PN 14036: Archivist I
Applications accepted from:  All Persons Interested

DEPARTMENT: Houston Public Library
DIVISION: Customer Experience
SECTION: Special Collections - Houston Metropolitan Research Center
Reporting Location: 550 McKinney (HMRC)
Workdays & Hours: (Varied hours within Mon - Sun; 8:00am - 8:15 pm; rotating shift)*
* subject to change

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The Houston Metropolitan Research Center (HMRC), 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. HMRC's varied collections include 40,000 Texas and local 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.

HMRC and the Houston Public Library are seeking a customer service oriented Archivist I to lead and direct HMRC’s efforts in researching, acquiring, cataloging, digitizing, and preserving material for the Architectural Archives. HMRC’s Architectural Archives is comprised of drawings and papers for over 9,000 projects representing over 250 architects, engineers, and related firms. The archive includes drawings executed by architects primarily in the Houston and surrounding areas. The date range for these materials spans from 1893 to 1995 and the types of structures vary from buildings of one story to skyscrapers and modest homes to opulent mansions, as well as parks and landscaping plans, the Astrodome, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Major series of records from architectural firms include those of Maurice J. Sullivan, Alfred C. Finn, Harvin C. Moore, MacKie & Kamrath, and Hare & Hare. Additional responsibilities include:
 

• Providing specialized reference services and research assistance to the general public in-person and electronically.

• Assisting with HMRC’s programming and community outreach by serving as a community liaison, developing programs, attending community meetings, curating exhibits, and representing the library and HMRC at public events related to architecture and Houston and Texas history.

• Participating with the manager and assistant manager in unit strategic planning to meet changing services and customer needs including the supervision of interns and volunteers assisting with the Architectural Archives.

This position does require some evening and weekend (Saturday and Sunday) work. For more information about the Houston Metropolitan Research Center, please visit http://www2.houstonlibrary.org/hmrc
 

WORKING CONDITIONS

There are no major sources of discomfort, i.e., essentially normal office environment with acceptable lighting, temperature and air 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.

 MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

MINIMUM EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Requires an ALA accredited Master's degree in Library Science or a Master's degree in History or a related field and no experience required
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 one (1) year 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.
 

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

One (1) year of experience in archival processing, archival collecting, historical research, reference, programming, or a related field and 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. A Master's degree must be completed within two years from being hired into this classification.

OR

No experience required with an ALA accredited Master's degree in Library Science or a Master's degree in History or a related field.

MINIMUM LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

None.

 PREFERENCES:

Excellent writing and speaking skills; knowledge, work experience, or advanced study courses in architecture or architectural history. Current computer skills including knowledge of Microsoft Office and Macintosh Photoshop, digitizing experience and experience with Dublin Core, EAD, MARC-AMC, CONTENTdm, and Archivist Toolkit are highly preferred. Special training in the archivist fields and/or a Certified Archivist (C.A.) is also preferred. Customer/Public service experience and ability to plan and organize work is a plus.

Valid Driver's License and compliance with the City of Houston policy on driving (AP 2-2) preferred.

**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

However, the Department may administer a skill assessment evaluation.

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. The salary range for this position is:

Salary Range - Pay Grade 16

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

Only online applications will be accepted for this City of Houston job and must be received by the Human Resources Department during posting opening and closing dates shown. Applications must be submitted online at: www.houstontx.gov. All new and rehires must pass a pre-employment drug test and are subject to a physical examination and verification of information provided
 

An equal opportunity employer