Archivist II - Oral History

Archivist II - Oral History

Salary

$2,326.00 - $2,484.62 Biweekly

Location

500 McKinney St.

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

39566

Department

Houston Public Library

Division

HPL - SPECIAL COLLECTIONS

Opening Date

09/23/2026

Closing Date

9/30/2026 11:59 PM Central

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

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 Masters 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 Houstons 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 candidates 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 individuals 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

01

Are you a veteran who served on active duty in the Armed Forces (United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard) for more than 90 consecutive days and received either an honorable discharge or a general discharge under honorable conditions?

• Yes
• No

02

Are you a current Houston Public Library employee?

• Yes
• No

03

Do you have a Masters of Library Science degree (from a school accredited by American Library Association - ALA), a Masters degree in History, or a closely related field AND three (3) years of full-time experience in archival processing, archival collecting, historical research, reference, programming, or a closely related field, including at least one (1) year of management experience?

• A Masters of Library Science degree from a school accredited by American Library Association (ALA) and one (1) year of (full-time) verifiable experience in archival processing, archival collecting, historical research, reference, programming, or a related field.
• A Masters degree in History or a related field and one (1) year of (full-time) verifiable experience in archival processing, archival collecting, historical research, reference, programming, or a related field.
• Bachelor's degree and 18 hours towards an ALA accredited Master's degree in Library Science and at least two (2) years of (full-time) verifiable experience in archival processing, archival collecting, historical research, reference, programming, or a related field.
• Bachelor's degree and 18 hours a Master's in History or a related field and at least two (2) years of (full-time) verifiable experience in archival processing, archival collecting, historical research, reference, programming, or a related field.
• None of the above applies to me.

04

Describe your library and/or archival experience (processing, digitization, and collection management) and how it has prepared you for this position as the Archivist III. (If you do not have any experience, please put N/A).

05

How many years of experience do you have conducting oral histories for a library, archive, museum, or related entity?

• Less than 1 year
• 1 year to less than 2 years
• 3 to 5 years
• More than 5 years
• No experience

06

Describe your planning, conducting interviews, and managing oral history projects. (If you do not have any experience, please put N/A)

07

Which of the following programs/skills are you proficient? (check all that apply)

• Project Management especially library, archives, special collections, museums, or research centers.
• Descriptive metadata creation and standards (such as LOC subject terms/Dublin Core).
• Using findings aids, primary research tools, and document management.
• Digital file management and quality control (5 points) Video/Audio recording equipment and editing software (Adobe Premier, Audition, etc.)
• Using collection management systems (Archives Space or similar system)
• Using Transcription software (Sonix, OHMS, TurboScribe, or similar software)
• Training students, volunteers, or interns
• Video/Audio recording equipment and editing software (Adobe Premier, Audition, etc.)
• None of the above

08

Describe your experience with the programs/skills in the above question. If you have none, please put N/A

09

Describe your experience processing and digitizing audiovisual material including any experience organizing and managing digital assets in an archival or records management setting. (If you do not have any experience, please put N/A)

10

Which of the following areas do you have experience with (work, education, or volunteer service)? (check all that apply) ?

• General African American history
• African American history and culture in Houston
• Oral histories from African Americans
• Experience working with archives and primary sources
• No experience with African American history and culture

11

Describe your experience working with African American history and/or archival materials. If you do not have any experience, please put N/A

12

Please indicate languages, other than English, in which you are fluent (reading, writing, and/or speaking). Check all that apply:

• English
• Spanish
• Chinese
• Vietnamese
• Arabic
• French
• Other Languages
• I am not bilingual

13

Do you have a current/valid driver license?

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer City of Houston

Address 901 Bagby St

Houston, Texas, 77002

Website https://www.houstontx.gov/