Archivist [Senator John Heinz History Center]

About the Thomas & Katherine Detre Library & Archives

The Thomas & Katherine Detre Library & Archives at the Senator John Heinz History Center is a nationally important repository for archives of industrial America and a source for research about Western Pennsylvania.  Founded in 1879, the Library & Archives preserves the rich history of Western Pennsylvania, and makes its collections accessible to researchers, students, and the general public.

The Library & Archives collection includes:

• 700,000 photographs, prints, and negatives
• 40,000 books, pamphlets, and monographs
• 3,500 individual archival collections of families, organizations, businesses, and industries
• 600 periodical titles
• 500 maps and atlases

The extensive repository of information on Western Pennsylvania’s significant contribution to history comes from collections representing some of the nation’s most influential technological breakthroughs of the 20^th century, including materials from the Westinghouse Corporation, ALCOA, H.J. Heinz Company, Carnegie Steel Company, Jones and Laughlin Steel Corporation, and US Steel.

Job Posting

The Senator John Heinz History Center, the largest history museum in Pennsylvania and an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, is seeking a full-time Archivist.  The Archivist will coordinate acquisitions of archival materials, acting as the point person for donors to the Thomas & Katherine Detre Library & Archives.  The Archivist will also be responsible for accessioning and creating preliminary catalog records of incoming material, processing collections according to institutional and SAA-approved standards, and fulfilling reproduction requests.  The Archivist also assists in carrying out reference duties and coordinates the use of archival material for exhibits.

This is a full-time position reporting to the Chief Archivist.

The ideal candidate will have a Master of Library and Information Science from an ALA-accredited program, with a concentration in archives management, and 1-2 years of experience. A successful candidate will display an understanding of current archival theory and practice, including archival appraisal methods, the “More Product, Less Process” processing strategy, digitization best practices, and archival description standards, including DACS, MARC, LCSH, Dublin Core, and EAD.

Additional skills of a successful candidate include proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and Adobe Photoshop; familiarity with database creation and management; outstanding written, oral communication and interpersonal skills; and the ability to solve problems and manage projects.

A valid driver’s license is required.