Job: MANUSCRIPT SPECIALIST

Job Description

Job Title:
MANUSCRIPT SPCLST

Job ID:
2083

Location: St. Louis

Full/Part Time:
Full-Time

Salary
$30,000

Responsibilities
The manuscript specialist will coordinate the project and arrange, describe, process, and preserve a large collection of historic documents. Clean and mend damaged materials. Write objective, pertinent, and concise finding aids for the collection, both online and in hard copy, taking into consideration patron needs and research possibilities in relation to material under review. Index materials as appropriate. Train and supervise an archives assistant, plus volunteers, in all aspects of processing. Oversee various health and safety aspects of the project, including the maintenance of a fragrance free and smoke free environment. Manage the inventory of archival and project supplies and place supply order requests. Work closely with the donor of the papers, primarily through e-mails on all aspects of the project. All telephone conversations and in-person meetings with the donor will be typed as the donor is speaking, then edited/emailed for oral history as well as efficient project functioning purposes. Excellent reading skills required as most of the instruction and work is from written materials. Attend conferences, seminars, and professional meetings. Perform other duties as need arises and act as a liaison between project participants.

Minimum Qualifications
A Master's degree in History, a Social Science, Library Science, or a related field with an emphasis on manuscript and archival theory and practice is required. Willingness and ability to lift and carry 35- to 40-pound boxes are mandatory. Effective and accurate written, listening, and oral communication skills are vital for relaying information. Candidates should have strong typing skills (at least 55 wpm), good visual skills, and a meticulous proofreading eye for accurate filing and cataloguing. Successful candidates will be expected to establish priorities, set and meet goals and deadlines, and manage project schedules. Previous supervisory experience is required. Fluency with e-mail and computer programs such as Microsoft Word and Excel is essential. At least one year of office or archive/library/research/archival related paper sorting-categorizing job experience.

Preferred Qualifications
Knowledge of the social movements of the late 20th and early 21st centuries, including the women's movement. Knowledge of archival theory and practice in this specific area is a plus.

Comments
Supervision Received:
Functional direction will be received from Donor. Position carries benefits including vacation, sick leave, personal days, medical and dental insurance, educational assistance for employee and dependents and other options.

Note: Upon applying please submit a cover letter with your application addressing each item in the advertisement.

Comments
Position available immediately. This position is funded through a two-year renewable grant. Full time schedule is negotiable and planned three weeks ahead, which dates, times and number of hours per day can vary (5 day minimum, 6 day maximum). Must include one weekend day (can be a shorter shift).