Use this Archivist job description template to attract qualified candidates who can manage, preserve, and organize historical records and important documents.
An Archivist is a professional responsible for collecting, preserving, organizing, and managing historical documents, digital records, rare collections, and other archival materials. They ensure information is properly stored, cataloged, and accessible to researchers, institutions, or the public.
An Archivist ensures that records and historical documents are accurately preserved and easy to retrieve. Their key responsibilities include:
- Collecting, organizing, and cataloging archival materials.
- Preserving physical and digital records using approved archival techniques.
- Creating classification systems, finding aids, and database entries.
- Assisting researchers and staff in locating specific records.
- Evaluating materials for historical significance and long-term preservation.
Archivist Job Description Template
We are looking for a detail-oriented Archivist to manage, preserve, and organize our historical and organizational records. The ideal candidate should be skilled in archival preservation, cataloging systems, and digital archiving tools. If you have a passion for history, information management, and maintaining accurate archival records, we’d love to meet you!
Roles & Responsibilities
- Organize, catalog, and preserve archival materials, including documents, photographs, audiovisual content, and digital files.
- Develop and maintain archival databases, indexes, and classification systems.
- Evaluate materials for historical significance and preservation needs.
- Digitize physical records and manage digital archives.
- Ensure proper storage conditions to protect sensitive materials.
- Assist researchers, staff, and the public with accessing archival collections.
- Create and update finding aids, guides, and inventory lists.
- Implement archival standards and best practices for long-term preservation.
- Coordinate with librarians, curators, and historians on special projects.
- Manage archival acquisitions, donations, and record transfers.
Requirements & Skills
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Library Science, Archival Studies, History, or a related field.
- Proven experience as an Archivist, Records Manager, or similar role.
- Knowledge of archival standards such as ISAD(G), DACS, or EAD.
- Experience with cataloging software, databases, and digital preservation tools.
- Strong organizational and documentation skills.
- Ability to handle delicate and rare materials carefully.
- Excellent research, analytical, and communication skills.
- Attention to detail and strong record-keeping abilities.
- Familiarity with metadata standards and digital archiving systems.
Who do Archivists report to?
Archivists typically report to:
- Head of Archives
- Library Director
- Museum Curator
- Records Management Supervisor
Post this on job boards and career pages to find professionals skilled in archival management, cataloging, and digital preservation. Feel free to customize the job duties and requirements based on your organization’s needs. Similar job titles include Records Manager, Collections Archivist, and Digital Archivist.
How to Assess Archivist Skills Effectively
Candidates may list archival experience on their resumes, but assessing their actual ability to preserve records, manage collections, and maintain data accuracy before the interview is crucial. A structured Archivist assessment ensures you hire professionals who can protect organizational history, maintain compliance, and ensure efficient information retrieval.
Here’s how you can assess Archivist proficiency effectively with WeCP:
- Records Management & Organization – Test candidates on their ability to classify, catalog, and index documents using standardized archival systems.
- Preservation & Conservation Knowledge – Evaluate their understanding of preservation techniques, environmental controls, and handling fragile materials.
- Digital Archiving & Metadata Standards – Assess their proficiency in managing digital archives, applying metadata standards (Dublin Core, MARC), and using archival software.
- Research & Retrieval Skills – Check their capability to locate information quickly, support research requests, and maintain accurate finding aids.
- Compliance & Confidentiality – Ensure they understand legal requirements, retention policies, and confidentiality protocols for sensitive records.
With WeCP’s Archivist assessments, you can efficiently filter out underqualified candidates, streamline the hiring process, and ensure high-quality hires who can preserve information integrity, support research needs, and maintain a well-organized archival system.
