Archives and Digital Asset Preservation Technician – 90th Anniversary

Position Title: Archives and Digital Asset Preservation Technician – 90^th Anniversary

Department: Curatorial

Reports to: Curator of Collections

Position Status: Part Time, Hourly Non-Exempt, At Will (fixed term)

Work Schedule: 15–22.5 hours per week, 12–18 weeks
Number of Positions: One (1), starting early- to mid-February 2026

Primary Work Location: ICA Watershed, 256 Marginal St, East Boston, MA 02128

ICA/Boston Archives and Digital Asset Preservation Technician – 90^th Anniversary, Spring 2026: The Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston seeks an enthusiastic and organized Archives and Digital Asset Preservation Technician to join the Curatorial team in the Archives for the Spring of 2026. The position commitment is 15–22.5 hours per week for 12–18 weeks, averaging 2–4 days per week. Flexible start date from early- to mid-February.

Overview: In preparation for the upcoming 90^th Anniversary Celebrations, the Archives and Digital Asset Preservation Technician will support efforts to enhance access to the ICA/Boston Archives through digitization, metadata creation, and database management related to projects for the ICA’s 90^th Anniversary. Working closely with the Curator of Collections, and in tandem with the Contract Processing Archivist, the Technician will digitize 2-D and paper-based archival materials in the Archives, link digital assets to existing catalogue records, and create high-quality descriptive metadata in accordance with established archival standards, and in line with the ICA’s record keeping style and standardization.

The Archives and Digital Asset Preservation Technician contributes to a culture of collaboration, community, and respect while embodying the principles of ICA’s Quality of Service and centers the work of Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, Inclusion, and Belonging in all areas of their work.

WORKING AT THE ICA:

1. All ICA employees are required to reside in Massachusetts and within a commuting distance from our Seaport location as of their first day of work.
2. The ICA offers the flexibility of a hybrid schedule for employees who are eligible to work remotely (at manager discretion and subject to change). This position requires onsite work that may modify (or affect) hybrid work flexibility.

Responsibilities:

• Digitize a range of archival materials, including correspondence, administrative records, ephemera, photographs, and other 2-D items, following institutional guidelines and best practices.
• Prepare materials for digitization, including basic handling, organization, and documentation.
• Upload digital files to the archival collections management system (CMS) and/or digital asset management system (DAM).
• Ensure digital assets are accurately linked to corresponding catalogued records in prescribed management system(s).
• Create, edit, and enhance metadata for digitized materials in alignment with archival description standards (e.g., DACS), institutional vocabularies, and metadata schemas.
• Assist in maintaining consistent file naming conventions, folder structures, and workflow documentation.
• Participate in quality control review of images, metadata, and record relationships.
• Collaborate with ICA staff and personnel as related to the Archives on workflow improvements and documentation as needed.

Qualifications:

• Currently enrolled in or graduated from an accredited MLIS or related graduate program with a focus in archives, archives management, archival studies, or digital curation.
• Familiarity with archival theory, arrangement and description, and standards such as DACS, EAD, or Dublin Core.
• Experience with digitization of 2-D and paper-based materials; knowledge of scanning equipment and digitization best practices preferred.
• Experience using archival content management systems or digital asset management systems (e.g., ArchivesSpace, CollectiveAccess, NetX) is a plus.
• Knowledge or experience in contemporary art or contemporary art history is a plus.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy in metadata creation and data entry.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, manage time effectively, and maintain organized workflows.
• Excellent communication skills and an interest in expanding access to archival collections.

Physical Requirements:

• Frequent sitting, standing, and walking for extended periods; prolonged periods of remaining stationary and working on a computer
• Possess mobility to move about throughout the museum spaces, travel offsite to different locations, work in an office setting, and use office equipment
• Ability to see, listen, and talk for extended periods in person, over the telephone, and computer, and understand printed material
• Ability to work collegially, professionally and collaboratively with a diverse group of constituents including staff, visitors and vendors
• Ability to routinely lift up to 40 lbs. boxes, pushing and pulling, keyboarding and gripping
• Must be able to exchange accurate information with members, staff, and other constituents.

Performance Period and Availability:

The Archives and Digital Asset Preservation Technician should plan to be available no later than late-February through no later than late-June 2026 for 15–22.5 hours per week.

Pay Range: $19.00 – $20.00 per hour

The wage range for this role accounts for a variety of factors used to make compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets, experience and professional training, and the organization’s internal compensation structure. It is typical for a new hire to enter their role at the lower end of the stated range. At the ICA, compensation decisions are dependent on facts and circumstances of each case.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should send a resume and letter of interest to jobs@icaboston.org. When applying, please include “Archives and Digital Asset Preservation Technician” in the subject line.