Gateway Arch Archives Aide

Reports to National Park Service and Partner Staff

Our Opportunity:

Archives Aide volunteers support Gateway Arch National Park by helping maintain an organized and researcher-ready archival environment. Their work will ensure materials are accessible to staff and researchers. The primary tasks of an Archives Aide volunteer include assisting with basic processing, re-housing, cataloging, and digitization of archival materials. Volunteers may also help with other projects, such as preparation of archival materials for use in the Reading Room or creating Finding Aids.

How does this position make an impact?

This position plays a vital role in supporting the overall mission of the Gateway Arch National Park Research Center. This behind-the-scenes work ensures future visitors can rely on accurate, well-preserved, and discoverable records. This work directly supports the Park by ensuring they have reliable historical documentation for everything from interpretation to exhibit development.

Commitment:

A minimum of three hours per week is suggested. Please register for shifts on archpark.volunteerhub.com.

Hours/Days:

Archives Aide volunteers could be onsite up to 5 days a week. Daily shifts include a morning shift from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. and an afternoon shift from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Volunteers register for their shifts and manage their schedules using our online system, VolunteerHub, at archpark.volunteerhub.com.

Location:

Volunteers are scheduled for in-person shifts at our downtown St. Louis location in the Old Post Office. The Gateway Arch National Park Research Center is located at 815 Olive Street, Suite 20, St. Louis, MO 63101. Paid street and garage parking is available, as well nearby access to a Metro station. Accommodations may be available upon request.

Roles and Responsibilities:

18 or older (younger applicants with parental/guardian approval may be considered). As representatives of the National Park Service and Gateway Arch Park Foundation, volunteers must adhere to the policies, procedures, and code of conduct as outlined in the volunteer handbook provided prior to or during training.

Required Qualifications, Knowledge & Skills:

• Strong attention to detail
• Organizational skills
• The ability to work independently
• Clear penmanship with a good level of manual dexterity
• A desire to learn more about the National Park Service, the Gateway Arch, and St. Louis history
• Computer proficiency
• Agreement to abide by all policies in Director’s Order 7 (guidelines for the Volunteers-in-Parks program)

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to sit for extended periods of time
• Ability to occasionally lift and move up to 50 pounds

Potential risks may include:

• Slipping or tripping hazards
• Sharp or slippery surfaces
• Very bright conditions
• Exposure to dust and/or mold
• Repetitive strain injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome

If you believe a task is unsafe before or during any event, please stop working and notify the project lead to fix the issue. This is NPS policy as outlined in the Operational Leadership training.

Training and Supervision:

• Volunteers must attend orientation at the Gateway Arch National Park Visitor’s Center at 11 N. 4th Street. Orientation sessions occur quarterly.
• Volunteers will shadow the Archivist during their first shift. As their first day progresses, they will have the opportunity to ask questions and take on additional responsibilities as their comfort level allows.
• Additional training may be provided upon request.

Volunteer Perks:

• • Contribute to Gateway Arch National Park
  • Annual NPS Volunteer Pass (250+ hours)
  • Annual volunteer recognition event
  • Free parking if needed during volunteer hours
  • Valuable career experience

Next Steps:

If you are interested in this position and feel it is a good fit, please contact the Volunteer Manager at grace.teofilo@archpark.org or (314) 881-8881 to schedule an interview.

Thank you for wanting to be a part of our team. We could not serve the community of St. Louis without you!

About the Gateway Arch National Park

Gateway Arch National Park (GANP) is a part of the National Park Service with a mission to preserve unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations. The Gateway Arch reflects St. Louis' role in the Westward Expansion of the United States during the nineteenth century. The park is a memorial to Thomas Jefferson's role in opening the West, to the pioneers who helped shape its history, and to Dred Scott who sued for his freedom in the Old Courthouse. For more information, visit www.nps.gov/jeff.

About Gateway Arch Park Foundation

Gateway Arch Park Foundation is a non-profit organization with a mission to ensure that the Gateway Arch, its grounds, neighboring public space, and attractions are a vital, active, and welcoming, well-supported resource to the community and nation for generations to come. The Foundation is part of an alliance that helps meet this mission, which includes the National Park Service, Bi-State Development, Great Rivers Greenway, Jefferson National Parks Association, and the City of St. Louis. For more information, visit www.ArchPark.org.