CBWS AY25-26 RCHS Research Assistant

Hiring for the 2025-26 academic year (fall start date)

Job Title: RCHS Research Assistant
Classification: Student Employee (non-exempt)
Name and Address of Employer: St. Olaf College, 1520 St. Olaf Ave, Northfield, MN 55057

If the position requires the student to work off campus, provide the name and address here:
Rice County Historical Society
1814 2nd Ave NW
Faribault, MN 55021

Department Name: Community Based Work Study
Length of Position: See Employment Authorization

Contact Person/Supervisor: Dave Nichols, Executive Director (Contact Person), Jenna Nelson, Curator (Supervisor)

Pay Rate (Check One) : Standard CBWS Hourly Rate ($15/hr). This position is subject to an annual wage increase.

IMPORTANT: STUDENTS MUST HAVE A STATE OR FEDERAL WORK AWARD TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR COMMUNITY BASED WORK STUDY (CBWS) POSITIONS. Student CBWS work eligibility is subject to change due to work award re-determinations over the summer. This means even students who were a chosen applicant for the position may be ineligible to work if they do not have a state/federal work award come Fall 2025. Students who are unsure if they currently have a state or federal work award - please contact finaid@stolaf.edu before applying to find out what type of work award you have.

Description of the Position:

The Research assistant would be responsible for supporting RCHS staff in conducting exhibit research and completing public research requests in a timely manner. They will work with RCHS staff and volunteers in using RCHS collections, online resources, and other methods to compile bodies of research materials for upcoming exhibits or to meet specific requests. This position requires independence, relying on the applicant's ability to conduct research and use RCHS records without constant direction.

Transferable Skills:

• Critical thinking
• Research methods & ability
• Written and verbal communication skills
Time management

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Duties and Responsibilities:

• Search collections records for pertinent information on various research topics
• Prepare completed research reports including citing sources and locations
• Assist staff in research specific to upcoming RCHS exhibits and in the determination of relevant content.
Assist in writing copy for upcoming exhibits

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Qualifications: (Education/Experience/Skills)

Required

• Student must have experience with Microsoft word and/or Google Suite
• Student must be a proficient communicator in written forms
Student must know Chicago Manual citation style.

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Preferred

• Student should have an understanding of how library catalogs and museum records are organized.
• Student should have experience in conducting scholarly research and providing bibliographies
Student should be proficient in all Microsoft and Google programs.

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List any additional or specific application questions pertaining to the position here (including need for any background checks, certifications, etc.):
Student must have transportation to Faribault on a regular basis.

This job description is for general information purposes. It is not intended to list all duties and responsibilities of the position. This job description is subject to change at any time by St. Olaf College, with or without prior notice.