Processing Archivist - Library Academic Services

Job Summary

Under the general supervision of the Director of Special Collections and Archives, this position plays a critical role in advancing the care, discoverability, and use of the University’s unique and irreplaceable primary sources. The position performs a full range of archival accessioning and processing functions for both physical and digital collections, ensuring their long-term preservation and accessibility.

With the exception of the University Art Collection, which is managed by the Curator, the position also holds primary responsibility for the control and maintenance of the department’s collections and collection files, as well as for tracking collections and supporting strategic space planning.

Department Summary

The Special Collections and Archives department collects, preserves, and provides access to primary sources, with a focus on unique and rare materials related to California and the Central Coast region. Examples include architectural records, artists’ books, photographs, audio-visual materials, and other resources that enrich the polytechnic curriculum. Services and programs support the use of these collections for teaching and learning, research and scholarship, exhibitions, community archiving, publication, and other academic and creative projects.

The department is also responsible for the University Archives, which is the official repository for historical records documenting the development and growth of California Polytechnic State University; the University Art Collection; and the Cal Poly Maritime Academy’s Campus History Collection. Together, these archives, manuscript collections, books, serials, and art comprise approximately 10,000 linear feet.

Key Qualifications
Comprehensive knowledge of standards, best practices, ethics, resources, and trends in special collections and archives, particularly related to archival processing and collections management. Demonstrated ability to perform technical aspects of work assignments, including the ability to interpret and quickly learn University, library, and department infrastructure, policies, procedures, and operations. Ability to evaluate procedures and recommend changes, escalate issues, and use sound judgment to address complex issues. Demonstrated understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion principles in Special Collections and Archives. Working knowledge of ArchivesSpace or equivalent archival management system. Experience with academic library and special collections and archives programs, online resources, databases, and systems relevant to assigned duties and patron use.
Education and Experience

High school or equivalent certification plus four years of related library and/or clerical experience; or an equivalent combination of experience and education.

Salary and Benefits

Anticipated Hiring Range: $61,092 - $74,472 per year

Classification Range: $55,332 - $80,616 per year

Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Anticipated Hiring Range referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. The Classification Range may be broader than what the University anticipates paying for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).

Cal Poly offers a best-in-class benefits program, including health, dental and vision insurance, retirement participation in the Public Employees' Retirement System, and educational benefits for eligible employees. See our benefits website for additional information.

Cal Poly

Cal Poly is a nationally-ranked public university located in San Luis Obispo, California, and known for its Learn by Doing philosophy. Each year more than 20,000 top-tier students come to San Luis Obispo to put knowledge into action, taking their learning outside the classroom as they prepare for careers in engineering, agriculture, science, business, humanities and the built environment. Cal Poly’s hands-on philosophy, small class sizes and close student-faculty mentorships result in graduates ready from day one to impact their communities, California and the world. For more information, visit calpoly.edu .

Equal Opportunity and Excellence in Education and Employment

This position is open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, Cal Poly provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. Cal Poly complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices.

Cal Poly is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities, committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment. We cultivate a culture of open dialogue, mutual respect, and belonging to support educational excellence and student success. Through academic programs, student organizations and activities, faculty initiatives, and community partnerships, we encourage meaningful engagement with diverse perspectives. As a higher education institution, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge and empowering individuals to reach their full potential by prioritizing inclusive curriculum development, faculty and staff training, student mentorship, and comprehensive support programs. At Cal Poly, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.

Supplemental Information

Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check) is required for employment. Cal Poly will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Current employees who are offered positions on campus will be required to undergo a background check for any position where a background check is required by law or that Cal Poly has designated as sensitive. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.

The person holding this position is considered a 'mandated reporter' under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions. Applicants for staff and management positions must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

Positions are posted for a minimum of 14 calendar days.

Advertised: Apr 15 2026 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close:

• 

• California Polytechnic State University

• 805-756-2236

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