Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance

Collections Processor

Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library encompasses an unrivaled museum of American decorative arts in its mansion and galleries and a magnificent 60-acre naturalistic garden—all set on 1,000 gorgeous acres.

Winterthur employs a wide array of positions in the areas of curatorial, horticulture, education, conservation, library, maintenance, marketing, development, technology, and administration.

Winterthur offers a unique and rewarding experience that is rich in culture and natural beauty. Winterthur considers its employees and volunteers to be among its greatest assets and welcomes applications from candidates who will contribute their specific skills to its mission “to inspire, enlighten, and delight all of its visitors while preserving and enhancing [Winterthur]” and also uphold its core values of agility, excellence, innovation, integrity, inclusion, and transparency.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Under the general direction of the Library Director and the Winterthur Archivist, the Collections Processor carries out processing of archival and manuscript collections representing a wide variety of physical formats within the Winterthur Library. The Collections Processor supports the Winterthur Archivist and the Library Director in identifying processing priorities and implementing processing workflows.

 

The Collections Processor works closely with the library team in support of institutional initiatives and goals. Together with the library team, the Collections Processor will work to foster an inclusive, accessible, and supportive environment for the library's research and public audiences

 

Compensation: $47,000 - $50,000 commensurate with experience

Benefits:  Including, but not limited to, medical, dental, and vision insurance; generous paid time off plan including 10 holidays, vacation, personal, and sick time; 403b with employer match for eligible employees; discounts in the museum store and cafe; free general admission for you and your immediate family

Work Schedule:  Monday – Friday, 35 hours/week with occasional evening and weekend events. This role is 100% on-site. 

Responsibilities:

Processing – 90%

  1. Describes archival and manuscript collections in all formats according to archival standards.
  2. Focuses on processing activities in the library's manuscripts and archival collections.
  3. Creates DACS-compliant finding aids and makes available archival collections through the library’s management and discovery platforms, including but not limited to ArchivesSpace and Quartex.
  4. Evaluates and revises existing ArchiveSpace records to ensure quality, compliance with professional standards, and the implementation of reparative description.
  5. Contributes to cohesive processing guidelines, training methods, and sustainable processing workflows.
  6. Supports shelving and rehousing decisions and shifting projects to maximize shelf space in concert with staff in technical services, collections management, and the Winterthur Archives.
  7. Maintains statistical reporting, generating regular and as-needed statistics in support of library and museum reporting requirements. 

Other Library and Institutional Activities – 10%

  1. Works as part of a collaborative team to support library activities, goals, and initiatives, including but not limited to reference and research support.  
  2. Maintains up-to-date knowledge of standards, trends, issues, and emerging technologies in archives and special collections, applying new rules, interpretations, and techniques as appropriate. 
  3. Performs other duties as assigned. 

 

Minimum Experience: 1-3 years of professional archival experience in a museum or academic library setting with and MLS or MS in archival management or related graduate degree with direct experience in an archival environment.

Knowledge/Skills:

  1. Knowledge of archival theory, issues, trends, and best practices, including descriptive standards, metadata, preservation principles, and concepts related to digitized and born-digital materials
  2. Strong interpersonal and customer service skills, including an ability to build relationships, communicate effectively, and collaborate with diverse internal and external stakeholders
  3. Excellent communication, organization, time management, problem-solving, and research skills
  4. Established record of scholarly and professional contributions, including through publication, presentation, and professional service 
  5. Experience with automated library systems (such as FOLIO) and common archival, special collections, and digital content management systems (such as ArchivesSpace). 
  6. Reading knowledge of one or more languages other than English, preferably in French, German, Spanish, Italian, Latin, or Dutch. 

Essential Functions:

  1. Valid Driver’s License, and ability to successfully complete a Defensive Driving Course.   
  2. Ability to work at a computer for up to 8 hours a day. 
  3. Ability to stoop, kneel, and crouch; to climb ladders and lift, carry, and reach overhead to support materials; to push and pull carts of varying weights; and to lift up to 30 pounds unassisted. 
  4. Ability to tolerate dusty environments. 
  5. Ability to tolerate temperatures of 60-65 degrees for short periods.