University of Montana / Helena College / University of Montana Western
Archives & Special Collections Research Associate, Mansfield Library (Campus Onl
University of Montana / Helena College / University of Montana Western, Missoula, MT, US, 59812
Salary: $52,416.00 Annually
Location : Missoula Mountain Campus
Job Type: Contract Professional Full-time
Job Number: 202400516
Department: Mansfield Library
Opening Date: 12/02/2025
Closing Date: 12/14/2025 11:59 PM Mountain
FLSA: Exempt
Description
Campus-Only Recruitment
Only current UM Employees* are eligible.
*Open to all employee types including Temporary Staff and Student Employees.
The Mansfield Library invites applications for an Archives and Special Collections Research Associate toprovide leadership in the creation and implementation of policies and procedures related to the responsible and ethical stewardship of materials held by the Mansfield Library's Archives and Special Collections (ASC). This position reports directly to the Head of Archives and Special Collections.
This position is dependent on available funding and influenced by current priorities for Archives and Special Collections. The work of the position is anticipated to take two years to complete.
The individual in this position must be detail oriented, able to prioritize and multitask, work productively individually and as a member of a team, and communicate effectively in person and in writing.
Examples of Duties and Responsibilities
We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job. We encourage you to apply even if you don't have the preferred qualifications at this time.
Position is full-time, 1.0 FTE, Letter of Appointment and includes a comprehensive and competitive benefits package including insurance package, mandatory retirement plan, partial tuition waiver, and wellness program.
Screening of applications will begin after the closing date of December 14, 2025
The University of Montana is interested in receiving applications from people who would assist the University in demonstrating its five priorities for action: Place student success at the center of all we do; drive excellence and innovation in teaching, learning, and research; embody the principle of "mission first, people always"; partner with place; and proudly tell the UM story.
The Affiliation of the University of Montana (UM Affiliation) is an equal opportunity employer. UM Affiliation does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of protected class status as described in UM's non-discrimination policy and any applicable law. Reasonable accommodations are provided in the hiring process for persons with disabilities. For example, this material is available in alternative format upon request. Qualified candidates may request veterans' or disabilities preference in accordance with state law.
Criminal Background Investigation is required prior to the offer of employment. In accordance with university regulations, finalists for this position will be subject to criminal background investigations.
References: References not listed on the application materials may be contacted; notice may be provided to the applicant. UM partners with SkillSurvey for reference checking. Applicants may receive emails from SkillSurvey to submit reference information.
Testing: Individual hiring departments withing the UM Affiliation may elect to administer pre-employment tests, which are relevant to essential job functions.
Employment Eligibility: All New Employees must be eligible and show employment eligibility verification by the first date of employment at UM and all affiliated campuses, as legally required (e.g., Form I-9). The University of Montana will require proof of authorization to work in the United States before final hiring. Further, based on the September 19, 2025, Presidential Proclamation and accompanying guidance from the USCIS and Dept. of State, the University may not be able to offer H-1B sponsorship. Particularly the University is not able to pay the $100,000 payment accompanying new H-1B visa petitions.
The University of Montana offers a wide variety of benefits. Please visit the for full information or contact our office if you have additional questions.
Location : Missoula Mountain Campus
Job Type: Contract Professional Full-time
Job Number: 202400516
Department: Mansfield Library
Opening Date: 12/02/2025
Closing Date: 12/14/2025 11:59 PM Mountain
FLSA: Exempt
Description
Campus-Only Recruitment
Only current UM Employees* are eligible.
*Open to all employee types including Temporary Staff and Student Employees.
The Mansfield Library invites applications for an Archives and Special Collections Research Associate toprovide leadership in the creation and implementation of policies and procedures related to the responsible and ethical stewardship of materials held by the Mansfield Library's Archives and Special Collections (ASC). This position reports directly to the Head of Archives and Special Collections.
This position is dependent on available funding and influenced by current priorities for Archives and Special Collections. The work of the position is anticipated to take two years to complete.
The individual in this position must be detail oriented, able to prioritize and multitask, work productively individually and as a member of a team, and communicate effectively in person and in writing.
Examples of Duties and Responsibilities
- Reviewing ASC collection holdings to accurately document materials related to Indigenous communities with the intent to share this information with those communities.
- Assessing the preservation and conservation needs of the rare and unique research resources held by ASC and implementing or recommending the implementation of related best practices for individual format types and for the collection storage environment as a whole.
- Serving as a member of the Mansfield Library Disaster Response Team.
- Conducting comprehensive literature reviews.
- Assisting users of ASC collections and resources with their research endeavors.
- Supervising student employees in direct support of collection documentation and preservation activities.
- Master's degree in Anthropology, Museum Studies, Library and Information Studies or closely related degree.
- Demonstrated experience working with archival collections, including conducting primary source research.
- Demonstrated experience working with Native American cultural materials, including in a museum or archives setting.
- Demonstrated knowledge of NAGPRA.
- Demonstrated understanding of and experience with assessing the preservation needs of collection formats typically held by archives, special collections and other cultural heritage repositories.
- Demonstrated experience producing scholarly research products, such as literature reviews, reports, manuscripts or articles.
- Basic knowledge of supervisory principles and practices.
- Demonstrated strong analytical and organizational skills.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects concurrently and independently.
We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job. We encourage you to apply even if you don't have the preferred qualifications at this time.
- Knowledge of the history of Montana and the American West.
- Knowledge of collections and resources held by the Mansfield Library's Archives and Special Collections.
- Coursework or experience related to ethics in museum and archives collection care.
- Experience providing research assistance in an archives and special collections setting.
- Experience assessing the preservation and conservation needs of archival collection formats and archival collection storage areas.
- Experience supervising employees.
Position is full-time, 1.0 FTE, Letter of Appointment and includes a comprehensive and competitive benefits package including insurance package, mandatory retirement plan, partial tuition waiver, and wellness program.
Screening of applications will begin after the closing date of December 14, 2025
- Letter of Interest - addressing the stated required skills for the position
- Detailed resume listing education and describing work experience
- Three (3) professional references - Names and contact information
The University of Montana is interested in receiving applications from people who would assist the University in demonstrating its five priorities for action: Place student success at the center of all we do; drive excellence and innovation in teaching, learning, and research; embody the principle of "mission first, people always"; partner with place; and proudly tell the UM story.
The Affiliation of the University of Montana (UM Affiliation) is an equal opportunity employer. UM Affiliation does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of protected class status as described in UM's non-discrimination policy and any applicable law. Reasonable accommodations are provided in the hiring process for persons with disabilities. For example, this material is available in alternative format upon request. Qualified candidates may request veterans' or disabilities preference in accordance with state law.
Criminal Background Investigation is required prior to the offer of employment. In accordance with university regulations, finalists for this position will be subject to criminal background investigations.
References: References not listed on the application materials may be contacted; notice may be provided to the applicant. UM partners with SkillSurvey for reference checking. Applicants may receive emails from SkillSurvey to submit reference information.
Testing: Individual hiring departments withing the UM Affiliation may elect to administer pre-employment tests, which are relevant to essential job functions.
Employment Eligibility: All New Employees must be eligible and show employment eligibility verification by the first date of employment at UM and all affiliated campuses, as legally required (e.g., Form I-9). The University of Montana will require proof of authorization to work in the United States before final hiring. Further, based on the September 19, 2025, Presidential Proclamation and accompanying guidance from the USCIS and Dept. of State, the University may not be able to offer H-1B sponsorship. Particularly the University is not able to pay the $100,000 payment accompanying new H-1B visa petitions.
The University of Montana offers a wide variety of benefits. Please visit the for full information or contact our office if you have additional questions.