State of Washington
Reference Archivist (Library and Archives Professional 1) / Part-Time Job at Sta
State of Washington, Walla Walla, WA, United States
Reference Archivist (Library and Archives Professional 1) / Part-Time
Reference Archivist (Library and Archives Professional 1) / Part-Time
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Description
Description
Schedule: You will work 20 hours per week, Tuesday - Friday 12PM to 5PM. You will need to be able to sit or stand for long periods of time.
What You Will Be Doing
The Washington State Historical Society maintains an extensive collection of manuscripts, photographs, ephemera, books and maps as mandated in its founding legislation. You will work to preserve these collections and make them accessible to the public, as well as to the historical society staff, by cataloging collection materials in the collections database. You will also be responsible for providing reference services and research access to the archival collections and filling orders for images from the collection.
A Little About Us
Founded in 1891 and now into its second century of service, the Washington State Historical Society is dedicated to collecting, preserving, and vividly presenting Washington's diverse and storied history. Our work illuminates the past, enlightens the present, and informs the future.
Our mission is to partner with our communities to explore how history connects us all. Our vision is to be the recognized destination for Washington State history. We achieve this by serving as our state's primary history educator, making history relevant to our modern lives, and supporting civic dialogue where all are welcome.
The Society serves individuals and organizations statewide through publications, outreach programs, curriculum, free virtual public programs, and other online services. However, the majority of the Society's interactions with the public occur at the Washington State History Museum, located in Tacoma, Washington. The Museum traditionally serves more than 80,000 annually, including more than 15,000 K-12 school children visiting the museum on a field trip. We also welcome more than 10,000 visitors free of charge each year through a variety of access programs.
We are much more than a regional museum. We continually ask ourselves how we can better serve Washingtonians across our state. Our Heritage Capital Projects grant program distributes up to $10M per biennium to fund public heritage, history interpretation, and historic preservation projects across the state. Our popular public history magazine COLUMBIA is enjoyed by readers of all ages. And the Historical Society’s collections at our Research Center, along with a digital collections database, are a resource to scholars and researchers from across the nation.
The Washington State Historical Society is a dynamic place to work with a dedicated staff. We expand our impact by connecting with communities across the Evergreen State through exhibitions, heritage projects, workshops, public programs, publications, and conversations. Our goal is to bring history into focus in such a way that the participant cannot help but discover valuable insights from and feel deep connections with the people and events of the past.
We have an active commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility and are looking for team members who have a passion for professionalism and serving the public, and a desire to contribute to a positive work culture.
Duties
Some Of What You’ll Do
- Receive requests for access to special collections material and research inquiries.
- Pull and reshelve special collections material for all in person research visits and outside inquiries.
- Respond verbally and in writing to electronic, telephone, and mail inquiries from the public regarding access to special collections material.
- Assist with pulling materials for WSHS staff visits.
- Receive image and licensing requests on behalf of the WSHS.
- Locate and retrieve original photographs from storage, if needed assign catalog numbers, and complete full cataloging.
- Pull and reshelve special collections materials.
- Provide digitization or seek digitization assistance from collections staff, depending on time constraints.
- Enter orders and process payments in the Altru system.
- Work with fiscal staff to process payments when needed.
- Prepare license, communicate and send images for orders.
- Answer the reception telephone; admit visitors; monitor researchers to prevent losses from the collection.
- Facilitate volunteers.
REQUIRED:
Master of Library and Information Science
OR
Bachelor’s of Science degree that 30 quarter hours of library science
AND
Two (2) years of experience as a librarian in a museum, academic or historical library/archive
OR
An accredited Associates degree
AND
Four (4) years of experience in a museum, academic or historical library/archive
OR
Six (6) years of experience in a museum, academic or historical library/archive
AND
- Demonstrated experience in Special Collections and working with researchers.
- Familiarity with registration and collections management best practices, including accessioning, deaccessioning, cataloging, exhibitions, loans, and location and inventory control.
- Knowledge of environmental requirements for collection preservation.
- Excellent organizational skills, detail oriented, self-motivated, with ability to handle multiple projects.
- Work in cooperation with other organizations, staff, volunteers, donors.
- Experience working with researchers for in person research visits and fulfilling licensing requests.
- Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.
- Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate complex information, both verbally and in writing, to a wide public audience.
- Demonstrated knowledge of historical resources both inside and outside the agency's collections.
- Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.
- Demonstrated ability to manage time, prioritize tasks and adjust to daily workload demands under direct supervision.
- Knowledge of archival arrangement and cataloging standards and best practices.
- Ability to learn and use KE EMu database and Altru software.
- Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively with other agency departments and personnel.
Read The Following Instructions Completely
Please provide the following documents in order to be considered; failure to do so may result in you not being considered for the position:
- A letter of interest, describing how you meet the qualifications for this position as outlined in the job posting;
- A current resume, detailing experience, and education; and
- A current list of at least three (3) professional references with current contact information (attached or available to provide at the time of interview)
Background Check Notice
Prior to any new appointment into the Washington State Historical Society, 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.
NOTE: This position is included in a bargaining unit represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE).
Opportunity For All
The Washington State Historical Society celebrates our differences and we are committed to a workplace that supports equal opportunity employment and inclusion regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, marital status, families with children (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity diversity, age, status as a protected veteran, honorably discharged veteran or military status, status as an individual with the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with disabilities or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We will also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws.
You are welcome to include the name and pronoun you would like to be referred to in your materials and we will honor this as you interact with our organization.
Contact Information
For questions about this recruitment or to request a reasonable accommodation in the application process, contact Angie Anderson at 360-407-8446 or email jobs@des.wa.gov
Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Read About Our Benefits
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.
Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.
Retirement And Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.
Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.
Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.
Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.
Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.
Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.
Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.
Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.
Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
Updated 07-21-2025
01
Are you currently employed by the Washington State Historical Society (WSHS)?
- Yes
- No
Are you willing to undergo a background check as a condition of employment?
- Yes
- No
What is your level of education?
- Some or no college
- 1 year of college (30 semester or 45 quarter credits)
- Associate's degree OR 2 years of college (60 semester or 90 quarter credits)
- 3 years of college (90 semester or 135 quarter credits)
- Bachelor's of Science degree that includes at least 30 quarter hours of Library Science
- Bachelor's degree in unrelated field
- Master's of Library and Information Science degree
- Master's degree in unrelated field
How many months of experience in a museum, academic or historical library/archive do you have?
- 0-11 months
- 12-23 months
- 24-35 months
- 36-47 months
- 48-59 months
- 60-71 months
- 72 months or more
From the question above, briefly describe your duties AND state what job(s) this will clearly be found on your application. **If this doesn't apply to you, indicate "n/a" in this space
06
Select ALL That Apply To You
- Demonstrated experience in Special Collections and working with researchers.
- Familiarity with registration and collections management best practices, including accessioning, deaccessioning, cataloging, exhibitions, loans, and location and inventory control.
- Knowledge of environmental requirements for collection preservation.
- Excellent organizational skills, detail oriented, self-motivated, with ability to handle multiple projects.
- Work in cooperation with other organizations, staff, volunteers, donors.
- Experience working with researchers for in person research visits and fulfilling licensing requests.
- Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.
- None of these apply
How did you hear about this job posting?
- Careers.wa.gov / Governmentjobs.com
- Friend
- Indeed
- Job Board
- Other
We would like to know where you heard about this position. If you selected College Job Board, Job Fair, Job Board, or Other, please let us know the specific name of the college, job board, or place you heard about this position. If you selected a specifically named job board or webpage (listed above), please enter "n/a".
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