[NHCOLL-L:4147] Archivist Position at the University & Jepson Herbaria

[Andrew S. Doran]

The University and Jepson Herbaria, University of California, Berkeley, is
seeking a dynamic professional for the three year position of Archivist
for our newly funded project: "Cataloging Hidden Archives of Western
Botany and Beyond." This is a full-time, fully benefited position.

Background

The University and Jepson Herbaria are separately budgeted units within
the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and are part of the
Berkeley Natural History Museums Consortium. They are located within the
Valley Life Sciences Building, with overflow storage at the Clark Kerr
campus. They are closely associated with the Department of Integrative
Biology and, to a lesser extent, the Department of Plant Biology. The
collections of the Herbaria are used by the campus, the international
scientific community, and the general public for research, teaching, and
public service. The collections are supplemented by extensive ancillary
information (e.g., field books, correspondence, photographs) that is
connected to specimens and enhance their value to researchers.

Responsibilities

Working in consultation with the Administrative Curator and Associate
Archivist (a part-time, volunteer position), the Archivist will develop a
digital catalog of the archives and will set priorities to ensure that
materials are efficiently, effectively, and appropriately curated. The
Archivist will also work to ensure encoding of the finding aids using
Encoded Archival Description (EAD) for contribution to the Herbaria
Archives web pages and delivery to the Online Archives of California.
Responsibilities will also include specific archives queries (involving
digitization), developing strategies for project planning and
implementation, responsibility for metadata entry, and also promoting
collections through publication, exhibition, and public speaking
The Archivist will oversee the management of all archival and manuscript
collections, including appraisal, accessioning, arrangement, preservation
and description. The Archivist will also train and supervise part time
student assistants and may participate in instruction/tours.

Qualifications

Required

MLS (or equivalent) from an ALA-accredited institution and either a 
Master’s degree in Archival Administration or a minimum of two years
successful experience with archival collections. Experience with digital
projects and on-line description and cataloging including an understanding
of current trends and techniques. Understanding of and commitment to
nationally-accepted standards and tools for archival processing and
description, including Describing Archives: a Content Standard, the MARC21
format, and appropriate thesauri and authority lists used for indexing
archival descriptions. Experience encoding finding aids using Encoded
Archival Description as well as familiarity with metadata concepts and
standards. Well-developed computer and on-line searching skills. A strong
commitment to user-centered processing and description and demonstrated
ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a complex,
changing environment. Ability to successfully train and oversee the work
of archival processing assistants. Must have excellent analytical,
interpersonal and communication skills, initiative and flexibility.
Ability to work effectively in a team-based organization within a
culturally diverse academic community.

Preferred

Candidates with combinations of the following additional qualifications
will be given preference: Experience developing digital library resources
based on archival materials, including digitization of original materials,
preparation of appropriate metadata, and interface design. Experience
working with archival collections in non-textual formats such as
photographs, slides and drawings. Experience with website technology,
knowledge of relational database concepts, and demonstrated experience in
development and documentation of standards and procedures. Knowledge of
natural history and botany.

Application deadline: Review of applications will begin on Feb. 02, 2009
and continue until a successful candidate has been identified. Position
will be expected to start April 1st 2009 and will continue for 3 years.

Applicants must apply on-line at:
http://jobs.berkeley.edu/
Search for job # 9551
For more information about the archives see:
http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/main/archives/

Further questions can be directed to:
Andrew S. Doran
Administrative Curator
University & Jepson Herbaria
University of California, Berkeley
1001 Valley Life Sciences Bldg. MC 2465
Berkeley
CA 94720-2465
USA
andrewdoran at berkeley.edu

-- 
Andrew S. Doran
Administrative Curator
University & Jepson Herbaria
University of California, Berkeley
1001 Valley Life Sciences Bldg. MC 2465
Berkeley
CA 94720-2465
USA

Office: 510-643-4344
Herbaria: 510-642-2465
URL: http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu