Temporary Processing Archivist - Library Academic Services

About the role

Under the general supervision of the Director of Special Collections and Archives, this position plays a critical role in advancing the care, discoverability, and use of the University’s unique and irreplaceable primary sources. The position performs a full range of archival accessioning and processing functions for both physical and digital collections, ensuring their long-term preservation and accessibility. With the exception of the University Art Collection, which is managed by the Curator, the position also holds primary responsibility for the control and maintenance of the department’s collections and collection files, as well as for tracking collections and supporting strategic space planning.

Department Summary

The Special Collections and Archives department collects, preserves, and provides access to primary sources, with a focus on unique and rare materials related to California and the Central Coast region. Examples include architectural records, artists’ books, photographs, audio-visual materials, and other resources that enrich the polytechnic curriculum. Services and programs support the use of these collections for teaching and learning, research and scholarship, exhibitions, community archiving, publication, and other academic and creative projects. The department is also responsible for the University Archives, which is the official repository for historical records documenting the development and growth of California Polytechnic State University; the University Art Collection; and the Cal Poly Maritime Academy’s Campus History Collection. Together, these archives, manuscript collections, books, serials, and art comprise approximately 10,000 linear feet.

Responsibilities

• Perform archival accessioning and processing functions for physical and digital collections
• Ensure long-term preservation and accessibility of unique and irreplaceable primary sources
• Maintain control and oversight of department collections and collection files
• Track collections and support strategic space planning

Key Qualifications

• Comprehensive knowledge of standards, best practices, ethics, resources, and trends in special collections and archives, particularly related to archival processing and collections management
• Demonstrated ability to perform technical aspects of work assignments, including the ability to interpret and quickly learn University, library, and department infrastructure, policies, procedures, and operations
• Ability to evaluate procedures and recommend changes, escalate issues, and use sound judgment to address complex issues
• Demonstrated understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion principles in Special Collections and Archives
• Working knowledge of ArchivesSpace or equivalent archival management system
• Experience with academic library and special collections and archives programs, online resources, databases, and systems relevant to assigned duties and patron use

Education And Experience

High school or equivalent certification plus four years of related library and/or clerical experience; or an equivalent combination of experience and education.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision and CalPERS retirement
• Educational benefits for eligible employees

Pay

Anticipated Hiring Range: $61,092 – $74,472 per year

Classification Range: $55,332 – $80,616 per year

Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Anticipated Hiring Range referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. The Classification Range may be broader than what the University anticipates paying for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).