
OPEN POSITIONS
VOLUNTEER POSITIONS
RESEARCH ROOM DOCENT
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The HSMC's research room is now open to the public and we need a few individuals to help visitors navigate the research room and help customers in our local history store. We need docents Thursday - Saturday from 1 - 4pm.
Expectations:
• Commit to at least one 3-hour shift a week.
• Greet the visitors to the archive.
- Ask what brings them to the archive.
- Tell visitors about the Historical Society.
• Help set up research appointments (taking down contact information and request).
• Monitor the research facility, help researchers navigate the reference collection and instruct them on proper document handling.
• Sell items from our small local history bookstore.
• Help visitors sign up as members of the Historical Society.
Simple on-site training and a docent training manual will be offered.
Characteristics Needed:
• Friendly and enthusiastic
• Good people skills
• Willing to learn
• Basic computer skills and comfortable with technology
We are not expecting anyone to be a walking encyclopedia of local history, but an interest in Mendocino County history is desired.
The archive is full of information that you are welcome to browse while you wait for visitors!
To apply, please call us at (707) 462 - 6969 or email us at info@mendocinocountyhistory.org
BOARD MEMBER
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The Historical Society of Mendocino County is currently seeking a board member. The Historical Society of Mendocino County is a 501(c)(3) organization and our board of directors is comprised of nine volunteer members from all over Mendocino County dedicated to the organization’s mission of collecting, preserving and sharing the diverse history of Mendocino County.
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The HSMC is looking for individuals who have experience in media, social media, and proficient with technology. However, we welcome individuals with skills in a variety of areas including, but not limited to, strategic planning, grant writing, museums or archives, fundraising, business management and nonprofit management. A board director is part of a team which the HSMC membership trusts to make informed decisions and provide strong and sound governance.
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The HSMC Board meets the second Wednesday of each month at 1pm. Members can expect to commit at least 10 hours a month between the general board meeting, committee meetings, and HSMC events and projects.
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For more information about the HSMC and its board of directors, or for an application, please contact the HSMC at info@mendocinocountyhistory.org or call (707) 462 -6969
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ASSISTANT ARCHIVIST
$20/hr – Part-time (120 hrs/mo.) and at least one Saturday/mo.
To apply please email a resume to info@mendocinocountyhistory.org
The assistant archivist of Historical Society of Mendocino County is responsible for assisting the archivist in research, in addition to assembling, cataloguing, preserving, and managing the Society’s collection. The assistant archivist assists the archivist in creating and maintaining accessible, retrievable computer archives and databases, which incorporate current advances in electronic information storage technology. The assistant archivist assists the archivist in organizing archival records and developing classification systems to facilitate access to archival materials.
Responsibilities
The assistant archivist is primarily responsible for assisting the archivist in:
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Answering research requests, assisting outside researchers, and conducting research in a timely manner;
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Organizing archival records and developing classification systems to facilitate access to archival materials;
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Preparing archival records, such as document descriptions, to allow easy access to information;
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Copying records to film, videotape, audiotape, disk, or computer formats as necessary;
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Researching and recording the origins and historical significance of archival materials;
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Selecting and editing documents for publication and display, applying knowledge of subject, literary expression, and presentation techniques;
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Creating and posting content for the HSMC social media accounts.
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Any additional duties assigned by the archivist and director.
Skills and Qualifications
The assistant archivist should also possess the following specific qualities:
Analytical skills: The assistant archivist must be able to determine the origin, importance, and condition of materials;
Organizational skills: The assistant archivist must be able to develop systems for storing and retrieving materials, and making them available to the public;
Computer skills: The assistant archivist must have a variety of technological skills to develop and use complex databases; and social media; and
Customer-service skills: The assistant archivist must be able to work effectively with the general public. They must be courteous and friendly and be able to help users find materials.
Requirements
The assistant archivist must have the ability to:
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work cooperatively, diplomatically, and effectively with a wide variety of individuals;
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organize well, plan strategically, and make good use of time;
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communicate effectively, orally and in writing, with various audiences;
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work flexible hours and days, including some weekends;
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set and follow priorities and meet deadlines;
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obey applicable state, federal, and local ordinances, laws, codes, rules, and regulations;
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
The assistant archivist must have the following background knowledge, skills and abilities:
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fundamental knowledge of and appreciation for the unique history of this region, including the Indigenous tribes/peoples of Mendocino County;
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a deep commitment to public service;
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interpersonal, group, and organizational problem-solving skills;
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researching, compiling, and summarizing information, including statistical data;
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use all applicable computer hardware and software applications related to performing the essential functions of the position;
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read, analyze, and interpret professional periodicals and journals, technical procedures, and government regulations;and
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analyze, evaluate, and diagnose situations and respond effectively.
Background and Experience
The assistant archivist may have a Bachelors’ or Masters’ degree from an accredited four-year college or university in history, library science, archival science, anthropology, museum studies, or a related field; currently in the process of working towards their degree; and/or professional experience in a related field.