The University Library at the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) in collaboration with the Dolores Huerta Foundation, invites applications for a project archivist to support a three-year project to process the personal papers of Dolores Huerta as well as the records of the Dolores Huerta Foundation. Under the direction of the Head of Special Collections and Archives, the successful candidate will employ archival standards, tools, and best practices, including inclusive description, to arrange and describe archival collections of varying formats, including born-digital, audiovisual, photographic, and paper materials. The project archivist will also advise on records retention procedures, work with undergraduate and graduate student interns and collaborate closely with project stakeholders including the Foundation staff.
The Dolores Huerta Foundation (DHF), a 501(c)(3) non-profit public benefit organization, is “focused on Civic Engagement, Education Equity, Health and Safety, and LGBTQIA+ Equality” in line with their grassroots inspired mission to “Inspire and organize communities to build volunteer organizations empowered to pursue social justice.”
The project archivist will be responsible for processing approximately 100 linear feet of archival material as well as approximately 5TB of digital content. The project archivist will work at the Foundation’s offices in Bakersfield, California. Onsite supervision will be led by the Foundation’s Archives Director. The project archivist will remotely report to the Head of Special Collections & Archives and receive additional oversight support from the Supervisory Archivist. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Appraisal, arrangement and description of analog and born-digital collection material
- Survey and assessment of active records in support of development of a Records Retention Schedule
- In conjunction with the Archives Director, develop documented workflow processes for records management, including a records management schedule for the Foundation Archives
- Advise Foundation staff and the Huerta family on archival and records management best practices
- Assessment of tools to provide online access to digitized collections
- Be capable of supervising a team of up to four students, from UCSC and DHF, to assist with digitizing, organizing, and supporting the development of the archives during certain periods of the appointment
- Be able to sign a non-disclosure agreement until the archives are public
To be eligible for consideration, applicants must meet the basic qualifications listed below at the time they submit their applications:
- An ALA-accredited MLS or MLIS degree, or master’s or higher degree in a relevant field such as public history or archival management, at time of application;
- Project management experience, including creating processing plans;
- Formal coursework (college or university courses) or training in archival management and theory;
- A minimum of one year of archival processing experience, which can include paraprofessional, student or internship experience;
- Familiarity with anti-racist archival theory and inclusive description; and
- Familiarity with current approaches to processing born-digital records
In addition, applicants with any combination of the following areas of expertise or experience are encouraged to apply. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job and recognize that the successful candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. We encourage you to apply, even if you don't meet all of the areas of experience listed below.
- Knowledge and understanding of efficient and best practices in archival processing procedures and standards
- Evidence of successful teamwork in a collaborative environment
- Evidence of organizational and time management skills
- Evidence of ability to successfully balance and complete multiple assignments and projects collaboratively and independently
- Experience or training in Records Management
- Experience participating in a digitization project or understanding of digitization best practices
- Experience working with undergraduate and/or graduate students
- Formal coursework or training in history or related fields with a focus on social movements, ethnic studies and/ or feminist/gender studies
- A demonstrated record of civic involvement
UCSC values diversity, equity, and inclusion and is committed to hiring faculty and staff who share these values. UCSC is a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) with a high proportion of first-generation students and named its Research Center for the Americas in honor of Dolores Huerta in 2022. To be considered, candidates must understand the barriers facing historically oppressed groups in higher education, and, through education, teaching, research, professional activity, and/or creative practice, demonstrate effective strategies that support the success of underrepresented groups in creative, professional, and/or scholarly fields. Activities promoting equity and inclusion at UC Santa Cruz will be recognized as important university service during the librarian review process.
The successful candidate will become a member of the Librarians Association of the University of California (LAUC). Research, publication, and/or service to the University and profession are expected for continuing advancement. More information can be found at the Librarians Association of the University of California (https://lauc.ucop.edu/).
Applicants are invited to attend an informational webinar to learn more about the position, the Foundation, and the University Library. If interested, please register using the links provided:
- Monday, June 17, 2024 from noon-1 pm PT (registration link)
- Thursday, June 20, 2024 from 5:30pm-6:30pm PT (registration link)
The attendee list will be hidden to ensure confidentiality. Live captioning will be provided via Zoom Live Transcript. Inquiries and nominations may be directed to Teresa Mora, Head, Special Collections & Archives (tmora1@ucsc.edu).
The hiring unit will not sponsor employment-eligible immigration statuses for this position.