Special Collections Archivist II

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)
Jun 02, 2025
Special Collections Archivist II Job Family Library Type LT Full-Time Position Status Getty Center Workplace Type Onsite Salaried/Hourly Salaried Hiring Pay Scale $68,883 - $91,271 Annually Salary Commensurate with experience and internal equity Program/Department Research Institute - 0420-Special Collections Management Requisition Number 2025-4613 ERRP Eligible No 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 (GRI) seeks a motivated and knowledgeable archivist for a twenty-seven-month, limited-term position. Located at the Getty Center in Los Angeles, the Getty Research Institute is dedicated to furthering knowledge and advancing understanding of the visual arts and their histories. Serving an international community of scholars, the Research Library is one of the largest art and architecture libraries in the world, with holdings of more than one and one-half million volumes. Special Collections include rare books and journals, rare photographs, prints and drawings dating from the 15th century to the present, architectural drawings and models, art multiples, film, audio and video recordings, digital content, and extensive archives and manuscript collections. Reporting to the Special Collections Archivist III, who will oversee the project, the Project Archivist will process the papers of Richard Hunt, an acclaimed fine art sculptor and creator of public art, who was born and based in Chicago. Executed in welded and cast steel, aluminum, copper, and bronze, Hunt's abstract creations make frequent references to plant, human, and animal forms, as well as classical music, traditional African American spirituals, and African and African American history and mythology. The archive, estimated at approximately 630 linear feet, contains notes and correspondence, notebooks, sketchbooks, photographic documentation, financial records, research, ephemera, blueprints, posters, prints, and a selection of wax models for public sculptures. At the heart of the archive are Hunt's project files relating to his commissions, projects, exhibitions, and bodies of work. The Project Archivist's duties will include physically processing and arranging the material according to archival best practices; creating an online finding aid in compliance with local guidelines and national standards; communicating and closely partnering with curatorial, conservation, and digitization staff; and writing blog posts and participating in outreach activities related to the collection. The Project Archivist will supervise a Library Assistant III and a Library Assistant II who will help with the processing of the archive. The position will be based at the Getty Center, with occasional work at a warehouse thirty miles north of the Center. We expect onboarding for this role to begin in July 2025. Major Job Responsibilities Follow and refine the existing processing plan for the project in consultation with the Special Collections Archivist III overseeing the project Arrange, process, and re-house the Richard Hunt papers according to archival best practices, applying professional judgment to process a complex collection with no apparent arrangement Create a DACS-compliant finding aid and bibliographic record based on current standards, best practices, research, and analysis Identify conservation concerns and perform basic preservation practices Train, supervise, and revise the work of others Facilitate digitization for select collection materials May answer reference questions related to the collection May research, write, present, and publish about collections and work activities May contribute to outreach activities Qualifications Graduate degree in appropriate discipline Minimum 2 years related professional experience May require related supervisory experience and/or project management experience May require special subject, language, and/or technical expertise Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Graduate degree in appropriate discipline 2 years related professional experience May require related supervisory experience and/or project management experience May require special subject, language, and/or technical expertise, knowledge, skills, and abilities. Strong writing and communication skills Ability to work both under little to no supervision and in partnership with others Demonstrated subject knowledge in contemporary art history preferred Knowledge of African American art history preferred Experience managing large processing projects preferred Supervisory experience preferred Knowledge of standards such as DACS, EAD, MARC, and RDA preferred Experience with ArchivesSpace or other collection management systems preferred Experience handling large format materials and/or artwork preferred 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 the Getty's off-site facility in Valencia, approximately 30 miles to the north 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.