Oral History Archivist II - Gregory School
Division: Customer Experience
Reporting Location: 1300 Victor St. 77019
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 Oral Historian/Archivist to serve at the African American Library at the Gregory School (Gregory). 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 Library at the Gregory School, located in Freedmen’s Town, is housed in the first African American school in Houston. The research center preserves and makes available archival and local history which document the experience of African Americans in Houston and the surrounding region.
Key duties and functions of the Archivist II include:
- Manage the oral history, audiovisual, and photographic collections including processing (acquisition, cataloging, arrangement and description) collection care, access, and reproduction according to best practices.
- Lead the oral history team in scheduling, conducting interviews, and processing (transcribing, metadata, indexing, editing and preserving) oral histories for publication.
- Develop collaborative oral history projects and partnerships with community organizations and other HPL units.
- Conduct oral history training with community partners.
- Develop policy, procedures and workflows for oral history and audio-visual materials.
- Oversee and coordinate volunteers and interns.
- Provide specialized reference services and research assistance to the public in-person and electronically with a special focus on audiovisual and photograph collections.
- Contributes to Gregory’s programming efforts by conducting tours, leading programs, and participating in outreach efforts, and representing the library and Gregory at public events.
- Assists in grant writing for audiovisual and oral history materials and participates in grant-funded projects as needed.
- Work weekends, and evenings on a rotating basis.
- Other duties as assigned.
WORKING CONDITIONS
The position occasionally requires stooping or bending. Occasional very light lifting, such as three or four reams of papers or books (up to 20 pounds or an equivalent weight) may be required.
Requires an ALA accredited Master's degree in Library Science or a Master’s degree in History or a related field and one (1) 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 (2) 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 (2) years from being hired into this classification.
LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
None
- Oral history interview skills (podcast, instruction, journalism, family history research)
- Possesses video and audio editing experience
- Knowledge, work experience, or advanced study in archival science, history or museum studies.
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Photoshop. Experience with 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.**
SELECTION / SKILLS TESTS REQUIRED - None
Department may administer skills assessment test
SAFETY IMPACT POSITION - No
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: 21
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: {apply below}.
To view your detailed application status, please log-in to your online profile by visiting: {apply below} or call
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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.
Recommended Skills
- Adobe Photoshop
- Catalogues
- Certified Archivist
- Editing
- History
- Journalism