Archives Assistant

ABOUT DEKALB HISTORY CENTER: We envision a county connected, enriched, and energized by people who see themselves in the histories we share and who engage with the stories of all the people and places that surround them. Located in the Historic DeKalb Courthouse in downtown Decatur, the DHC collects, preserves, and shares the wide-ranging stories of the people and places of DeKalb County.

Please send resume, cover letter and writing sample to our archivist at blomqvist@dekalbhistory.org.

Position Summary: This position is responsible for assisting the Archivist and overseeing the open exhibits on Saturdays (10:00 – 2:00) at the DeKalb History Center.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

Archives

• Assist with ongoing digitization of archival collections
• Assist with research requests and all stages of processing of collections
• Assist with solicitation, inventorying, and processing donations
• Assist in all aspects of reference services for DHC Archives
• Assist with archival maintenance and housekeeping tasks
• Perform additional archival tasks as directed by DHC Archivist
• Responsible for opening and closing the Museum on Saturdays from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
• Write blog/newsletter posts based on our collections as assigned by Archivist

General

Perform other duties as assigned by Archivist. All members of the staff are required to support DHC programs that are held after normal working hours and to assist with projects that may lie outside their primary areas of responsibility.

Requirements

Experience and Educational Requirements

This is an entry level position. BA in History, Historic Preservation, Public History or related fields, and ideally one year of experience working with archival collections. Ideally, the candidate also has professional skills or abilities related to: archives, public history, historic preservation, historical interpretation & education, or cultural tourism. Prior employment at a small non-profit and a passion for history are pluses.

Skills

The ideal candidate will have good research, writing, clerical, organizational and cataloguing skills. Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Desktop Publishing and internet applications. The Assistant must also have excellent communications skills, strong customer service skills; and the ability to manage multiple projects at the same time with attention to detail. Valid Georgia Driver’s license.

Physical Functions

Primary work in an office environment. Must be able to lift a minimum of 40 pounds. Sitting, standing and walking for periods of time.

Organizational Relationships

Reports to the Archivist; works with all staff members as assigned and volunteers as needed.

Time Requirements:

This is a part-time non-exempt position (11.5 to 20 hours per week; flexible except for Saturdays). Position includes Saturdays from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm when our exhibits are open to the public.

$16 an hour. Benefits include downtown Decatur parking and 401(k) match.