About the Role
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.
Responsibilities
- Appraises, organizes, processes, catalogs, and conserves archival collections and materials.
- Curates one or more of the collection units by making selection and acquisition decisions, processing and cataloging materials.
- Compiles finding aids, reference guides, articles, statistics, and reports.
- Provides archival reference and research services.
- Assists with the acquisition and appraisal of collections.
- 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.
- 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 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.
Requirements
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Must have the ability to read, write, and speak fluently in English.
Skills
- Archival and Encoded Archival Description standards, issues, practices, and trends.
- Reference tools and procedures.
- Records management issues and practices.
- Digital imaging issues and trends, especially in regards to archival practice.
- Electronic records management and preservation.
- Processing/arranging archival collections.
- Oral and written communication including presentation.
- Organizing and interpreting historical records for public presentation.
- Using computers and related software, including Microsoft Office products.
- Prioritizing work assignments.
- Establishing and maintaining effective relationships with City employees and the public.
- Using and applying standards for archival description, cataloging, and networked resource sharing for archival objects and descriptions.
- Appraising records for archival and/or historical significance.
- Working with people of diverse backgrounds.
Location
- Austin History Center, 800 Guadalupe Street, 78701
Work Type
- Full-time (40 hours weekly)
- Requires working weekends on a rotating basis
- Schedules may vary to include holidays
Experience Level
- Two (2) years professional experience working in an archives, library, museum, or other cultural heritage institution
Education Level
- 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
- Master’s degree in History/Public History with coursework in archival administration
- Master’s Degree in a related field
Salary/Compensations
- $57,970.00 to $70,720.00 annually
Benefits
- Low-cost medical, dental, vision
- Paid leave time
- Highly competitive retirement plan
- Training opportunities
About the Company
- 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 public servants, we ground our efforts in Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity.
- 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.
Equal Opportunity
- 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.
- 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.
