Job Abstract

The Shelby White and Leon Levy Processing Archivist

Curator of Special Collections, Research and Archives

This is a four-year, temporary full time, grant funded position.  The Processing Archivist will be responsible for processing and providing access to the institutional records of The New York Botanical Garden. Reporting to the Curator of Special Collections, Research and Archives, this position will undertake arrangement, description, weeding and rehousing of the physical collections while integrating the use of ArchivesSpace software to create finding guides for research access.

The Project Archivist will be an integral member of a dynamic team that is committed to careful stewardship and preservation of collections and to increasing access and discoverability of the Garden’s unique holdings. This position will work closely with conservators to properly house, label and conserve collection items as needed.

Additionally, this position supports, through actions and conduct, NYBG’s Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility initiatives and helps to build and maintain an inclusive organizational culture throughout the institution.

• Arrange and describe archival collections of organizational records.
• Prepare finding aids in ArchivesSpace in accordance with local and national standards
• Create monthly progress reports of activities
• Weed out duplicate materials following established policy
• Work with Digital Technician to oversee digitization of selected archival materials after processing
• Meet with Special Collections Cataloger to create cataloging records for processed collections
• Collaborate with NYBG conservators to determine conservation needs for the organizational records.
• Rehouse and label collections containers as needed.
• Perform other related duties as required.

• Master’s degree from an ALA accredited library science program.
• Archival certification or equivalent experience required.
• Minimum of one-year experience in an archives or manuscripts repository creating descriptive records for archival collections.
• A strong background in archival theory and practice, especially regarding arrangement and description.
• Accurate record keeping and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated knowledge of current standards for archival description (APPM, DACS, LC subject headings, authority control, and MARC 21).
• Experience using ArchivesSpace software.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills as well as analytical, time-management and problem-solving skills.
• Working knowledge of historical research methodology and experience with standard bibliographic tools.
• Ability to work well independently and collaboratively in a production-oriented, team environment.

Physical Demands & Work Environment:

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is required, at minimum, to sit for extended periods. Some retrieving and placement of collections is required. This would require the ability to remove archival boxes weighing up to 40 lbs. from shelves, push fully-loaded book carts, climb ladders, re-shelve boxes, and bend or stoop as necessary. Containers may need to be shifted within storage areas for retrieval and processing.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

Baseline Work Schedule:

Monday through Friday, 35 hours per week. 9am – 5pm.

Salary: $65,000

If you require an accommodation for any part of the application process, please notify the Human Resources department at [email protected].   

If you are interested in applying for a position at the New York Botanical Garden, please go to http://www.nybg.org/employment to submit your application.