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Chinese Historical Society of Southern California

Community Archivist Job Description

Reports to: Archives Committee Chair
Type of Position: Part-time (This is a grant-funded, contracted position). Not eligible for benefits; exempt
Hours/Schedule: 20 hours/week (Monday-Friday preferred). Schedule to be arranged.

Position Availability: Immediately

Position Term: This is a 9-month contract position, starting from the hire date and ending 9 months later, with the possibility of an extension.

Compensation: $32.00/hour

Application Deadline: The position will remain open until filled. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Location: 415 Bernard Street, Los Angeles, California 90012

The mission of the Chinese Historical Society of Southern California is to bring together people with a mutual interest in the important history and historical role of Chinese and Chinese Americans in southern California.  We pursue, preserve and communicate knowledge of this history, and promote the heritage of the Chinese and Chinese American community in support of a better appreciation of the rich, multicultural society of the United States.

For over 45 years the Society has collected artifacts, books, magazines, reports, films, photographs, textiles, videos and oral histories culminating in a vast archive of physical and digital assets.  We seek a professional to help us standardize the care of our physical and digital collections, establish policies and procedures for access to archival materials and increase our online presence with the goal of sharing our digital assets and archival resources to a wide international audience.  

JOB OBJECTIVE:

  • Conducts the appraisal, arrangement, and description of primary source collections, and oversees the development of finding aids.
  • Inventories new acquisitions and manages the existing inventory of physical and digital assets.
  • Oversees procedures for archival processing, digitization, and metadata creation.
  • Oversees digital collections and exhibits using Omeka, including cataloging, customization, and user management.
  • Ensures archival interns are adequately trained and manages their performance efficiently.
  • Interacts with patrons, prepares archival materials, and enforces archival policies related to patron interactions.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

The ideal candidate will possess a combination of the following education and/or equivalent experience:

  • MLS/MLIS or MA in Museum Studies degree preferred.
  • Minimum of 2 years experience managing an archive containing a range of collections, including books, digital media, and artifacts.
  • Experience writing policies, procedures and guidelines.
  • Experience using a collection management system and/or a library catalog.
  • Knowledge of ArchivesSpace, Online Archives of California, Calishere and Omeka.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

  • A strong knowledge of digitization and cataloging workflows as well as the born-digital archival lifecycle. Experience with archival content management systems as well as digital file formats, electronic records management, and digital persistence practice and theory.
  • Ensures long-term retention of physical materials (non-electronic) with knowledge of preservation practice and storage.
  • Knowledge of current copyright and privacy laws, donor restrictions, and permissions related to public access of paper and born digital records.
  • Ability to set priorities, manage work, and meet deadlines independently and collaboratively.
  • Ability to interact and communicate successfully and sustain effective working relationships with a wide range of people including CHSSC Board of Directors, and society members.
  • Excellent computer and technical skills and ability to learn new technologies.
  • Good interpersonal skills and ability to work with diverse stakeholders.
  • Excellent analytic problem-solving and organizational skills.
  • Strong written and oral communication skills.

LANGUAGE SKILLS:

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.  Ability to speak effectively before groups or individuals. Bilingual (spoken and/or written) in Spanish, Cantonese, Mandarin, or other non-English language preferred but not necessary.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable persons with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, sit, walk, reach with hands and arms, talk and hear. Must be able to lift 30 lbs. Must be able to perform repetitive motions 50% of the time. 

To apply applicants must submit  a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and two current professional references to  info@chssc.org.  In later phases of the search process, applicants may be requested to provide additional materials.