Archivist II - Audiovisual
City of Austin
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Job summary
The Audiovisual Archivist at Austin History Center manages multidisciplinary archival collections, including born-digital materials, and provides reference services to the public. Responsibilities include cataloging, digitizing, describing items, preparing finding aids, and producing reports.
The role operates playback equipment, supports outreach and public programs, and collaborates with staff. A Master’s in Library/Information Science or History with archival coursework is preferred, with
Qualifications
- Knowledge of archival and Encoded Archival Description standards and practices.
- Knowledge of reference tools and procedures.
- Knowledge of records management issues and practices.
- Knowledge of digital imaging issues and trends in archival practice.
- Knowledge of electronic records management and preservation.
- Skill in processing/arranging archival collections.
- Skill in oral and written communication including presentations.
- Skill in using computers and Microsoft Office products.
- Skill in prioritizing work assignments.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with City employees and the public.
- Ability to apply standards for archival description, cataloging, and networked resource sharing.
Responsibilities
- Appraises, organizes, processes, catalogs, and conserves archival materials.
- Curates collection units by making selection and acquisition decisions and cataloging.
- Prepares finding aids, reference guides, articles, statistics, and reports.
- Provides archival reference and research services to the public.
- Assists with acquisition and appraisal of collections under supervision.
- Provides public liaison activities including lectures, media appearances, and interviews.
Skills
Education
Job description
Purpose: Under limited direction, processes archival collections and City of Austin records, provides reference services to the public, and provides public programs.
Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned. Appraises, organizes, processes, catalogs, and conserves archival collections and materials. Curates one or more of the collection units (Periodicals, Maps, Recordings, Photos, etc.) by making selection and acquisition decisions, processing and cataloging materials in that unit. Compiles finding aids, reference guides, articles, statistics, and reports. Provides archival reference and research services. Assists with the acquisition and appraisal of collections by helping to determine whether the collection or acquisition is suitable for inclusion in the AHC collections; assists under the supervision of the AHC manager or a supervisor. Provides public liaison activities including lectures, media appearances, and interviews. Explains research policies and procedures, demonstrates research methods, explains the use of reference materials/equipment, and explains fees to customers. Coordinates and conducts meetings, training, tours, and public programs to the public and staff. Assists in planning exhibits by organizing and interpreting historical records for public presentation. May serve as the collections registrar by registering donations into the collection (this is an archives and museum function) and maintaining donor records. Serves as ‘in-charge’ staff person in management’s absence.
May provide leadership, work assignments, evaluation, training, and guidance to others.
- Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.
- Knowledge of archival and Encoded Archival Description standards, issues, practices, and trends.
- Knowledge of reference tools and procedures.
- Knowledge of records management issues and practices.
- Knowledge of digital imaging issues and trends, especially in regards to archival practice.
- Knowledge of electronic records management and preservation.
- Skill in processing/arranging archival collections.
- Skill in oral and written communication including presentation.
- Skill in organizing and interpreting historical records for public presentation.
- Skill in using computers and related software, including Microsoft Office products.
- Skill in prioritizing work assignments.
- Skill in establishing and maintaining effective relationships with City employees and the public.
- Ability to use and apply standards for archival description, cataloging, and networked resource sharing for archival objects and descriptions.
- Ability to appraise records for archival and/or historical significance.
- Ability to work with people of diverse backgrounds.
- Master’s degree in Library or Information Science, or related to the assigned program from an ALA-accredited university, with specialization in archival enterprise and/or administration, plus two (2) years professional experience working in an archives, library, museum, or other cultural heritage institution, or Master’s degree in History/Public History with coursework in archival administration, or a Master’s Degree in a related field, may substitute for the required Master’s degree in Library or Information Science.
- Licenses and Certifications Required: May require a valid operator’s license and the use of a personal vehicle.
- Experience with legacy audiovisual collections and playback equipment.
- Ability to determine preservation priorities and expertly perform preservation best practices for a wide range of analog audiovisual materials.
- Experience leading large-scale digitization projects, establishing and adhering to digitization workflows and file naming conventions, and knowledge of video codecs and best practices for encoding video files for preservation and access.
- Experience managing large sets of digital assets in a digital asset management system, ensuring files are organized and accessible, and experience creating metadata records for archival objects.
- Experience answering archival/historically-related reference questions from the public.
- Demonstrated commitment to proactively promoting and embracing diversity in ideas, people, and organizations, and to contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment.
- Ability to travel to more than one work location.
The Audiovisual Archivist manages the Austin History Center’s audiovisual collections across multiple formats, including videotape, motion picture film, audio recordings, and born‑digital materials. Responsibilities include acquiring, cataloging, digitizing, describing, and retrieving collection items, as well as preparing finding aids, reference guides, statistics, and reports. The role also requires operating and maintaining all related playback and transfer equipment, providing archival reference and reproduction services to internal and external users, and supporting outreach initiatives.
Austin History Center, 800 Guadalupe Street, 78701
Salary Range $57,970.00 to $70,720.00 annually
Full-time (40 hours weekly).
education Austin History Center's hours of operation: Monday - Friday 9:00 am – 6:00 p.m. Saturday: 11:30 am – 5:30 p.m. This position requires working weekends on a rotating basis, generally not more than 2 weekend days a month. Hours and work schedules are subject to change depending upon business needs. Schedules may vary to include holidays.
Working with the City of Austin provides a number of health and welfare benefits such as low-cost medical, dental, vision, paid leave time, a highly competitive retirement plan, training opportunities, and more.
Travel: If you are selected for this position and meet the Driver Safety Standards in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program, you may drive when necessary to multiple locations as part of your regular job duties. Otherwise, you are responsible for getting to and from these locations. All new employees are required to attend City of Austin and Austin Public Library training as scheduled and should arrange their outside schedules to accommodate such training. This posting may be used to fill additional vacancies of the same job title that may become vacant (90-Day Provision). The additional vacancies may include a difference in work location, workweek hours, and schedule. Filling additional vacancies from this posting is based on the business needs of the department.
Veteran candidates will be required to provide a copy of their DD-214
Must have the ability to read, write, and speak fluently in English.
The Austin Public Library reserves the right to close posted positions prior to the advertised close date, based on recruitment strategies and business needs. This posting may be used to fill additional vacancies of the same job title that may become vacant. The additional vacancies may include a difference in work location, workweek hours, and schedule. Filling additional vacancies from this posting is based on the business needs of the department. Please be aware that the Job Posting Close Date reflects the final day to apply, but the posting will close at 11:59 PM the day before the date listed. All application steps, including attachments and submission, must be fully completed before that time. We also recommend that you save or print a copy of the job posting for your records. Once a posting has closed, it will no longer be viewable in the system.
At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer—we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles – Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity – that anchor our delivery of services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.
What Makes the City of Austin Special? Make a Difference: Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation. Value and Innovation: Work in an environment where employees are valued, and innovation thrives. Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits. Retirement Security: Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System. Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure. Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on‑site fitness centers, and mental health support. Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities. Modern Workspaces: Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration. By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.
The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.
City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.
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