The Texas Coastal Bend Collection in Victoria, Texas seeks a Project Archivist for a 12-month term to develop and implement an archival processing plan for a large collection of historic papers, photographs, audio/visual materials and artifacts. The incumbent will oversee the planning, arrangement and preservation of the collection group. By following national standards and best practices, the Project Archivist will create successful access to a trove of archival material, through methods of arrangement, process, description, and preservation.

 This is a one year project-based independent contractor position that is full-time, with the possibility for renewal, under the supervision of the project directors. The project is housed in Victoria, Texas.

Project Overview:

The Texas Coastal Bend Collection is a documentation of the ranching culture in South Texas. Our main thrust is to create a website as a repository for 30+ years of research. We have over 10,000 photographs, 800 hours of audio interviews, 4 going on 5 books, maps, family papers, genealogies, video, etc.  While the site will have an academic search section the heart of the site will be curated pages and an extensive cross linking of assets to fully exploit the rich media as a storytelling vehicle. 

The ranches in South Texas are a unique blend of a tripartite culture. Irish immigration in the 1830s produced a number of ranching empires creating the Texas mythology of the 20th century. These ranches were exclusively worked by Mexican and Black cowboys until the 1960s and the culture's bonding with the land produced a way of life, a connection with nature, that has essentially vanished. TCBC seeks to preserve and disseminate the collected wisdom as a beacon in a world gone mad.

 

Essential Functions:

• Development of an archival processing plan
• Responsible for the archival processing, arrangement, and description of the collection group
• Performs general conservation treatment and recommends best practice for preservation
• Assists in the implementation of policies and procedures to ensure access to the collection

Required Qualifications:

• MLS or equivalent, MA Public History or a master’s degree in a another subject with significant archival experience or coursework
• Excellent skills for research, problem solving, writing, and oral communication
• Ability to perform work independently as well as part of an integrated team
• Detail oriented with strong organizational skills and the ability to meet deadlines
• Demonstrated experience in standard archival principles and practices
• Knowledge of trends in digital preservation, metadata, and archival structure
• Current knowledge of conservation/preservation best practices
• Ability to lift a 30 pound box

Desirable Qualifications:

• Experience organizing large archival collections
• Project management experience

Application Deadline:  Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Send letter of application, names of 3 references, and resume to Mark Coffey, Project Director mark@texascoastalbendcollection.com
Potential applicants seeking further information should contact Mark Coffey, Project Director mark@texascoastalbendcollection.com