Photo/Audiovisual Archivist | Austin, TX
Photo/Audiovisual Archivist (Archivist II)
$3,400-$4,000 monthly
The Photo/Audiovisual Archivist will be engaged in appraisal, accessioning, processing, description, and digitization for the Prints and Photographs Collection and audiovisual materials at TSLAC, and will also provide reference support. This position requires two years of work experience in appraisal, arrangement, and description of photo/audiovisual materials, and one year of work experience in preparing, digitizing, and adding metadata to photo/audiovisual materials.
The Texas State Archives Prints and Photographs Collection, https://www.tsl.texas.gov/arc/pnp, includes over 750,000 original photographs and prints in a variety of processes and formats. Our audiovisual resources include audio/video cassettes, open-reel audiotapes, disc recordings, and motion picture film. These materials document Texas government, history, individuals, and events in a unique way that only these media can capture. Our digitization lab is equipped to handle most formats found in our holdings. We provide access to our digitized collections through the Texas Digital Archive, https://tsl.access.preservica.com/.
To review this job posting go to https://www.tsl.texas.gov/jobs.
Closing date is September 13, 2022.
GENERAL SUMMARY
Performs moderately complex (journey-level) archival work. Work involves collecting, organizing, analyzing, and preserving records, archives, and manuscripts; preparing inventories, indexes, guides, and aids to facilitate access to information; and conducting research. May provide guidance to others. Works under general supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
ESSENTIAL TASKS
Makes collection assessments and prepares archival photographic and audiovisual materials for digitization, to include basic preservation work.
Digitizes materials in-house and assists in arranging offsite digitization of large materials.
Researches, reviews, and appraises records and photographic and audiovisual materials for archival value; reviews records retention schedule appraisals.
Arranges and describes government records and manuscript collections that consist primarily of photographs and audiovisual materials; researches state agencies histories, biographical information, and provenance of these records.
Creates metadata, indexes, inventories, and EAD/DACS-compliant finding aids in accordance with accepted standards to facilitate access to records.
Facilitates transfers of records from state agencies and donations from individuals; prepares accession records.
Provides reference, research and technical assistance to State Archives customers in person, by phone, or mail; reviews records for exceptions under the Texas Public Information Act.
Performs collection preservation, holdings maintenance, and relocation as required; identifies and recommends candidates for conservation treatment.
Complies with all applicable agency policies and procedures, including safety and standards of conduct.
Attends work regularly and in accordance with agency leave and attendance policies.
NON-ESSENTIAL TASKS
Assists in developing and conducting workshops, webinars, or similar presentations on basic archival topics; assists with division outreach and exhibits.
Assists in the preparation of reports, manuals, and publications.
May train other archivists on routine job functions.
May serve on internal committees.
Performs other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Master’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in history, government, library science, or related discipline, with at least 3 semester hours completed in archival administration
Two years’ work experience in the appraisal, arrangement, and description of photographic or audiovisual materials
One year work experience preparing, digitizing, and adding metadata to photographic and audiovisual materials
Experience with current and historic photographic processes and photograph formats
Experience collecting, organizing, researching, and interpreting information from various sources and composing descriptive narratives that are clear, concise, and grammatically correct
Experience using word processing, database, spreadsheet applications
Ability to work semi-independently and to exercise professional judgment
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
Ability to move boxes weighing up to 40 pounds
Ability to work in a team environment
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Experience processing and preparing finding aids for government records or manuscript collections
Experience appraising government records or manuscript collections
Experience using DACS, EAD, XML, and MARC
Experience processing digital collections
Experience accessioning archival materials
Experience with database management applications, and/or archival content management systems
Experience developing and presenting information to groups
Experience handling reference requests for archival materials
Proficiency with Adobe Acrobat and/or Adobe Photoshop
Knowledge of the Texas Public Information Act
Knowledge of Texas history and government
Certified Archivist designation
Digital Archives Specialist designation
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
College transcripts (undergraduate and graduate) must be submitted at the time of application.
Submission of three technical writing samples at time of application, including at least one finding aid developed solely by the applicant.
A criminal history check will be required upon contingent offer.
Occasional overtime work, including nights and weekends may be required.
SUPERVISION
Reports to Archives Supervisor
Has no supervisory responsibilities