Archivist - (26141937) The Montana Historical Society (MTHS) Archives department is charged with identifying and collecting non-public records, manuscripts, and documents of historic significance. The Archives department is also responsible, by statute, for the collection, organization and preservation of state government and local government records with historic significance. Archives staff acquire, analyze, arrange, and preserve these materials to make them available to the public.

Government records provide both public accountability as well as documenting significant events in Montana’s past and present. The Archives department is within the Library & Archives Program of the Montana Historical Society. Under the direction of the State Archivist, this position will be an integral member of the Archives team.

The successful candidate will evaluate, acquire, arrange, describe and provide access to a wide variety of historical records of varying formats, along with other duties. The position will perform reference services for patrons in person and remotely and provide public presentation and outreach about the Library & Archives collections. Among other tasks, the ability to exercise sound judgment, be detail orientated, have great time management skills, along with a welcoming and friendly attitude, is important to this position.

The Archivist will work a 40-hour a week schedule, Monday through Friday. This position is not eligible for telework.

Representative Duties

Preserve collections such as artifacts, artwork, records, photographs, or other materials using professional preservation methods. Organize, identify, catalog, describe, and classify collections to allow easy access to information. Research, locate, negotiate, and acquire current materials for permanent collections, exchange, or loan.

Authenticate and appraise collections for historical significance. Create, administer, and maintain cataloging, and databases, incorporating current advances in electronic information technology. Implement policies and procedures for public access to and use of collections.

Provide reference services, workshops, instructional educational sessions, and assistance for users needing access to collections. Research and record the origins and historical significance of collections. Provides consultation to other institutions about conservation and preservation of archival materials.





Determines priority for archival collection processing based on agency standards, historical significance, and professional standards. Establish and administer policies and procedures for public access and use of archival materials, considering their effect on the historical objects. Address escalated reference inquires and complaints.

Knowledge Of

Modern archival theory standards, and practices and their implementation ArchivesSpace or other content management systems MARC, DACS and EAD Research methods Preferred Knowledge Of Montana and western history Skills Time management Attention to detail Detail orientated Ability To Communicate simple and complex ideas effectively, both orally and in writing Interact well with Library & Archives visitors Education Master’s degree in history, museum studies, library science, archival studies or related field Alternative qualifications may be considered, such as an MA in History or a related field with a concentration on Montana and Western History Experience One to two years of job-related experience Other combinations of education or experience may be substituted Advertised Physical Requirements Must be able to climb, crouch, pull, push, reach, stand, engage in repetitive motions including movements of the hands, wrists, or fingers, move, touch including finger dexterity, communicate, hear including receiving detailed information orally or making fine discriminations in sound and sight including color, depth perception or clarity. Must be able to move and stand for several hours at a time. The job requires some lifting of heavy volumes and boxes, but most tasks are performed in an office setting.

Hours Of Operation The Montana Heritage

Center operates seven days a week and is open all holidays except Thanksgiving and Christmas As an employee of the Montana Historical Society your work hours may fall outside the regular Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.



schedule Required Materials The following documents must be submitted to be considered for this position (be sure to mark each attachment as relevant): Cover Letter Resume State of Montana application Montana Historical Society is participating in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. After accepting a job offer and completing Form I-9, your information will be submitted to the Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration for verification. For more information about E-Verify, please visit the E-Verify website found here, https://www.e-verify.gov/ Applicant Pool Statement: If another department vacancy occurs in this job title within six months, the same applicant pool may be used for the selection.

Training Assignment: This agency may use a training assignment. Employees in training assignments may be paid below the base pay established by the agency pay rules. Conditions of the training assignment will be stated in writing at the time of hire.

Salary: $ 29.90 - 29.90 Hourly Telework Eligibility: Not Telework Eligible Benefits Package Eligibility: Health Insurance, Paid Leave & Holidays, Retirement Plan Number of Openings : 1 Employee Status: Regular Schedule: Full-Time Job Type : Standard Shift : Day Job Travel : Yes, 5 % of the Time Primary Location : Helena Agency: Montana Historical Society Union: Montana Federation of Public Employees Posting Date : Aug 4, 2026, 8:11:07 PM Closing Date (based on your computer's timezone) : Aug 12, 2026, 5:59:00 AM Required Application Materials: Cover Letter, Resume Contact Name: Beth Strandberg | Contact Email: [email protected] | Contact Phone: (phone hidden) Anyone who needs to request a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the HR staff identified on the job listing or by dialing the Montana Relay at 711.

Montana Job Service

Offices also offer services including assistance with submitting an online application. State government does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth or medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, creed, political beliefs or affiliation, veteran status, military service, retaliation, or any other factor not related to merit and qualifications of an employee or applicant.

📌 Archivist (Mount Helena)
🏢 Montana Historical Society
📍 Mount Helena