The National Museum of Transportation
The National Museum of Transportation has been a leader in protecting and interpreting North American transportation heritage since its founding in 1944. The Museum’s expansive 42-acre campus is located approximately 16 miles southwest of downtown St. Louis. Recognized as one of the largest collections of transportation vehicles in the world, the Museum features more than 190 major exhibits and hosts nearly 200,000 visitors each year.
The Museum’s Library and Archives actively collects and contains material that document and/or represent the history of transportation and travel in North America, with particular emphasis on the St. Louis, Missouri metropolitan area, the state of Missouri, and the eight contiguous states that make up the surrounding Midwest region.
Description
Working under the supervision of the Curator of Library and Archives, the Archives Assistant will be responsible for facilitating the access of the Museum’s Library and Archives collections through archival processing, arrangement, and description of archival and manuscript collections; producing finding aids; and performing other archival duties as assigned. All work will be carried out according to professional and current archival standards and best practices, and following internal policies, procedures, guidelines, and established workflows.
Primary Responsibilities
Processing, arranging, and describing new and existing Library and Archives collections using archival best practices and professional standards.
Creating inventories and container lists of new and existing Library and Archives collections.
Authoring DACS-compliant, fully encoded EAD finding aids, and publishing finding aids online.
Assisting with the creation of administrative and technical metadata and metadata schema for selected collections.
Inputting and formatting archival and manuscript collection data into machine-readable files, using a standard finding aid template with appropriate metadata.
Reporting statistics related to activities, extent processed, a quantity of materials digitized and other information pertinent for reporting purposes.
Reviewing and identifying problems associated with existing Library and Archives collections data and flags them for review by the Curator.
Creating preliminary surveys, descriptions, and preservation assessments for incoming collections.
Assists with rehabilitation and preservation procedures of Library and Archives Collections.
Other tasks as assigned.
Requirements & Qualifications
Bachelor’s Degree required, Master’s Degree preferred, in Archives Management, Museum Studies, or similar field.
Minimum of 2-3 years’ professional experience in the application of current best practices and professional archival methodologies and standards, including MPLP and DACS, for appraisal, organization, and description of archival collections, including electronic formats, in a museum or archive setting.
Ability to create administrative and technical metadata and create descriptive metadata in accordance with archival standards (Dublin Core, DACS, METS, MODS).
Demonstrated experience with relevant technologies, standards, and practices in creating finding aids, including DACS, EAD, and experience with XML editors or other software to create and publish EAD finding aids.
Experience with DAMS and CMP systems, such as Islandora, Omeka, ArchivesSpace, and PastPerfect.
Ability to utilize a broad range of hardware and software applications for scanning, calibration, image processing, hardcopy output, and file storage/management in order to achieve a desired result.
Proficiency in a variety of computer programs, including but not limited to, Microsoft or iWork suite (Word, Excel, Pages, and Numbers); and Adobe Create Suite (Lightroom, Bridge, and Photoshop).
Experience conducting regular collections condition-assessments and performing basic preservation activities, including cleaning, reformatting, or rehousing materials in appropriate archival containers.
Familiarity with U.S. copyright law.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds; climb a ladder; bend and twist; move heavy book truck or similar item; and stand for extended periods.
Ability to handle material which can contain dust or microscopic mold spores.
Contact Information
Interested candidates should send a cover letter outlining qualifications and resume with contact information to:
Email: museum@tnmot.org
We will only contact applicants we plan to interview. Offer of employment will be made contingent upon passing a drug screening and background check.
EEO Statement
The National Museum of Transportation seeks to build and maintain a workforce that reflects the rich diversity of our community. The Museum is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to treating all applicants and employees fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience, without regard to sex, race, age, disability, religion, national origin, color, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.