Kenmore Heritage Association is hiring: Reference Archivist (Library and Archive

Schedule: You will work 20 hours per week, Tuesday – Friday, 12PM to 5PM. You should be able to sit or stand for long periods.

What you will be doing:

The Washington State Historical Society maintains an extensive collection of manuscripts, photographs, ephemera, books, and maps as mandated by its founding legislation. Your role will involve preserving these collections and making them accessible to the public and staff by cataloging collection materials in the database. You will also provide reference services, assist with research access, and fulfill image orders from the collection.

About us:

Founded in 1891, the Washington State Historical Society is dedicated to collecting, preserving, and presenting Washington’s diverse history. Our work illuminates the past, enlightens the present, and informs the future.

Our mission is to partner with communities to explore how history connects us. Our vision is to be the primary destination for Washington State history, serving as the state’s main history educator, making history relevant today, and supporting inclusive civic dialogue.

We serve individuals and organizations statewide through publications, outreach, programs, and online services. Most interactions with the public occur at the Washington State History Museum in Tacoma, which hosts over 80,000 visitors annually, including 15,000 K-12 students and over 10,000 free visitors through access programs.

We are more than a regional museum. We continually seek ways to better serve Washingtonians via heritage projects, exhibitions, publications, and digital collections. Our goal is to make history engaging and foster deep connections with the past.

We are committed to inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility, and seek team members passionate about professionalism, public service, and fostering a positive work culture.

Duties include:

• Responding to requests for access and research inquiries regarding special collections.
• Pulling, reshelving, and managing special collections materials for research visits and inquiries.
• Responding to electronic, phone, and mail inquiries about collections.
• Assisting with materials for staff visits and digitization processes.
• Processing orders, payments, and licensing requests using the Altru system.
• Managing visitor reception, monitoring research activities, and facilitating volunteers.

Qualifications:

REQUIRED:

• Master of Library and Information Science or
• Bachelor’s of Science with 30 quarter hours of library science, plus two years of relevant experience, or
• Associates degree with four years of relevant experience, or
• Six years of relevant experience in a museum or library setting.

Experience in working with research collections, cataloging, preservation, and working with researchers is essential. Knowledge of environmental requirements and collection management best practices is also required. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to handle multiple projects are necessary.

PREFERRED:

• Effective communication skills for diverse audiences.
• Knowledge of historical resources and archival standards.
• Familiarity with KE EMu and Altru software.
• Ability to collaborate across departments and manage time effectively.

Additional information:

Please submit a letter of interest, current resume, and at least three professional references. The initial screening is based on the application’s duties section and completeness. A background check is required prior to employment. The position is part of a union and committed to equal opportunity employment and inclusion.

For questions or accommodations, contact Angie Anderson at 360-407-8446 or emailjobs@des.wa.gov.