Archivist job description.
An Archivist appraises, organizes, and preserves historical records, documents, and materials of enduring value. They develop cataloging systems, oversee preservation conditions, and make collections accessible to researchers, staff, or the public while maintaining accurate archival records.
The Archivist job description · $29
The full editable .docx — role summary, 8 worked responsibilities, qualifications, and skills, formatted for your letterhead. Delivered to your inbox within 24 hours — usually instantly.
Role: Archivist Reports to: Library Director or Museum Curator
An Archivist appraises, organizes, and preserves historical records, documents, and materials of enduring value. They develop cataloging systems, oversee preservation conditions, and make collections accessible to researchers, staff, or the public while maintaining accurate archival records.
- Appraise, arrange, and describe archival materials and collections
- Develop and maintain cataloging and finding-aid systems
- Oversee proper storage and preservation conditions for materials
What's inside the document.
One-paragraph plain-English explanation of the role's outcome and scope.
8 responsibilities phrased the way the work is actually done.
4 qualifications a candidate must have to perform on day 30.
2 qualifications that would make a candidate excellent in year two.
5 skill chips you can copy directly into your ATS.
Library Director or Museum Curator
A complete document set.
- Word document (.docx) — fully editable
- PDF — signature-ready
- Google Docs — one-click copy to your Drive
- 12 months of updates to this document
- Commercial-use licence for internal and client work
The work, not the title.
- Appraise, arrange, and describe archival materials and collections
- Develop and maintain cataloging and finding-aid systems
- Oversee proper storage and preservation conditions for materials
- Respond to research requests and assist patrons with archival access
- Digitize records and manage digital archive systems
- Establish policies for collection acquisition and de-accessioning
- Ensure compliance with copyright, privacy, and access restrictions
- Collaborate with institutions on collection loans or exhibits
Required — and what would make a candidate excellent.
- Master's degree in library science, archival studies, or history
- 2+ years of archival or records management experience
- Knowledge of archival standards and cataloging systems
- Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
- Certified Archivist (CA) credential
- Experience with digital preservation tools and metadata standards
Eight steps from download to publish.
- 01Open the Archivist job description in Word or your one-click Google Docs copy.
- 02Replace placeholders for company name, reporting line, and location with your specifics.
- 03Tighten the summary to one paragraph that names the team's outcome, not just the role.
- 04Edit the responsibilities to match the actual scope of the seat — aim for 6 to 8 items, not 12.
- 05Separate required qualifications from preferred. Required is what a candidate must have to do the work on day 30; preferred is what would make them excellent in year two.
- 06Add salary range guidance using BLS, Payscale, or your own band data — do not copy generic figures.
- 07Have the hiring manager and one peer read it. Cut anything that wouldn't survive a candidate question.
- 08Publish to your ATS, intranet, and external careers page.
The right document at the right moment.
Use this Archivist job description any time you are opening or reopening a seat at this level. The mid band sets the calibration — copy the document, tighten it to your specific scope, and circulate to the hiring panel before the first interview.
The reporting line (Library Director or Museum Curator) and skills list are starting points. Override either if your org structure or stack differs from the norm — the template is a draft, not a contract.
Honest answers before you download.
- What degree is typically required for an Archivist?
- Most employers require a master's degree in library science, archival studies, or a closely related field.
- Do Archivists work only with physical materials?
- No, many Archivists also manage digital collections, requiring familiarity with digital preservation and metadata standards.
Other documents in this neighbourhood.
Librarian
A librarian manages library collections, assists patrons with research and resource access, and develops programs that support literacy and community engagement.
Museum Curator
A Museum Curator researches, acquires, and manages a museum's collections and exhibitions.
Library Assistant
A Library Assistant supports the daily operations of a public, school, or academic library.
This Archivist job description is a professionally drafted starting point for your hiring process and is not legal advice. Hiring practice varies by jurisdiction (e.g. pay-transparency laws differ across US states and AU jurisdictions). Adapt this document for your specific location and have employment counsel review any clauses you add before publishing. Salary varies by region, employer type, and experience. Reference BLS or current industry surveys for ranges. Full disclaimer.