ARCHIVIST

Code: 00280@ Local Competitive

Official job specification

The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.

Definition

Under direction, analyzes and evaluates public records and documents of historical significance to determine their continued value and makes recommendations or decisions regarding their ultimate disposition; does related work as required.

Examples of work

• Appraises and edits permanent records and historically valuable documents.
• Participates in research activities based on archival materials.
• Advises agencies or appropriate individuals on the disposition of worthless or non-permanent documents.
• Analyzes documents by ascertaining date of writing, author, or original recipient of letter in order to appraise their historic value.
• Prepares document descriptions and reference aids for use of archives, such as accession lists, indexes, guides, bibliographies, abstracts and microfilmed copies of documents.
• Directs the filing and cross indexing of selected documents.
• Selects and edits documents for publication and display.
• Provides advice, assistance and consultative service to public administrators, scholars and others regarding the resources of the archival collection and the care, maintenance and storage of archival documents.
• Prepares publications of important archival records.
• Directs the activities of workers engaged in cataloging and safekeeping of valuable materials, when required.
• May be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.

Education

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master's degree in library science or history.

Experience

Two (2) years of experience in the collection, identification, evaluation, preservation and cataloging of historical documents.

License

Appointee will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Knowledge of the general archival principles, procedures, standards and techniques for identifying, classifying and determining the value of historical documents.
• Ability to analyze, appraise and evaluate documents of historical value.
• Ability to plan and organize archival procedures and services.
• Ability to prepare clear, technically sound, historically accurate and informative statistical and other reports containing findings, conclusions and recommendations.
• Ability to prepare materials pertaining to historically important documents for publication.
• Ability to maintain essential records and files.
• Ability to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office or related units.
• Ability to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
• Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.