Western Carolina University continues to rank high on Forbes ‘Best Employers’ lists each year. Including:
• 2024 – Ranking in the top 8.5% on Forbes ‘America’s Best Midsize Employers’ list, WCU was ranked 34 out of the top 400 employers across all industries.
• 2023 – Ranked in the top 20% on Forbes ‘America’s Best Midsize Employers’ list, WCU was ranked 97 out of the top 500 employers across all industries.
• 2022 – Ranked 14th in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes ‘America’s Best Employers by State’ list.
Western Carolina University is the UNC system’s westernmost campus and has been consistently ranked as one of the top 15 public regional institutions in the South.
Employees of WCU are provided a comprehensive benefits package as well as other resources, policies and programs to ensure a happy and healthy work/life balance. Benefit eligible employees have access to dental, vision and health insurance plans – eligibility begins on the first of the month following date of hire. Retirement plan contributions begin on the eligibility date following election and include employer contributions for either a defined contribution or a defined benefit plan. Optional disability plans are also available.
Eligible employees have access to tuition waivers for up to three courses per academic year; employee may enroll at any of the constituent UNC System campuses. Also offered are free group exercise classes multiple times per week, a discounted membership to the campus recreation center, free vaccine and booster shots offered on campus, pretax flexible spending accounts, 12 paid holidays and 24 hours of paid community service leave each year. Paid vacation and sick leave accrual begin after first month of employment. Paid parental leave after 12 months of continuous service.
WCU offers an abundance of training and development programs, certifications, workshops and conferences – many of which are offered free of charge.

The primary location of this position is the Cullowhee, NC campus.

This is a time-limited benefits-earning position. Continued employment is contingent upon funding availability. Anticipated appointment period is 12-months.

The primary purpose of this position is to complete an inventory of Western Carolina University (WCU) historic resources. The Technician will locate, identify, catalog, and record an assortment of WCU historic documents, images, and objects. This inventory will aid future researchers in developing curriculum-based experiences, interpretive programs, temporary exhibits, and, in the long term, update “Our Mountain Heritage,” the 1989 centennial university history monograph.

This position reports directly to the Director of the WCU Mountain Heritage Center (MHC) and works closely with the MHC staff.

Must be eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Knowledge of Archival Methods and Practices

• Understanding of techniques for locating, identifying, and cataloging historical documents, images, and objects.

Attention to Detail

• Ability to accurately list the format, materials, condition, and dimensions of resources, ensuring thorough documentation.

Research Skills

• Proficiency in searching various records series, physical storage spaces, digital servers, display cases, and offices to locate historical resources.

Reporting and Communication Skills

• Ability to compile and present quarterly progress reports to the WCU History Initiative Committee, effectively communicating findings and updates.

Organizational Skills

• Capacity to manage and catalog a large volume of historical resources systematically, aiding future researchers in curriculum development, interpretive programs, and exhibits.

High school diploma or equivalency and one year of experience that demonstrates possession of the competencies necessary to perform the work; or equivalent combination of training and experience.