Houston Public Library

Archivist IV (Houston History Research Center)
Salary
$78,910.26 - $85,418.32 Annually

Location 
500 McKinney St.

Job Type
Full Time

Job Number
37573

Department
Houston Public Library

Division
HPL - CENTRAL LIBRARY SERVICES

Opening Date
11/24/2025

Closing Date
11/30/2025 11:59 PM Central
POSITION OVERVIEW
PIN: 37573
APPLICATION ACCEPTED FROM: ALL PERSONS INTERESTED
DIVISION / SECTION: Special Collections / Houston History Research Center
Workday & Hours:  Rotating Shift - Monday - Sunday - 8a.m. - 8p.m. *includes evenings and weekends

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The Houston Public Library (HPL) seeks an experienced Archivist IV to serve as the Manager of the Houston History Research Center (HHRC). Located in the historic Julia Ideson Building and next door to HPL’s Central Library, the HHRC-Manager is responsible for the daily operations and supervision of the HHRC team. The Houston History Research Center preserves and makes accessible Houston and Houstonian history with a professional staff of archivists and librarians. The HHRC collection of photographs, documents, maps, building plans, journals, oral histories, and books are available to the public on-site in the research room and online through the digital archives.

Applicants are encouraged to submit a Cover Letter and Resume when applying.  Houston Public Library serves a population of 2.2 million citizens through a network of Neighborhood Libraries spread out across the Houston area, a Central Library, and three History Research Centers.  For more information about the Houston History Research Center, please visit https://houstonlibrary.org/hhrc.   

The essential duties and functions of the (Archivist IV - Manager of Houston History Research Center) include but are not limited to the following:
Manage day-to-day operations for the HHRC research room and archival collections.
Supervise, coach, and mentor 8-12 staff members.
Maintain and analyze statistics and manage private fund and grant budgets.
Working closely with the community and staff, improve operations, workflows, and policies and procedures to ensure that operations match community needs.
Lead library programming and outreach efforts to promote the local history collection with Houston.
Give presentations and reports to stakeholders and represent the library at community events and archival conferences.  
Other administrative duties as assigned.
Position does require some evening and weekend work.
Preference will be given to those who are willing to work a rotating shift - Monday - Sunday - 8a.m. - 8p.m. *includes evenings and weekends.

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. There are no major sources of discomfort, i.e., essentially normal office environment with acceptable lighting, temperature and air conditions. Requires the ability to make simple gross motor responses within large tolerances.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Requires an ALA accredited Master's degree in library science; History or a closely related field.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
(4) Four years of experience in archival processing, collecting, or research, historical research, library systems, or a closely related field are required.

PREFERENCES
Experience managing a research center and strong supervisory skills.
Project management experience especially in the areas of digitization, conservation, or grant-funded projects.
Working experience in an archives, special collection, museum, or research center.
Familiarity with local history collections, particularly Houston and Texas.
Experience in records or documents management; creating policies and procedures; or strategic planning or succession planning.
Strong problem solving and organization skills.
Strong interpersonal skills and an ability to work collaboratively with others.
Effective written and oral communication skills.
Academy of Certified Archivists (ACA) Certification or Records Management Certification.
To better serve our diverse communities, fluency in a foreign language is highly preferred.
A valid Texas driver’s license or the ability to obtain one within 30 days of selection.
Preference will be given to those who are willing to work a rotating shift - Monday - Sunday - 8a.m. - 8p.m. *includes evenings and weekends.

**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 
The selection process will involve application review and/or Interview.  The 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.
  
PAY GRADE - 25
  
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. 
  
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.cfmor call 832-393-0473).
   
If you need special services or accommodations, call 832-393-0473. (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.  

Applicants are encouraged to attach a cover letter and resume along with their completed application when applying.  
  
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.  
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/houston/jobs/5144681/archivist-iv-houston-history-research-center