Archives Assistant

Posting Date:

2/10/26

Department:

Historical Commission

Job Code:

X204 (ID#1595)

Sequence #:

701

Number of Hours Per Week:

19

Additional Work Hours Information:

Union Affiliation:

# of openings:

1

Type of Employment:

Temporary

Civil Service Type:

ABOUT THE ROLE:

The Archives Assistant will assist the Commission Archivist and Digital Projects Archivist with tasks associated with maintaining, housing, and describing the Historical Commission’s dynamic archival collection and research library. These tasks include but are not limited to:

• Create preliminary inventories
• Conduct minor preservation tasks
• Research biographical information and write collection finding aids
• Rehouse and arrange manuscript, photo, and artifact collections
• Contribute to CHC social media accounts
• Digitize photographic materials and manuscripts

• Catalogue books using Library of Congress call numbers

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Applicants should preferably have completed significant coursework in pursuit of an MLS degree or have 1-2 years of experience working in an archive or special collections library.
• The candidate should demonstrate enthusiasm for CHC’s mission and a desire to support practices of inclusive accessibility in processing and description.
• The candidate must understand professional archival and cataloging standards, be meticulous and detail-oriented, and possess excellent communication skills.
• Experience with ArchivesSpace, digitization, Photoshop, and Adobe programs is ideal but not required.

COMPENSATION:

This part-time temporary position will be funded by a FY25 grant from the Mass Cultural Council, which will support unbenefited employment at 19 hours per week for 27 weeks. Continued employment is contingent on renewed grant funding.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Must have sufficient mobility to travel back and forth to work and to offsite meetings. Hand-eye coordination is necessary to operate computers and various pieces of office equipment, including copiers, scanners, and printers. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, and must be able to lift and carry materials and equipment that may weigh over 20 lbs.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Work is performed primarily in office settings with air conditioning, fluorescent lighting, and air circulation equipment.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:

Please upload the following documents to complete your application.

• Resume
• Cover Letter

ABOUT THE CITY OF CAMBRIDGE

The City of Cambridge is a diverse and vibrant community that 120,000 residents of different ethnic, racial, religious, U.S. nationals and other backgrounds call home. We take pride in our City’s diversity and strive to create a workplace that is reflective of the community we serve - one in which all employees can thrive. The City is also deeply committed to creating an environment in which all our employees are treated equitably and feel included. In joining our team, you would work in a workplace environment that advances and values antiracism, diversity, equity, and inclusion (ADEI), and that is committed to embedding ADEI best practices and tenets in all aspects of our work. City of Cambridge residents are especially encouraged to apply to job openings.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY / AFFIRMATIVE ACTION

The City of Cambridge is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, disability, or any other protected category. Women, minorities, veterans, members of the LGBTQ+ Community, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. The City is committed to advancing a workforce culture of antiracism, diversity, equity, and inclusion. Auxiliary aids and services, written materials in alternative formats, and reasonable modifications in policies and procedures will be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities free of charge, upon request by contacting Human Resources at [email protected].