What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Archivist position at The J. Paul Getty Trust?
The Getty Conservation Institute (GCI) is seeking an Assistant Archivist to fill a two-year limited-term position. Reporting to the Project Archivist, you will implement protocols for organizing the GCI's past, current, and future project materials in all formats, according to archival best practices and Getty Institutional Archives standards. As an example, materials may document GCI field projects at cultural heritage sites around the world and may include project planning briefs, scientific research results, condition assessments, conservation treatments, environmental monitoring data, photographs, site protection planning, training records, publications, evaluation reports, and other items that illustrate the development, evolution, and history of the projects.
This job will be based in our office at the Getty Center in Los Angeles. It will begin in the office full-time and the opportunity to request a telework schedule may be available after an initial period of training and orientation and will be discussed and approved by your supervisor. Typically, staff with approved telework schedules at the Getty Conservation Institute are in the office more than half of the time.
About Us
The Getty Conservation Institute (GCI) is dedicated to improving the conservation of the world's cultural heritage-its art objects, museum collections, historic buildings, and archaeological sites. We are located at the Getty Center in Los Angeles, and our work often takes us to heritage sites across the globe including locations in South America, Asia, and the Middle East, where we work in partnership with heritage professionals from the region. Our staff come from diverse disciplines including architecture, archaeology, conservation, information science, chemistry, engineering, operations and business management, and communications.
The deadline for submissions is October 21, 2025. In order to receive consideration, please submit your application by this date.
- Apply basic professional judgment to archival accessioning, processing, and cataloging of collections in all media formats.
- Service requests for access to records according to policies and manage the storage and circulation of records using a range of collection management systems.
- Ensure proper handling, care, storage, preservation, and tracking of collection items.
- Recognize, flag, and show discretion with confidential materials and topics; makes restriction decisions on straightforward privacy or rights issues. Maintain confidentiality of records and protect Private Personal Information, as appropriate. Respects Getty and third-party rights.
- Learn the history, structure, and records policies of the organization and apply this knowledge to daily work.
- Create finding aids for GCI project materials in accordance with national and Getty Institutional Archives standards.
- Perform appraisal, arrangement, description, and basic preservation activities on records in all media formats. Apply professional standards and best practices to all aspects of work.
- Facilitate organization and transfer of materials to Getty's Institutional Archives department.
- May occasionally co-supervise work study students.
- Your participation in professional development opportunities is encouraged and supported through on-the-job learning, specialized training courses, and participation in professional meetings and workshops.
- MLIS from an ALA-accredited library school with emphasis on Records Management or Archives; OR related Master's degree with substantive coursework in Records and Archives.
- 0-2 years related professional experience, preferably in a cultural heritage or educational setting.
- Some supervisory and training experience preferred.
- Basic knowledge of records management principles, techniques, and developments; knowledge of professional archival standards, techniques, developments, and ethics
- Strong organizational skills, ability to work with a wide variety of audiences, and attention to detail
- Experience with digital preservation workflows
- Experience handling collections materials with care, familiarity handling photographic materials
- Ability to learn technology applications as required for primary job duties. For example: Feith, ArchivesSpace, ExLibris' products
- Knowledge of standards that govern archival description and management
- Ability to meet deadlines and apply policies and procedures consistently
- Ability to lift boxes and push book trucks up to 40 pounds
- Ability to climb ladders
- Ability to perform repetitive tasks for a long period of time
- Ability to work well in team-based and self-directed work environments
- Must have means of transportation to work site at the Getty Center in Brentwood
- General knowledge of or interest in the field of conservation of cultural property is a benefit
Application Submission Deadline: 3 weeks from post date
All candidates must apply online. Please be prepared to upload your cover letter and resume when prompted to do so by the online application system. Candidates who successfully complete the online application process will receive an automated message via email. If you have questions about this position or the recruiting process, please write to gcistaffing@getty.edu.
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.
Salary : $62,540 - $79,732
