Archivist

Sarasota County Government

1d • $58,947

About The Position

Start Here. Grow Here. Stay Here. Are you passionate about preserving local history and heritage? Do you want to have an active role in managing the collections of a large-scale community archive? Then the Sarasota County History Center is looking for YOU! The History Center is a branch of the Sarasota County library system with an extensive archive, a reference library, an impressive collection of local artifacts and a variety of impactful historic preservation programs. We are looking for an Archivist to join our growing collections management team at a period of exciting change. We are currently building a brand-new 30,000-square-foot, state of the art facility to house our collection and increase public engagement through exhibits, programming and expanded access to our expert staff and resources. The Archivist will help coordinate all aspects of managing the collection, including accessioning and deaccessioning, physical processing, arrangement and description, cataloging, ensuring environmental safety and security, and much more. The Archivist will also assist with the coordination and fabrication of a robust exhibit and display schedule for the new History Center and library system, as well as participate in a wide variety of public facing programs and tours. If you love the idea of preserving historical materials and connecting the public with the past, this is the job for you! About the Position In this role, you will... Collection Development and Management Participating in all aspects of managing the History Center’s collections, including the accessioning, deaccessioning, cataloging, storage, and arrangement and description of artifacts, archival records, books, maps, films, sound recordings, and other research materials. Evaluating prospective donations and existing collections to ensure alignment with the History Center’s collection development policy and other departmental policies. Monitoring the security and environmental suitability of the collection’s storage facilities. Utilizing the History Center and departmental databases and tools to maintain accurate records relating to collections, circulation, donors, and intellectual property rights. Staying abreast of current trends in the management of archives and collections of historical artifacts, including appropriate exhibition practices. Participating in special projects related to collections management as assigned. Collecting, maintaining, and analyzing statistics, reports, and other metrics on various aspects of operations and services. Communication, Programming, and Outreach Coordinating participation of volunteers, interns, or other staff members in special projects, including project development, training, quality control, and scheduling. Planning and directing library programming for adults, young adults, and children, in coordination with other professionals at the History Center and throughout the library system. Describing and promoting the History Center’s collections, databases, and services through social media, blog posts, online research guides, and other platforms. Coordinating the development of new exhibits, including design, research, artifact selection, layout, fabrication, and marketing. Coordinating exhibit preparation and installation. Monitoring and rotating exhibits and their components as necessary. Providing technical advice and expertise to other county departments and members of the community upon request. Customer Service Representing Sarasota County to customers, volunteers, staff, and donors. Implementing standards of service that ensure the prompt and efficient resolution of inquiries and requests from internal and external customers, delivered with the utmost courtesy and respect. Assisting with routine public-facing operations at the History Center, including reference services, meeting space management, and retrieving materials for customers. Contributing to public tours, presentations, and workshops at the History Center and around the county relating to the collection and best practices for preserving historical resources.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Library Science from a college or university accredited by the American Library Association, OR a Bachelor’s degree and enrolled in an MLS/MLIS program with the ability to obtain a MLS/MLIS within 12 months of hire.

Nice To Haves

• One year of experience in a library, archive, or museum environment.

Responsibilities

• Participating in all aspects of managing the History Center’s collections, including the accessioning, deaccessioning, cataloging, storage, and arrangement and description of artifacts, archival records, books, maps, films, sound recordings, and other research materials.
• Evaluating prospective donations and existing collections to ensure alignment with the History Center’s collection development policy and other departmental policies.
• Monitoring the security and environmental suitability of the collection’s storage facilities.
• Utilizing the History Center and departmental databases and tools to maintain accurate records relating to collections, circulation, donors, and intellectual property rights.
• Staying abreast of current trends in the management of archives and collections of historical artifacts, including appropriate exhibition practices.
• Participating in special projects related to collections management as assigned.
• Collecting, maintaining, and analyzing statistics, reports, and other metrics on various aspects of operations and services.
• Coordinating participation of volunteers, interns, or other staff members in special projects, including project development, training, quality control, and scheduling.
• Planning and directing library programming for adults, young adults, and children, in coordination with other professionals at the History Center and throughout the library system.
• Describing and promoting the History Center’s collections, databases, and services through social media, blog posts, online research guides, and other platforms.
• Coordinating the development of new exhibits, including design, research, artifact selection, layout, fabrication, and marketing.
• Coordinating exhibit preparation and installation.
• Monitoring and rotating exhibits and their components as necessary.
• Providing technical advice and expertise to other county departments and members of the community upon request.
• Representing Sarasota County to customers, volunteers, staff, and donors.
• Implementing standards of service that ensure the prompt and efficient resolution of inquiries and requests from internal and external customers, delivered with the utmost courtesy and respect.
• Assisting with routine public-facing operations at the History Center, including reference services, meeting space management, and retrieving materials for customers.
• Contributing to public tours, presentations, and workshops at the History Center and around the county relating to the collection and best practices for preserving historical resources.

Benefits

• Health, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability, Flexible Spending Accounts, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Florida Retirement System (FRS) and many, many more!
• Choose one of three great medical plans, including one with a $0 premium option, with completed preventative visits!
• Utilize our award-winning wellness program including free gyms at multiple Sarasota County Government locations.
• Enjoy 11 paid holidays, 3 personal days and 16 paid vacation days in the first year of full-time employment with increasing accrual rates with years of service.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level