Assistant Archivist

Summary

The Assistant Archivist position is funded for a two year term through the Mellon Foundation Monuments Project to identify, organize and digitize historical documentation and contemporary materials that will support interpretation and design of Syracuse's Heritage Park, which includes the city’s Christopher Columbus monument.

This work will be utilized to build an online repository and website to support and record the visioning and design process for the proposed Heritage Park in coordination with the City of Syracuse. The Heritage Park Project will reimagine a vacant city property, and the existing Columbus Circle, into a new commemorative space that recognizes the diverse communities of the city and their resilience in the face of adversity and oppression.

The Assistant Archivist will also work closely with the Director of Archives and Special Collections and the Research Center Manager by providing professional care, access and maintenance of the Association’s archives including the organization, preservation, and storage of the same.

Responsibilities:

Heritage Park Design and Public History Project

• Research, identify, gather, organize and digitize historical documentation and contemporary materials regarding the Christopher Columbus monument and the surrounding areas and populations, which may include materials held by organizations outside of OHA..
• Create a finding aid for the newly formed Columbus Circle Research Collection
• Assist the public, artists, and design teams with accessing these materials
• Prepare items for an online repository through digitization and metadata information
• Work with the website development team to create the repository for the Heritage Park Project
• Serve as a liaison between the Heritage Park Project Team which includes representatives from the City of Syracuse Arts Commission, Mayor’s Office, OHA, and the selected consultants leading the design competition for Heritage Park
• Collect and maintain records of the Heritage Park Public History and Design Project, including archival and oral history.
• Collaborate with the Curator of Collections for the receipt and collection of 3-D materials relating to the Project.

Archival support

• Appraise, arrange, and describe archival collections
• Ensure accurate and up-to-date inventories and reconciliation of archives and records
• Update the archival database
• Facilitate archival access requests by staff, researchers, and the public
• Respond to archives information inquiries and requests
• Assist the Curator of History, Curator of Collections and Director of Archives and Special Collections with exhibits
• Fill in for OHA’s Research Center Manager, when necessary
• Perform other duties as assigned

Volunteer support

• Assist in the supervision and training of archival interns, students, and volunteers
• Assign duties to archival volunteers

Education and Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Archives, Library and Information Science, Museum Studies, History or related field (Master’s Degree preferred) and/or commensurate work experience in archives or museum field

Abilities, Skills, and Knowledge:

• Experience using collection management software, as we transition from Microsoft Access to PastPerfect Web Edition
• Problem-solving and project management skills, with the ability to adapt to changing priorities and effectively manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously
• Ability to maintain a high level of detail, accuracy, and organization
• Knowledge in archival standards and best practices
• Ability to establish and maintain positive and professional working relationships with staff, volunteers, and members of the public
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Competency with Google Workspace, Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Acrobat, and photo editing software
• Experience using digital scanning equipment
• Ability to work independently, as well as part of a team
• Visual acuity
• Familiarity with Onondaga County and Syracuse history a plus

Working Conditions:

• Generally working indoors in various temperatures, with, potentially dusty and/or dirty materials
• Must be able to sit, bend over, kneel, and lift heavy containers (up to 50 lbs.) and handle fragile items
• Ability to work at a computer for extended periods of time
• Occasionally working offsite and/or the occasional evening or weekend hours

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $23.00 - $24.00 per hour

Expected hours: 37.5 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

Salary : $23 - $24