Project Assistant - Archives

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.

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 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.

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.

Will be required to lift moderately heavy objects (~25lbs), stack them, and push and pull them on carts.

Along with lifting boxes of documents applicants are expected to be able to re-folder existing documents and organize them in boxes.

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 

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Auxiliary aids and services, written materials in alternative formats, and reasonable modifications in policies and procedures will be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities free of charge, upon request. Persons with disabilities who need auxiliary aids and services for effective communication (i.e., CART, ASL), written materials in alternative formats, or reasonable modifications in policies and procedures in order to access the programs, activities, and meetings of the City of Somerville should please contact the ADA Coordinator at 617-625-6600 x 2059 or ADA@somervillema.gov.

Pre-Employment Requirements for All Employees:

• MA Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) clearance
• Completion of Conflict-of-Interest Law Education training for municipal employees

• 4 weeks annual vacation for non-union positions. Union positions vary by contract. Please note, police officers are members of the SPEA union. Public Health Nurses are part of Union A (SMEA).
• Medical insurance through the Group Insurance Commission (GIC) - 80% of premium costs paid by City
• Dental coverage low and high plans through Delta Dental
• Vision care through Vision Service Plan (VSP)
• Long term disability through Sun Life
• Group and voluntary life insurance through Boston Mutual
• Health Care and Dependent Care flexible spending through Benefit Strategies
• Deferred compensation plans through a choice of three vendors
• Free, confidential services through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provided by E4Health
• Annual cancer screening & wellness release
• Somerville Retirement Pension System
• Tuition reimbursement
• MBTA pass program
• FREE Blue Bikes membership
• Eligible employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)