Archivist Jobs for OPT Students
Archivist roles at universities, government agencies, and cultural institutions regularly hire OPT students with degrees in library science, history, or archival studies. Your 12-month OPT window, extendable to 36 months with a qualifying STEM designation, gives you real runway to land a permanent role in a field where institutional knowledge is valued.
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Get Access To All JobsArchivist, IS-1420-11
OPEN DATE: April 29, 2026
CLOSING DATE: May 11, 2026 (This job will close once 100 applications are received which may be sooner than the closing date)
POSITION TYPE: Trust Fund
APPOINTMENT TYPE: Indefinite
SCHEDULE: Full Time
DUTY LOCATION: Washington, DC
Position sensitivity and risk: Non-Sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Select One of the following: Open to all qualified applicants
What are Trust Fund Positions?
Trust Fund positions are unique to the Smithsonian. They are paid for from a variety of sources, including the Smithsonian endowment, revenue from our business activities, donations, grants and contracts. Trust employees are not part of the civil service, nor does trust fund employment lead to Federal status. The salary ranges for trust positions are generally the same as for federal positions and in many cases trust and federal employees work side by side. Trust employees have their own benefit program, which may include Health, Dental & Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Transit/Commuter Benefits, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, Annual and Sick Leave, Family Friendly Leave, 403b Retirement Plan, Discounts for Smithsonian Memberships, Museum Stores and Restaurants, Credit Union, Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center (Child Care), Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care).
Conditions of Employment
Pass Pre-employment Background Check and Subsequent Background Investigation for position designated.
Complete a Probationary Period.
Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer.
The position is open to all candidates eligible to work in the United States. Proof of eligibility to work in U.S. is not required to apply.
* Applicants must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement.
Overview
This position is located in the Archives, National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC), Smithsonian Institution. The Archives acquires, preserves, manages, and provides access to archival collections documenting African American history and culture in support of the museum’s mission through research, exhibitions, publications, and public programs.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Processes archival collections in accordance with professional archival standards including DACS and Smithsonian guidelines.
Arranges materials into logical series and establishes intellectual control over collections. Identifies subjects, dates, and creators for descriptive purposes.
Prepares basic preservation actions such as rehousing and labeling.
Processes collections in multiple formats including paper, photographic, audiovisual, and digital materials.
Assists with inventories, audits, and verification of collection locations. Works with archivists and collections staff to ensure proper storage and handling.
Identifies preservation concerns and reports them to supervisor.
Supports collection moves and storage projects.
Assists archivists in preparing materials for researcher use.
Supports reading room and reference activities when needed. Assists with preparation of materials for exhibitions, digitization, or research.
Participates in archival projects as assigned.
Creates and updates finding aids using ArchivesSpace and other archival systems. Ensures descriptive records are accurate and meet professional standards. Reviews existing descriptions and revises as needed.
Assists with preparation of collection summaries and documentation.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
Education and Experience:
Education Requirement:
To qualify for this position, applicants must possess a Bachelor's degree in archival science or Bachelor's degree with a major that includes 18 semester hours in archival science, history and/or in political science or government, and 12 semester hours in one or any combination of the following: archival science, history, American civilization, economics, political science, public administration, or government.
OR
Combination of education and experience - at least 30 semester hours that included courses as shown above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
In addition to the education requirement, experience required for this position is as follows:
Familiarity with ArchivesSpace and other archival systems to ensure records are compliant and accurate.
Preparing materials for research access, as well as for exhibitions and digitization.
Providing support for inventories, audits, collection moves and storage of artifacts.
Managing compliance with professional archival standards to ensure consistency with archival guidelines.
Education completed outside the United States must be deemed equivalent to higher education programs of U.S. Institutions by an organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials. This documentation is the responsibility of the applicant and should be included as part of your application package.
Any false statement in your application may result in rejection of your application and may also result in termination after employment begins.
Join us in "Inspiring Generations through Knowledge and Discovery."
Resumes should include a description of your paid and non-paid work experience that is related to this job; starting and ending dates of job (month and year); and average number of hours worked per week.
What To Expect Next: Once the vacancy announcement closes, a review of your resume will be compared against the qualification and experience requirements related to this job. After review of applicant resumes is complete, qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager.
Relocation expenses are not paid.
The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact doneganmc@si.edu. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. To learn more, please review the Smithsonian’s Accommodation Procedures.
The Smithsonian Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer. To review The Smithsonian's EEO program information, please click the following: https://www.si.edu/oeo
About National Museum of African American History and Culture
The National Museum of African American History and Culture is a national museum for the study and exhibition of African American history and culture.
Application Deadline
May 11, 2026
Department
National Museum of African American History and Culture
Employment Type
Full Time
Location
Washington, DC
Workplace type
Onsite
Compensation
$85,447 - $111,087 / year
Reporting To
IS-1420-11
Archivist, IS-1420-11
OPEN DATE: April 29, 2026
CLOSING DATE: May 11, 2026 (This job will close once 100 applications are received which may be sooner than the closing date)
POSITION TYPE: Trust Fund
APPOINTMENT TYPE: Indefinite
SCHEDULE: Full Time
DUTY LOCATION: Washington, DC
Position sensitivity and risk: Non-Sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Select One of the following: Open to all qualified applicants
What are Trust Fund Positions?
Trust Fund positions are unique to the Smithsonian. They are paid for from a variety of sources, including the Smithsonian endowment, revenue from our business activities, donations, grants and contracts. Trust employees are not part of the civil service, nor does trust fund employment lead to Federal status. The salary ranges for trust positions are generally the same as for federal positions and in many cases trust and federal employees work side by side. Trust employees have their own benefit program, which may include Health, Dental & Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Transit/Commuter Benefits, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, Annual and Sick Leave, Family Friendly Leave, 403b Retirement Plan, Discounts for Smithsonian Memberships, Museum Stores and Restaurants, Credit Union, Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center (Child Care), Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care).
Conditions of Employment
Pass Pre-employment Background Check and Subsequent Background Investigation for position designated.
Complete a Probationary Period.
Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer.
The position is open to all candidates eligible to work in the United States. Proof of eligibility to work in U.S. is not required to apply.
* Applicants must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement.
Overview
This position is located in the Archives, National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC), Smithsonian Institution. The Archives acquires, preserves, manages, and provides access to archival collections documenting African American history and culture in support of the museum’s mission through research, exhibitions, publications, and public programs.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Processes archival collections in accordance with professional archival standards including DACS and Smithsonian guidelines.
Arranges materials into logical series and establishes intellectual control over collections. Identifies subjects, dates, and creators for descriptive purposes.
Prepares basic preservation actions such as rehousing and labeling.
Processes collections in multiple formats including paper, photographic, audiovisual, and digital materials.
Assists with inventories, audits, and verification of collection locations. Works with archivists and collections staff to ensure proper storage and handling.
Identifies preservation concerns and reports them to supervisor.
Supports collection moves and storage projects.
Assists archivists in preparing materials for researcher use.
Supports reading room and reference activities when needed. Assists with preparation of materials for exhibitions, digitization, or research.
Participates in archival projects as assigned.
Creates and updates finding aids using ArchivesSpace and other archival systems. Ensures descriptive records are accurate and meet professional standards. Reviews existing descriptions and revises as needed.
Assists with preparation of collection summaries and documentation.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
Education and Experience:
Education Requirement:
To qualify for this position, applicants must possess a Bachelor's degree in archival science or Bachelor's degree with a major that includes 18 semester hours in archival science, history and/or in political science or government, and 12 semester hours in one or any combination of the following: archival science, history, American civilization, economics, political science, public administration, or government.
OR
Combination of education and experience - at least 30 semester hours that included courses as shown above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
In addition to the education requirement, experience required for this position is as follows:
Familiarity with ArchivesSpace and other archival systems to ensure records are compliant and accurate.
Preparing materials for research access, as well as for exhibitions and digitization.
Providing support for inventories, audits, collection moves and storage of artifacts.
Managing compliance with professional archival standards to ensure consistency with archival guidelines.
Education completed outside the United States must be deemed equivalent to higher education programs of U.S. Institutions by an organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials. This documentation is the responsibility of the applicant and should be included as part of your application package.
Any false statement in your application may result in rejection of your application and may also result in termination after employment begins.
Join us in "Inspiring Generations through Knowledge and Discovery."
Resumes should include a description of your paid and non-paid work experience that is related to this job; starting and ending dates of job (month and year); and average number of hours worked per week.
What To Expect Next: Once the vacancy announcement closes, a review of your resume will be compared against the qualification and experience requirements related to this job. After review of applicant resumes is complete, qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager.
Relocation expenses are not paid.
The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact doneganmc@si.edu. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. To learn more, please review the Smithsonian’s Accommodation Procedures.
The Smithsonian Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer. To review The Smithsonian's EEO program information, please click the following: https://www.si.edu/oeo
About National Museum of African American History and Culture
The National Museum of African American History and Culture is a national museum for the study and exhibition of African American history and culture.
Application Deadline
May 11, 2026
Department
National Museum of African American History and Culture
Employment Type
Full Time
Location
Washington, DC
Workplace type
Onsite
Compensation
$85,447 - $111,087 / year
Reporting To
IS-1420-11
See all 12+ Archivist jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Archivist roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Archivist Jobs
Verify your degree qualifies for STEM OPT
Archival science programs housed under information science or library science departments sometimes carry a STEM CIP code, giving you 24 extra months of OPT. Confirm your program's CIP code with your DSO before your initial OPT expires.
Target institutions already enrolled in E-Verify
STEM OPT extensions require your employer to be enrolled in E-Verify. Federal agencies, large university systems, and Smithsonian-affiliated institutions almost always qualify, making them safer targets than small private foundations.
Use OFLC Wage Search to anchor your salary ask
Archivist prevailing wages vary sharply by region and employer type. Pull the DOL's OFLC Wage Search before negotiating so your number matches what a sponsoring employer would certify on an LCA, avoiding delays later.
Frame your practicum experience for federal hiring managers
Federal archivist postings through USAJOBS often treat OPT as a short-term gap. Highlighting a practicum or internship at a state archive or NARA affiliate signals continuity and reduces hesitation about sponsoring a work visa after OPT.
File your H-1B petition with Migrate Mate before cap season closes
H-1B registration opens each March and archivists at specialty-occupation employers qualify. Migrate Mate handles your petition paperwork at a flat fee, so your employer isn't navigating the filing process alone during a tight registration window.
Request a specific start date that preserves your OPT buffer
OPT authorization must be active on your first day of employment. If an offer lands late, negotiate a start date that falls within your authorized period rather than accepting a date that risks a gap in status.
Archivist jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Archivist JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Do Archivist roles qualify as a specialty occupation for H-1B purposes?
Yes, most professional Archivist positions qualify as specialty occupations because they typically require at least a bachelor's degree in archival science, library science, or history. USCIS evaluates the specific job duties and degree requirement listed in the offer letter, so positions that accept any degree regardless of field can face additional scrutiny during adjudication.
Can I work as an Archivist at a federal agency on OPT?
Federal agencies can hire OPT students for archivist roles, but most direct federal positions require U.S. citizenship. Contractor roles supporting agencies like the National Archives and Records Administration are a more accessible path. Check the specific citizenship requirement on each posting before applying, as it varies by agency and position type.
Does my archival science degree qualify me for a STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your program's Classification of Instructional Programs code. Some library and information science programs carry a STEM-designated CIP code, making graduates eligible for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Your DSO can confirm whether your specific program qualifies. If it does, your employer must also be enrolled in E-Verify for the extension to be approved.
How do I find Archivist employers who are open to sponsoring OPT students?
University libraries, state archives, and large cultural institutions tend to have established processes for hiring international staff and are more familiar with OPT and H-1B timelines than smaller private organizations. Migrate Mate lets you filter archivist-related openings by employers with visa sponsorship history, so you can focus your applications where the path to sponsorship is already established.
What happens to my OPT if my Archivist contract ends before I find a new position?
OPT allows up to 90 days of unemployment in aggregate across your authorization period, or 150 days with a STEM extension. If your contract ends, that clock starts immediately. You can accept a new archivist role or a related position within your field of study without filing new paperwork, as long as the role relates to your degree and you stay within the unemployment limit.
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