Archivist - Office of Municipal Archives & History

Preserve the Past. Shape the Future. Build Your Career Where History Matters! 

Are you passionate about history, preserving records, and connecting people with the stories that shape our community? If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and are ready to grow professionally, the City of Savannah may be the perfect place for you!

The City of Savannah Office of Municipal Archives & History is seeking a highly qualified, customer-focused Archivist to join our team and help preserve and share Savannah’s rich history. 

Your next chapter starts here! Take the next step and turn your passion for archived and history into a career with purpose.

As the new Archivist, you will be responsible for the appraisal, arrangement, description, and preservation of the City’s archival records. This position ensures access to historical and administrative materials by maintaining physical and digital collections, fulfilling internal and public research requests, and promoting the appropriate use of archival holdings. The role supports long-term records retention and public transparency while performing intellectual and physical tasks related to collection development, cataloging, and public service.

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• Cares for the archival collections of the city; creates and maintains intellectual access to the collections through appraisal, acquisition, transfer, arrangement, description, inputting of cataloging records in national bibliographic databases, the identification of preservation and conservation issues, basic preservation and conservation, the identification of suppliers and vendors, disaster planning, and development of goals and objectives. 
• Assists departmental staff with records management functions, including transfer, inventory, implementation of records retention schedules, records retrieval, disposition of records, and maintenance of documentation regarding records management functions.
• Fulfills reference requests from public patrons and city departments regarding city records and city history, including identification of available records, dissemination of pertinent information from archival records and reference materials, preparation and writing of original research documents, and referral to other departments and organizations.
• Prepares and revises department policies, procedures, forms, and literature regarding archival collections to help the public and city departments more effectively access city archival records.
• Supervises public use of archival records to ensure proper handling and provides guidance on accessing and interpreting materials.
• Updates the department website and archival collection portals, including providing quality control and maintenance of electronic finding aids and digital collections. 
• Contributes to outreach and engagement through the preparation and delivery of historical summaries, presentations, or exhibits (physical and virtually) related to archival holdings.
• Trains and supervises interns, and part-time and temporary staff.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Master's Degree in Library Science (from an American Library Association accredited graduate program), Archival Studies, Records Management or History (with demonstrated course work in archival studies) plus two years of post-graduate experience in archival records/collections accessioning, processing, arrangement, description, cataloging, classifcation, and/or preservation; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Academy of Certified Archivists (ACA), Institute of Certifed Records Managers (CRM), and/or Georgia Records Association (GRA) certifcation preferred. A valid driver's license is required.

Work Location: 2 E Bay St.  Work Hours: 8 am - 5 pm, Monday - Friday

Additional Requirements
Background investigation, including supervised drug screen, post offer/pre- employment medical screen; and verification of education, certifcations, and licenses required prior to employment.