Houston Public Library

Institution/Company Organization Type - Research Center
Position Title - Archivist III
Position Type - Full-Time, Permanent
Benefits - Yes
Salary Range - $66,000-$75,000
Is ACA Certification required or preferred? - Preferred
Able to apply if a provisional CA or agree to take CA exam within 1 year of hire? - Yes
Archivist III - Lead Archivist
Salary
$2,508.91 - $2,779.75 Biweekly

Location 
Houston, Texas

Job Type
Full Time

Job Number
35685

Department
Houston Public Library

Division
HPL - CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE ADMINISTRATION

Opening Date
12/03/2024

Closing Date
12/24/2024 11:59 PM Central
POSITION OVERVIEW
Applications accepted from: ALL PERSONS INTERESTED
PN# 35685
Division: Customer Experience
Reporting Location: African American History Research Center (1300 Victor St, Houston, TX 77019)
Workdays & Hours: Monday- Saturday, 8am - 8pm* (varies)
*Subject to change 

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 
The Houston Public Library seeks a creative, innovative, and highly customer service-oriented Archivist III to serve at the African American History Research Center at the Gregory Campus. Houston Public Library serves a population of 2.2 million citizens through a network of 37 Neighborhood Libraries spread out across the Houston area, a Central Library, and three Special Collections Libraries.
 
The African American History Research Center at the Gregory Campus (AAHRC) located in historic Freedmen’s Town, is housed in the Edgar M. Gregory School - the first African American school in Houston, and an archeological landmark in Texas.  The AAHRC preserves and makes available to researchers the documentary evidence of African American culture and experience in Houston and surrounding regions.  
 
The AAHRC collections include photographs, local and Texas history books, pamphlets, periodicals, photographs, oral histories, manuscripts, audiovisual, programs, newspapers, and ephemera, available to the public onsite and online. The archival collection focuses on the non-current records of Houston African American residents, families, businesses, organizations, and neighborhoods.  

 

Essential job duties and responsibilities for the Archivist III include:

Manage the AAHRC team in processing, collection care, digitization, reproductions, and oral history according to best practices and standards. This may include acquisition assistance by evaluating collections and negotiating with prospective donors, collection arrangement and description, and processing plans or finding aid creation and identify gaps in the overall collection.
Manage projects by delegating tasks, monitoring progress, ensuring quality control, and delivering timely completion.
Coordinate archival programming by curating exhibits, leading tours and programs, and conducting outreach efforts to represent the library and AAHRC at public events.
Cultivate strong relationships with a variety of stakeholders, including organizations, communities, individuals, vendors, and colleagues.
Provide specialized reference services and research assistance to the public in-person, on the phone, and via email while supporting the manager with modeling, monitoring, and maintaining the high standard of excellence in public service. 
Supervise and train staff and volunteers in archival methods ensuring that professional standards are met. 
Participates in the allocation of assigned budget and monitors expenditures.
Develop local workflows, standards, guidelines, and preferred practices for archival processing and digitization, oral histories, and reference services.
Lead special projects, including work on collections of complex institutional record and developing archival partnerships.
Collaborate with the manager to develop strategic unit plans that address evolving customer needs and service requirements.
Assist in grant writing and manage grant-funded projects as needed.
Perform other duties and projects as assigned.
 

Applicants are encouraged to submit a Cover Letter and Resume when applying.

WORKING CONDITIONS
Position requires stooping and bending; lifting of library materials up to 20 pounds. Must be able to move freely throughout the library to file/retrieve library materials. Must be able to effectively communicate orally and in writing.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
EDUCATION/ EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS 
Requires an ALA accredited Master's degree in Library Science or a Master’s degree in History or a related field.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS 
Three (3) years of experience in archival processing, archival collecting, historical research, reference, programming, or a closely related field are required, including one (1) year of management experience.

LICENSE REQUIREMENTS   
A valid driver license and compliance with the City of Houston's policy on driving (AP 2-2).

PREFERENCES
Preference will be given to those that:

Knowledge, work experience, or advanced study courses in archival science, history or museum studies. 
Current computer skills including knowledge of Microsoft Office and Adobe Photoshop. 
Familiarity with standards including Dublin Core, EAD, and MARC-AMC, as well as experience with CONTENTdm and ArchivesSpace is highly preferred.  
Familiar with copyright/digital copyright law, fair use, and ethical considerations when creating reproductions in an archives setting. 
Demonstrated experience working with sensitive information or confidential records.
Experience with digitization, processing born digital archival materials, and working with audiovisual materials also preferred. 
Certification as a Certified Archivist (C.A.)
Customer/Public service experience and ability to plan and organize work is a plus.
 

**Preference shall be given to eligible veteran applicants provided such persons possess the qualifications necessary for competent discharge of the duties involved in the position applied for, such persons are among the most qualified candidates for the position, and all other factors in accordance with Executive Order 1-6.**

 

GENERAL INFORMATION
SELECTION / SKILLS TESTS REQUIRED - None
 Department may administer skills assessment test
 
 SAFETY IMPACT POSITION  - Yes
 If yes, this position is subject to random drug testing and if a promotional position, candidate must pass an assignment drug test.
 
 SALARY INFORMATION

Factors used in determining the salary offered include the candidate's qualifications as well as the pay rates of other employees in this classification.
 
 PAY GRADE: 23

 APPLICATION PROCEDURES
 Only online applications will be accepted for this City of Houston job and must be received by the Human Resources Department during active posting period. Applications must be submitted online at: www.houstontx.gov. 
  
 To view your detailed application status, please log-in to your online profile by visiting: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/houston/default.cfm or call 832-393-1472.
  
 If you need special services or accommodations, 832-393-1472 (TTY 7-1-1).
  
 If you need login assistance or technical support call 855-524-5627.
  
 Due to the high volume of applications received, the Hiring Department will contact you directly, should you be selected to advance in our recruitment process.
  
 All new and rehires must pass a pre-employment drug test and are subject to a physical examination and verification of information provided. 
  
EOE Equal Opportunity Employer
The City of Houston is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.

https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/houston/jobs/4748390/archivist-iii-lead-archivist