Introduction
The Wisconsin Historical Society , considered one of the nation's finest historical institutions, is a State of Wisconsin government agency as well as a mission-driven entrepreneurial organization. The Wisconsin Historical Society (WHS), founded in 1846, ranks as one of the largest, most active and diversified state historical societies in the nation. As both a state agency and a private membership organization, its mission is to help people connect to the past by collecting, preserving and sharing stories. At its core, WHS believes that increasing the public's knowledge of history has profound societal, cultural, and economic benefit. Its library, archives and collections, historic sites and museums, historic preservation office, and extensive educational programs and community outreach are focused on our vision to enrich and transform lives through unparalleled access to history. Click here for more information about WHS' mission, vision, and core values.
WHS is committed to being a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization because we truly believe this is the most effective way to attract, engage, and retain the best talent and the most meaningful way to support our mission.
Click here for more information about working for WHS.
Position Summary
This position leads efforts to collect, preserve, and make accessible born digital public record and manuscript collections in a manner that ensures continued access to Wisconsin's heritage. In addition, the archivist serves as the lead worker for Government Information staff, providing day-to-day work planning, general oversight, and priority setting.
The Electronic Records Archivist leads work to acquire born digital records and manuscripts, working collaboratively with archivists, staff at state agencies and local government units, and with manuscript donors to review and select material, coordinate acquisition, and transfer custody of material.
Duties include developing processes for the preservation of digital materials acquired in a variety of formats; developing and documenting procedures for the acquisition of digital content; and the migration of digital content over time for preservation and access. The archivist manages the WHS's digital preservation system (currently Preservica) including ingest of digital resources, metadata management, and discovery aspects of the repository. Additionally, the archivist works collaboratively to integrate the digital preservation system with other digital discovery tools at WHS. This work is accomplished in cooperation with Wisconsin Historical Society IT staff, staff at the Department of Administration, and staff from state agencies and local government units.
Salary Information
The salary will be between $27.00 - $35.00 per hour plus excellent benefits. Pay on appointment for current or former state employees may vary according to the applicable pay provisions found in the Wisconsin State Compensation Plan. This position is in pay schedule 13, range 04. The classification is Archivist. A 12-month probationary period will be required.
Visit this link for a calculator of State of Wisconsin benefits: https://dpm.wi.gov/Pages/Employees/RewardsCalculator.aspx
Job Details
A criminal background check will be conducted prior to an offer of employment to determine if the circumstances of any conviction may be related to the job.
Interested permanent classified state employees should complete this application process to apply.
WHS does not sponsor work visas. Any appointment made will be contingent on the applicant being able to prove valid status to work in the United States.
This position is hybrid with some remote work, but the majority of time will be in the office.
Qualifications
Please make sure to describe the following qualifications within your resume and/or letter of qualifications in order to be considered for this position.
Minimally qualified candidate will have experience in the following:
• Working with digital repository software
• Experience in two of the following specifically related to born digital records/manuscripts: acquiring, accessioning, arrangement, description
In addition to minimum qualifications, a well-qualified candidate will additionally have experience in one of the following areas:
• Experience using Preservica
• Experience managing electronic records collections including one of the following: migration, providing access, coding and/or writing scripts
How To Apply
To apply, click "Apply for Job" to start the application process. Then, you will access your existing account or to create a new account if you don't have an account. Once you are logged in, click "Apply for Job." Follow the steps outlined in the application process and submit your application.
Your letter of qualifications and resume are very important parts of your application and are used during our evaluation process to determine your qualifications as they relate to the job. For instructions on developing your resume and letter of qualifications for your application and what should be included in these materials, click here for resume and letter of qualifications instructions. .
Submitted materials will be evaluated and the most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the hiring process.
WHS is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer seeking a diverse and talented workforce. Veterans, women, people of color, LGBTQIA+, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. We provide reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities.
Questions may be directed to
[email protected] . or (608) 264-6409.
Please see the Frequently Asked Questions for general wisc.jobs user information and technical assistance.
The State of Wisconsin offers a special program for qualified veterans with a 30% or greater service-connected disability. If you are a qualified veteran, please visit the Veterans Employment page for application instructions to be considered for the Veterans Non-Competitive Appointment program.
Deadline to Apply
Applications are due at 11:59PM on March 4, 2026.
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