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Important Update

Due to a parking lot construction project, the Arizona Talking Book Library building will be closed to walk-in visitors from July 20 – August 14, 2026. We will continue to provide talking books, braille, and library equipment by mail.

During this time, staff may be unavailable to answer calls immediately. Please leave a voicemail message with your full name, phone number with area code, and message and we will return your call within one business day. You may also contact us by email at [email protected]. We look forward to hearing from you!

Lead Archivist

Job ID/Number
538776
Closing Date
Institution Name
Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records
Job Location
Phoenix, AZ

Job Summary:

The Archives branch preserves and provides access to unique historical and contemporary resources including the official archives of Arizona’s permanent government records. The Archives also assists state agencies, local governments and political subdivisions with the management of their public records pursuant to A.R.S. §41-151.08 through §41-151.18 and provides records storage, retrieval, and preservation services to public bodies statewide.

The lead archivist serves as the main processing archivist in the Archives branch. This position directs the other archivists in processing and reports to the State Archivist. The lead works with the State Archives administrator to oversee the content and maintenance of the archival content management system (CMS). The lead archivist works with state and local government agencies and courts to appraise historical value of public records while maintaining confidentiality expectations and arrange for their transfer to the State Archives; consults with state and local government agencies on issues relating to the care and use of records in all formats in their custody; and assists with providing reference services to customers. This is a full-time position and is expected to work during regular operation hours. Travel for trainings, consultations, or other services to government entities is required.

 

Job Duties:

  • Processing collections. This includes the processing of paper records, updating the information in our CMS, and making these changes available to the public.
  • Consults and Accessions. The lead will consult with state, county, and local agencies to bring in permanent documents. They will use best practices as well as proper records retention to bring in appropriate materials to the archives.
  • Reporting and Coordinating. This position will create periodic statistical reports for Archives Administrator that show collections processed and accessioned throughout the fiscal year. They shall coordinate processing priorities with the Archives Administrator and direct other processing archivists in fulfilling these tasks.
  • Reference. The position will provide reference services for the general public; both on-line and in-person.
  • Electronic Records. The lead will assist the Electronic Records team in accessioning, processing, preserving, and providing access to electronic records.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge:

  • Knowledge of archive content management system -- ArchivEra
  • Knowledge of XML
  • Knowledge of HTML
  • Knowledge of on-line archives best practices and principles
  • Knowledge of archives best practices and principles
  • Operation of computer terminals and software such as Word, Excel, Access and Powerpoint
  • Knowledge of Arizona history and the resources to conduct research in Arizona history, advance writing skills


Skills:

  • Familiarity with trends in electronic records
  • Appraising and accessioning archival paper materials
  • Conducting a reference interview and determining patron needs
  • Proper handling of archival materials
  • Supervisory skills
  • Customer service


Abilities:

  • Ability to lift boxes weighing 20 - 30 pounds
  • Access archival collections in PODS using OSHA approved ladders
  • Supervise staff as direct reports, including assigning and supervising tasks, instructions on work related projects, approving timesheets and leave, conducting annual reviews

Selective Preference(s):

Master’s degree in history with coursework or internships in archives or Master of Library and Information Science with coursework or internships in archives or Master of Archival Studies.
Plus a minimum of (4) years of professional level experience working in an archive.

Pre-Employment Requirements:

-Valid Arizona Driver's license

-Must possess or be able to obtain a valid level one fingerprint clearance card issued pursuant to A.R.S. 41-1758.07 or must apply for a level one fingerprint clearance card within seven working days after beginning employment.