ARCHIVAL ASSISTANT

State of Arkansas

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Archival Assistant is responsible for supporting the organization, preservation, and accessibility of historical records, government documents, and archival collections. This position assists in cataloging materials, responding to research inquiries, and ensuring proper conservation techniques are followed. The Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism has three major divisions: Arkansas State Parks, Arkansas Heritage and Arkansas Tourism. Arkansas State Parks manages 52 state parks and promotes Arkansas as a tourist destination for people around the country. Arkansas Heritage preserves and promotes Arkansas’s natural and cultural history and heritage through four historic museums and four cultural preservation agencies. Arkansas Tourism improves the state’s economy by generating travel and enhancing the image of the state.

Requirements

High school diploma, and one year of experience in records management, administrative functions, historical research, library science, or a related field.
Strong attention to detail in cataloging and maintaining archival records.
Ability to analyze historical documents and records for classification and indexing.
Excellent time management skills to prioritize multiple tasks effectively.
Strong written and verbal communication skills to assist researchers and prepare archival descriptions.
Ability to summarize historical documents and respond to inquiries professionally.
Ability to handle delicate and historical documents with care and precision.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism when handling sensitive records.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's or higher degree in History, Heritage Studies, Anthropology
Work experience in library or museum
Experience with MSOffice applications (Word, Teams, Excel, Outlook)
Familiarity with U.S. and Arkansas History
Experience with basic historical research and document analysis is preferred.

Responsibilities

Assist in sorting, cataloging, and indexing archival materials, including historical documents, photographs, and government records.
Maintain and update digital and physical archival databases to ensure efficient record retrieval.
Ensure proper labeling, storage, and environmental controls to preserve archival materials.
Respond to public and government agency research requests, providing access to relevant historical records.
Conduct basic research to verify document authenticity and historical significance.
Follow established preservation and conservation guidelines for handling fragile or deteriorating materials.
Identify and report damaged or at-risk records and recommend appropriate conservation measures.
Assist in digitization projects to improve access to historical materials.
Input metadata and descriptive information for cataloged records.
Maintain accurate records of archival holdings, loans, and preservation actions.
Assist in inventory management and periodic assessments of archival collections.
Assist in exhibit preparation, educational programs, and special events related to historical archives.
Provide customer service and guidance to visitors and researchers using archival resources.
Archival collection processing (including reading and transcribing from cursive handwritten documents), fulfilling research queries, patron service and supervision, facility housekeeping, event management support and other tasks as assigned.
Processes newly acquired and existing archival collections and state records according to established agency procedures and archival best practices for the arrangement of archival records.
Creates descriptive tools for accessing agency collections and records according to agency procedures and archival best practices.
Assists the general public with using State Archives' resources locating and retrieving materials, navigating the division's website and digital resources, and advising researchers on the location of other historical resources outside the division.
Assists Reference staff with responding to research questions from the general public in compliance with division rules.
Assists with the planning and execution of public programs, like workshops and seminars coordinated by the division and in collaboration with other organizations.
Promotes division resources and services through speaking at division sponsored events and other venues.
Performs related responsibilities as required or assigned.