What does an Archivist do?
As an Archivist, your main responsibility is to curate and maintain documents and records of historical value. You will sort, classify, and catalogue these documents, ensuring their accuracy and preservation. You may also be responsible for creating digital records and developing systems to manage archives effectively. Your work may involve retrieving information for researchers and other interested parties. You will work closely with curators and other museum professionals to ensure that archive materials are preserved, well-organised, and accessible to the public. Excellent organisational skills, attention to detail and a passion for history are essential for this role.
Our Archivist job description includes the Archivist responsibilities, duties, skills, education, qualifications, and experience.
Archivist Example
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If you need an example job description for an Archivist download the one below, alternatively we have many other Arts job description samples and a job description library with over 3000 job descriptions templates that you can download for free.
What does an Archivist do?
Archivist
An Archivist is responsible for the preservation, management and organization of public records and historical documents. This role requires an individual with a strong knowledge of records management and archival practices, as well as an understanding of cultural heritage and records preservation.
The Archivist will manage the physical and digital records of the organisation and ensure that all documents are accurately catalogued and stored securely. They will be responsible for the day-to-day running of the archives and for developing and maintaining a comprehensive records management system. The Archivist will also be required to provide advice and assistance to staff regarding records management and research requests. Additionally, this role involves providing support for public events and exhibitions, as well as providing assistance to researchers.
Archivist Role Purpose
The purpose of an Archivist is to manage, preserve and provide access to records and information of historical, cultural and legal significance. They are responsible for appraising, organizing, cataloguing and storing these records in an efficient and secure manner. Archivists are also required to research and create reports on documents, as well as provide advice and support to other professionals in their field. They must ensure that the records they manage are properly maintained and accessible to the public, while also taking into account legal and ethical considerations.
Archivist Role
An Archivist is responsible for the safekeeping and cataloguing of historical documents, records and other materials. They ensure that these materials are stored and preserved in an organised and secure manner, and are available for research and public access.
Archivist Duties
- Organise and store records and other historical documents
- Conduct research on archived materials and respond to enquiries
- Identify and appraise historic documents
- Develop and maintain cataloguing systems
- Preserve and restore documents
- Manage digital archives
Archivist Requirements
- Good IT skills
- Sound knowledge of archival principles and best practice
- Experience of cataloguing and indexing historical records
Archivist Skills
- Organising and indexing records and archives
- Assessing the value and significance of records
- Preserving records and archives
- Providing advice on records management
- Liaising with colleagues and external organisations
- Using specialist cataloguing software
Archivist Personal Traits
- Organised
- Attention to detail
- Knowledge of records management procedures
- Computer literate
- Excellent communication skills
How to write an Archivist Job Advert
Use our job advert template to write a job advert for posting on job sites and job boards. Our job advertising templates are carefully created to help you reach your audience and beat the competition to the best talent.
A job description informs the reader about a job, whereas a job advert’s main objective is to sell the job opportunity to attract as many suitable applicants possible. A job advert maybe the first touch-point a candidate has with your company so it is important to create a great impression.
Job Advertisements should enticing, so considering using short, exciting language which get the reader’s attention.
How to write an Archivist Job Description
To write a job description, we recommend starting with a job description template from our job description library, which contains examples for 800+ positions and professions. Our job description examples include a job summary with duties and responsibilities and skills and requirements, which can be personalised for your job vacancy.
Job Description Advice - Guidance on How to Personalise an Archivist Job Specification
The hiring process and recruiting new employees to fill your key roles requires a degree of personalisation if you are to attract the best employees in a competitive employment market. The right person for a crucial role or more senior roles will likely have other employers targeting them. As your job description will be the first point of contact, you need to nail your pitch and provide the best possible service.
Job Description Tips - Help on formatting an Archivist Job Specification
When creating your bespoke description and advert, you should cover and promote these points:
Job title: This should accurately reflect the role and include keywords that top talent might be using to search for jobs.
Job duties: The day to day duties, such as administrative tasks, which vary depending on the company and inform the candidate if they can complete the role.
Technical skills: These are the hard skills required through training, such as proficiency with Microsoft Office.
Soft skills: These include the interpersonal skills and general abilities the right candidates will possess. For example, the competency to prioritise multiple tasks, handle customer queries and customer complaints, work alone, or build a good relationship with coworkers.
The company's culture: Highlighting your company culture and values ensures employees thrive and find outstanding job satisfaction. Candidates that are not the right fit won’t waste their time completing the application process, meaning you can focus on qualified individuals and hire in a more timely manner.
Career progression: Including the career path will entice candidates looking for career growth.
Training and development programs: Smaller companies may need employees with previous experience or provide educational assistance over internal training offered by larger organisations with more significant resources.
Employee benefits: Compensation and benefits often fail to appear in job ads and while you may want to hold your cards close to your chest, failing to include them is a mistake. Consider answering common questions, such as working hours and paid leave. Researching the average salary for the role in these early stages will ensure you don’t waste your interviewer’s and the candidate’s time.
Skill gaps: Your company may need to bring in new skills beyond those required to complete the key role and duties. Thinking on an organisational level can be beneficial when contemplating skills diversity.
Legal requirements: Ensure your job advert and description does not ask for inappropriate or discriminatory personal details, such as age, marital status, or religion.
How to Hire an Archivist
Once you have selected your Job Description download it or convert it to a Job Advert. From here you can post/advertise your job across our network of job boards. If you wish to use the job description for a CV Template click through for advice and Convert to a CV
