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Special Collections Processing Archivist

George Washington's Mount Vernon

Details

Posted:

November 12, 2025

Location:

Mount Vernon, Virginia

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Salary:

$60,000-$75,000

Level:

Experienced

Pay Frequency:

Annual

Preferred Education:

Masters

Pay Frequency

Annual

Special Collections Processing Archivist

Full-Time, Exempt, 2-year term

Position Overview:

The Special Collections Processing Archivist is a full-time, two-year term position reporting to the Chief Librarian. The position works closely with the Special Collections Librarian to ensure proper care, documentation, management, and access to special collections holdings. This position is primarily responsible for tracking and managing data entry, electronic and physical documentation for receiving special collections manuscripts and books, relating to accessioning, loans (internal and external), and deaccessioning. The Archivist processes, describes, and houses Special Collections manuscripts and archival collections.

S/he will coordinate with the Technical Services Librarian, who is responsible for cataloging rare books, and will work with the Special Collections Librarian and Museum Collections staff to track and coordinate the physical transfer of library material on loan for exhibit rotations.

Responsibilities:

Receives, tracks, and manages the electronic and physical documentation for incoming Special Collections acquisitions and items under temporary custody.
Processes and tracks electronic and physical documentation for Special Collections materials for accessioning, internal and external loans, and deaccessioning.
In coordination with the Special Collections Librarian, manages correspondence relating to accessioning and loans.
Maintains the quality and accuracy of data in Archives Space Special Collections Repository and creates, updates, maintains, and proofs records and reports.
Works closely with the Special Collections Librarian to review and ensure procedures and policies for data management are kept up-to-date.
Processes, arranges, and describes manuscripts and archival collections following Describing Archives: A Content Standard (DACS).
Rehouses manuscripts, collections, and other tasks to ensure preservation of materials.
Conducts inventories, condition reports, and implements preservation initiatives.
Monitors environmental conditions and manages cleaning schedule for storage spaces.
Assists with library tours and works with visiting researchers.
Other related duties as assigned.

Required qualifications:

ALA-accredited Master’s Degree in Library or Information Science with archives concentration, OR certification in archives combined with graduate degree in history
Experience in archival processing (appraisal, arrangement, and description) at item level
Familiarity with ArchivesSpace collections management software
Knowledge of Describing Archives: A Content Standard (DACS) Encoded Archival Description (EAD), and Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH)
Familiarity with preservation and conservation issues and practices
Demonstrated knowledge of current archival theory, practice, and standards
Experience in a Special Collections Library and/or Archives setting
Excellent skills for historical research, writing, and oral communication
Ability to perform work independently and as part of an integrated team
Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills and the ability to meet deadlines
Proficient computer skills, including MS Office Suite
Ability to lift a 30-pound box

Preferred qualifications
Experience with accessioning, loans, and de-accessioning in a library or museum setting.

Work Environment:
This position operates primarily in a professional office setting. The role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and filing cabinets. The work environment is generally quiet, with occasional interruptions.

Physical Requirements:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit for extended periods, talk, hear, and use hands to type or handle objects. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. Visual acuity to read and interpret documents and computer screens is required.

Benefits:

403(b) Retirement plan with employer matching
Employee recognition at 5 years of service
Monthly employee events
Employee referral program
On-site Library
Discount on Public Event Tickets
Discount in the Mount Vernon Shops
Discount at the Mount Vernon Inn and Food Court Pavilion
Free Parking
Health, Vision, and Dental insurance
Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance
Paid leave for Sick Time, Vacation and Holidays
Flexible spending account for medical care

The Mount Vernon Ladies' Association is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we are committed to building and retaining a team that represents a variety of skills, experiences, and perspectives. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, performance, and qualifications without regard to race, religion or belief, national or ethnic origin, gender/sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital or domestic partnership status, veteran and military status, family or parental status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law. The Mount Vernon Ladies' Association will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.

About George Washington's Mount Vernon

Open 365 days of the year, Mount Vernon is the most popular historic estate in America. Over 96 million people have visited Mount Vernon since 1860, when the estate officially opened to the public. Today, Mount Vernon welcomes an average of one million guests each year. The estate, gardens, and farm of Mount Vernon totaled some 8,000 acres in the 18th century. Presently, an estimated 500 acres of this historic property have been painstakingly preserved along the banks of the Potomac River.

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Special Collections Processing Archivist

George Washington's Mount Vernon

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