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Special Collections Archivist I
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What they do
An Archivist manages and organizes storage of records and historic information or collections. Reviews and appraises material, determines items to archive and conditions necessary to preserve materials safely. Develops systems for documenting and organizing material to be archived. May use archival material for research or assist other researchers with access to an archive.
$67,709 / year median in California
+7% projected growth
Job Description
Special Collections Archivist I The J. Paul Getty Trust vision insurance, paid holidays, 403(b), retirement plan United States, California, Los Angeles 1200 Getty Center Drive (Show on map) Sep 10, 2026 Special Collections Archivist I
Job Family Library Type LT Full-Time Position Status Getty Center Workplace Type Onsite Salaried/Hourly Salaried Hiring Pay Scale $63,785 - $81,332 Annually Salary Commensurate with experience and internal equity Program/Department Research Institute - 0420-Special Collections Management Requisition Number 2026-4834 Getty is committed to creating a welcoming workplace that reflects the various backgrounds of the communities we serve. We value differences in the pursuit of inquiry and knowledge, mutual understanding, respect, trust, transparency, and cooperation. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship or immigration status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected status. Job Summary The Getty Research Institute is seeking a limited-term Special Collections Archivist I to enhance description and discovery of the study photograph collections of the historic Photo Archive, a compilation of over two million documentary photographs of Western art and architecture from antiquity through the early twentieth century. The focus of this position will be to implement the Photo Archive's transition from an on-site browsable collection to off-site paged access. This is a thirty-month limited-term position. Using a broad knowledge of Western art history, an understanding of the historiography of the discipline and the history of photographic markets, the Archivist I will create tools to facilitate discovery of the study photograph collections in the new access framework. Over 90 stub records, representing the division of the collections by chronology, culture and medium, will be upgraded into DACS-compliant finding aids. The Archivist I will also perform basic collection maintenance, such as sleeving rare photographic formats, interfiling photographs, and replacing missing box labels; update MARC records; and assist with packing the collection and coordinating the off-site move. Major Job Responsibilities Arranges, processes, and re-houses collection materials
Creates new metadata of advanced complexity based on standards, best practices, research, and review
Applies advanced knowledge to edit, aggregate, enhance, transform, and disseminate existing metadata
Makes judgments regarding storage and preservation of collection materials in consultation with others
Maintains current knowledge in standards, best practices, and specialized subjects, formats, and systems
Supports other departmental activities, as assigned Qualifications Graduate degree in appropriate discipline, Art History or Library & Information Science fields preferred
0-2 years related experience, preferably in an academic, arts, or cultural institution
May require advanced subject, language, and/or technical expertise Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Demonstrated subject knowledge of the broad range of Western art history from antiquity to the early twentieth century, with the ability to visually classify works of art by national/regional schools and chronological periods preferred
Knowledge of standards such as DACS, EAD, MARC and RDA preferred
Basic knowledge of twentieth century art historians and photograph vendors preferred
Basic knowledge of late nineteenth/early twentieth century photographic printing techniques and other image reproduction processes preferred
Familiarity with collection management practices
Strong written and interpersonal communication skills
Ability to work in team-based and collaborative environments
Ability to meet deadlines, apply policies and procedures consistently, conduct research and present recommendations
Ability to lift and move 40 pounds
Ability to climb ladders
Must have means of transportation to work sites at both the Getty Center in Brentwood and Getty's off-site storage facility, approximately 30 miles to the north of the Getty Center Benefits and Perks Here are just some examples that Getty offers/provides for full-time employees: Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance coverage, starting on date of hire. Getty pays 75%-95% of the premium, depending on the plan selected.
403(b) Employee investment retirement plan - with up to 5% Getty Match
Getty contribution of 6%, on behalf of employee, to 401(a) retirement account
Educational assistance and professional development
Paid Vacation, Sick, and Personal Days
12 Paid Holidays
Many positions have bi-weekly off-Fridays
On-site Fitness Center at Getty Center
Community service opportunities To learn more about our comprehensive benefits and long list of perks, go to Getty HR.
Benefits
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Personal Leave
- Professional Development
- 403(b) Tax-Sheltered Annuity Plans