Under the Supervision of the City Archivist and Assistant Archivist, the Project Assistant will perform routine archival tasks such as creating inventories, rehousing records, and describing electronic records. The project assistant will be introduced to archives software such as Preservica and ArchivesSpace and will be taught description based on commonly used metadata standards and will be expected to apply those standards.
Essential Functions:The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.
- With guidance, prepares descriptions in ArchivesSpace, and Preservica.
- Creates inventories of records for accessions.
- Sorts, collates, indexes, and shelves materials as needed.
- Prepares digital files for classification and preservation.
- Prepares records for shipment to offsite storage.
- Under guidance from the City Archivist and Assistant Archivist, processes, rehouses and describes collections.
Education and Experience:
Currently enrolled in a graduate program or a bachelor’s degree and 1-3 years of experience.
Knowledge, Abilities and Skill
A strong candidate will possess the following:
- Strong problem-solving and critical thinking abilities.
- Ability and willingness to learn technical and other skills quickly including ArchivesSpace and Preservica, and archival metadata standards.
- Ability to work independently and take ownership of projects over time.
- Ability to collaborate with colleagues on projects and workflows.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.
The work environment involves everyday discomforts typical of offices, with occasional exposure to outside elements. Noise or physical surroundings may be distracting, but conditions are generally not unpleasant.
Occasionally, this position will require some work in storage areas that will not have typical office conditions (no climate control, lots of dust, possible vermin, etc.) Applicants will also be required to travel to offices across the city.
Physical and Mental Requirements
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the position’s essential functions.
Physical Skills
Will be required to lift moderately heavy objects (~25lbs), stack them, and push and pull them on carts.
Motor Skills
Along with lifting boxes of documents applicants are expected to be able to re-folder existing documents and organize them in boxes.
Visual Skills
Will need to be able to read printed documents and handwriting, including those written in cursive.
Hours: Up to 19 hours a week
Salary: $21 per hour
Union: Non-union
FLSA: Non-exempt
Date Posted: October 14, 2026
Skills Required
- Currently enrolled in a graduate program or hold a bachelor's degree
- 1-3 years of relevant experience
- Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities
- Ability and willingness to learn ArchivesSpace, Preservica, and archival metadata standards
- Ability to work independently and take ownership of projects
- Ability to collaborate with colleagues on projects and workflows
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel
- Ability to lift approximately 25 pounds and push or pull carts
- Ability to read printed documents and handwritten cursive text
What We Do
The City of Somerville is the municipal government serving Somerville, Massachusetts. It provides public services and civic administration for residents, including water and sewer operations, construction and infrastructure, public programs, events, human-rights services, and 24/7 constituent assistance through 311. The city emphasizes progressive, inclusive, equitable, and collaborative governance while supporting community participation, quality-of-life initiatives, and responsive service delivery across the city.
