally and in writing primarily with other state and local government agencies and internal stakeholders. They also must represent the Office of the Secretary of State in a competent, confident, and professional manner, including professional dress, have the ability to communicate effectively with customers, co-workers, and business contacts in writing and orally, and have the ability to multi-task while retaining focus on complex issues for an extended period.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

• This position is in a bargaining unit represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) and is subject to the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the State of Washington, The Office of the Secretary of State, and the WFSE.
• Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the position

How to Apply:

Apply online at: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/washington/jobs/5114807/acquisitions-archivist

• To be considered for this position you must attach the following:
  • Letter of interest describing how your experience and qualifications relate to the duties and qualifications of the position
  • Current Resume
  • Three Professional references. Personal references will not be considered.
• You must complete the supplemental questions at the end of this application. Incomplete responses such as "see resume" will not be considered. In addition, if the employer you identify in the additional information section is not included on your resume or work experience profile and/or you do not identify an employer, you will not receive credit.
• All veterans must include a copy of your DD214 to receive preference in the hiring process.  You must black out your social security number before attaching it to your application.

The Office of the Secretary of State is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). We do not discriminate on the basis of religion, age, gender, marital status, color, creed, national origin, political affiliation, military status, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any sensory, mental or physical ability. All interested candidates are encouraged to apply. Persons of disability needing assistance in the application process, or those needing the announcement in alternative format, should email hr@sos.wa.gov.