Archivist I

Augusta, Maine, United States | Administrative and Office Support | Full-time

Job Class Code: 0281
Grade: 16
Salary: $17.17-$22.66 

Are you looking for a rewarding career immersed in history and discovery? Do you enjoy working with an amazing team and have a keen eye for attention to detail? If you thrive on quality and contributing to the preservation of the history of the State of Maine, we want you on our team!!

Apply Now, we offer superior benefits (highlighted below) including: 13 paid holidays, 12 sick days and 3+ weeks vacation to start! 

This is professional services work involving archival research and reference services for use by others.  Duties include retrieving archival records and documents, monitoring the use of archival materials and equipment, and instructing others in its use.  Work is performed under limited supervision.

The Department of the Secretary of State, Maine State Archives is seeking candidates for an Archivist I position within the Archives Service Division. This key position supports researchers by making the State Archives’ collections accessible to them. The Archivist I serves as a reference archivist for Maine State Government’s records, dating from 1636 to the present day. The Maine State Archives is at the beginning of a new phase, as Maine State Government moves from a paper to digital format in records keeping. The Maine State Archives seeks a creative and customer-focused individual to serve as the Archivist I to ensure access to both paper and digital records for all Maine residents and state agencies.

The Archivist I works closely with the rest of the Archives Services team to ensure the smooth operations of daily activities. This position is the primary staff person in the Archives’ Research Room assisting state agencies and members of the public in access to archival records. The Archivist I also makes records accessible by creating metadata in catalog records, inventorying files, and improving storage materials. This position retrieves and refiles archival records as well.

The Archivist I reports directly to the Archivist III who leads the Archives Services Division. The work schedule is Monday through Friday.

The Maine State Archives strives to make the historical records of Maine State Government widely accessible to the public. The mission of the Maine State Archives is to make the operations of state and local government more efficient, more effective, and more economical through records management by preserving and providing access to the public the permanent historical records of Maine in our custody. 

A typical day involves:

• Provides reference services and instructs and guides researchers in use of equipment, materials, and finding aids to provide service to the public.
• Monitors use of archival materials and equipment to ensure safety, security, and preservation of records and equipment.  
• Formats documents for electronic storage and retrieval.
• Arranges, sorts, lists, inventories, and creates metadata for archival records to facilitate access and use of materials. 
• Shelves and retrieves records as requested to assist researchers.

In order to be successful, you must have:

• Knowledge of common records management and electronic archiving processes and systems.
• Knowledge of digital file formats and electronic records management.
• Knowledge of metadata standards relevant to the archival control of digital collection materials.
• Knowledge of state and federal statutes pertaining to records management.
• Knowledge of laws, rules, and regulations pertaining to confidentiality.
• Knowledge of basic research methods and techniques.
• Knowledge of document preservation methods and techniques.
• Knowledge of historical and genealogical information resources.
• Ability to operate electronic scanning and imaging equipment.
• Ability to research archival materials, secondary sources, records, and documents.
• Ability to perform historical and genealogical research.
• Ability to organize, sort, and arrange documents, records, and other archival materials.
• Ability to lift and carry approximately 40 pounds.
• Ability to climb ladders.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Ability to maintain security of confidential records.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

A four (4) year combination of education, training, and/or experience providing knowledge of English usage, State and American history, information systems, and research methods and techniques. Preference will be given to those with an MLIS degree or equivalent education in Maine history.

For more information or questions, please contact: Jennifer Wilson or call (207) 624-9012.

BENEFITS: 

No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including: 

• Work-Life Fit – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave. 
• Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($10,523.28-$12,380.40 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.  

• Health Insurance Premium Credit – Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements. 

• Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($350.40 annual value). 

• Retirement Plan – The State of Maine contributes 13.41% of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee.  
• Gym Membership Reimbursement – Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense. 
• Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts – Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses. 
• Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness – The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid office. 
• Tuition Reimbursement - Further your career and your education with tuition reimbursement for job-related courses.
• Living Resources Program – Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program. 

• Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including fathers and adoptive parents—receive six weeks of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act.  
• Voluntary Deferred Compensation – Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions. 
• Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness. 

There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role. As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics. If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

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Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting. If you’re currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your lived experience and passion set you apart.

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Apply by: April 12, 2024

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