Archivist II - Oral History

Job Description

POSITION OVERVIEW

Applications accepted from: ALL PERSONS INTERESTED
PN# 39566
Division: Customer Experience
Section: History Research Centers
Reporting Location: Gregory School, 1300 Victor Street
Workdays & Hours : Monday- Saturday, 8am - 8pm* (varies)
* Subject to change

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Houston Public Library (HPL) seeks a collaborative, proactive, and community-focused professional with strong organizational and communication skills, as well as a commitment to excellent customer service, to serve as the Archivist II-Oral History Archivist at the African American History Research Center at the Gregory School (AAHRC).
HPL serves a population of 2.2 million citizens through a network of 37 Neighborhood Libraries, three History Research Centers, and a Central Library.
Essential job duties and responsibilities include:

• Serve as the primary archivist responsible for managing and providing stewardship of the oral history collection and audiovisual materials.
• Develop and coordinate oral history projects documenting various historical topics that align with mission of AAHRC.
• Plan, schedule, and conduct oral history interviews and process recordings, including transcription, metadata, rights documentation, for public access.
• Build and maintains oral history partnerships with community organizations, academic institutions, or city departments.
• Develop procedures and workflows for oral history and audiovisual materials.
• Conduct oral history training with community partners and assist in development of educational initiatives.
• Coordinate and supervises volunteers and interns.
• Contribute to community engagement efforts by conducting tours, leading programs, and representing the library and AAHRC at public events.
• Assist in grant writing for audiovisual and oral history materials and participates in grant-funded projects as needed.
• Provide specialized reference services and research assistance to the public in-person and electronically.
• Work one evening per month and a weekend rotation (Saturday/Sunday).
• Other duties as assigned that supports library operations.

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 and one year experience in archival processing, archival collecting, historical research, reference, programming, or a related field.
OR
Requires a Bachelor’s degree plus 18 hours toward an ALA accredited Master’s degree in Library Science or 18 hours toward a Master’s in History or a related field and two years of experience in archival processing, archival collecting, historical research, reference, programming, or a related field. A Master’s degree must be completed within two years from being hired into this classification.

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

PREFERENCES

• Oral history interview skills (podcast, instruction, journalism, family history research)
  
• Possesses video and audio editing experience
  
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Photoshop. Experience with collection management systems such as CONTENTdm and ArchiveSpace is highly preferred.
  
• Familiarity with archival standards including Dublin Core, EAD, and MARC-AMC.
  
• Familiar with copyright/digital copyright issues when creating reproductions in an archive setting.
  
• Experience with digitization, processing born digital archival materials, and working with audiovisual materials also preferred. Knowledge of digital assets management and/or oral history experience highly preferred.
  
• Training in the archival fields and/or a Certified Archivist (C.A.) is also preferred.
  
• Customer/Public service experience and ability to plan and organize.
  
• Experience researching or working within the African American History field, especially within Houston 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.

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
• 13 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: 9/30/2026 11:59 PM Central