Archivist III

Job Description:

Archivist III

Description

POSITION OVERVIEW

Applications accepted from: ALL PERSONS INTERESTED
PN# 36797
Division: Customer Experience
Reporting Location: Houston History Research (550 McKinney, Houston, TX. 77002)
Workdays & Hours : Monday- Saturday, 8am - 8pm* (varies)
* Subject to change

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The Houston Public Library seeks creative, innovative, and highly customer service-oriented Archivist III to serve at the Houston History Research Center at the Julia Ideson Library 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 Houston History Research Center (HHRC), located in the historic Julia Ideson Building, includes archival, Texas and local history, and special collections components with the primary objectives of locating, preserving, and making available to researchers the documentary evidence of Houston's history. HHRC's varied collections include 40,000 Houston history books, 20,000 adult and juvenile special collections and rare books, 4.5 million photographs, 150,000 architectural drawings, 450 oral histories, various manuscripts, and 8,000 maps. The archival collections focus on non-current records of local groups or individuals who played roles in Houston's development.

Essential job duties and responsibilities for the Archivist III include:

• Manage the HHRC team in processing, collection care, digitization, reproductions, oral history, and library collection development and maintenance according to best practices and standards. This may include acquisition assistance by evaluating collections and negotiating with prospective donors and identifying gaps in the overall collection.
• Manage projects by delegating tasks, monitoring progress, ensuring quality control, and delivering timely completion.
• Lead HHRC’s programming efforts by curating exhibits, leading tours and programs, and conducting outreach efforts to represent the library and HHRC 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 ensuring that professional standards are met.
• Participate in the allocation of assigned budget and monitors expenditures.
• Develop local workflows, standards, guidelines, and preferred practices for library collection management, oral histories, archival processing, digitization, and reference services.
• Lead special projects, including work on collections of complex institutional records and developing 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 years of experience in archival processing, archival collecting, historical research, reference, programming, or a related field are required, including 1 year of management experience.

LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
A valid Texas driver's 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 832-393-1439.

If you need special services or accommodations, 832-393-1439 (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.

The city offers a competitive benefits program, including competitively priced health coverage and a defined contribution pension plan. Benefits include:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Wellness
• Supplemental Insurance
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability
• Retirement pension
• 457 deferred compensation plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• 10 days of vacation each year
• 11 city holidays, plus one floating holiday
• Compensable Sick Leave
• Personal Leave
• Flexible schedules
• Hybrid-Telework for eligible positions
• Professional development opportunities
• Transportation/parking plan
• Section 125 pretax deductions
• Dependent Care Reimbursement Plan
• Paid Prenatal, Parental and Infant Wellness Leaves
• Healthcare Flexible Spending Account

For plan details, visit http://www.houstontx.gov/hr/benefits.html

Closing Date/Time: 7/24/2025 11:59 PM Central

Salary:

$2,410.00 - $2,620.89 Biweekly