Archivist

Oakland Public Library Archivist Position

The City of Oakland is an equal opportunity employer that values workforce diversity, inclusion, and equity. Oakland has a long history of activism around issues of justice and equity. Both oppression and this resistance to oppression have shaped the city's historical roots and the lives of its residents to this day. As public servants in one of the most diverse cities in the nation, we strive to develop employees who understand the harm and impacts of systemic inequity to create lasting, meaningful outcomes for everyone. Oakland strives to establish an environment that embraces the richness of culture, community, and individualism of employees.

The City of Oakland is currently recruiting to fill one Archivist vacancy at the African American Museum and Library of Oakland, a division of the Oakland Public Library (AAMLO). The ideal candidate will possess archival experience pertaining to African American history and culture to curate best-in-class collections and to generate exhibitions and presentations that expose and share the wonders of these collections with the public. The Oakland Public Library seeks to hire a candidate who values all aspects of dynamic learning using technology, public forums, sensory experiences, scholarly research, and other tools to support and stimulate the curiosity of patrons who seek to discover the rich cultural and historical experiences of African Americans in Oakland and Northern California. The ideal candidate operates with a high level of enthusiasm and integrity, demonstrates cultural competence, and has a track record of responsiveness to diverse communities, staff, and stakeholders.

We are looking for someone who is:

• Organized: You will possess exceptional organizational and management skills to successfully procure, archive, and preserve historical collections, adhering to federal, state, and local statutes relating to collections management.
• A Strong Relationship Builder with Excellent Communication Skills: You will engage with diverse clients, both orally and in writing, in the procurement of collections and represent the museum as an expert in the area of collection management and access.
• Proficient in Preservation Techniques: You will utilize technical knowledge in the preservation of documents and records, including handling techniques, technology migration, appropriate laboratory treatments, and/or recommending referral to technical experts.
• Creative: You will design and maintain organizational systems to correctly preserve, track, and easily retrieve archived materials. You will create exhibitions and presentations to showcase collections to the public.
• Analytical: You will analyze the physical condition of collections, including documents, film, and electronic materials, and make retention recommendations by appraising characteristics such as their legal, fiscal, administrative, informational, and/or intrinsic value.

What you will typically be responsible for:

• Collecting, analyzing, organizing, and preserving archival resources about African American history and culture in Oakland and Northern California.
• Analyzing the current condition of donor materials including film, documents, maps, etc., to determine the appropriate preservation standards.
• Designing and maintaining systems to preserve, track, and easily retrieve archived collections.
• Communicating effectively with internal and external partners.
• Creating archival presentations that highlight the cultural experiences of African Americans in Oakland and Northern California.
• Collaborating with a variety of stakeholders including donors, staff, community members, and outside organizations to curate the best-in-class collections.

A few reasons you might love this job:

• You love serving Oakland's community by sharing information and resources that highlight and reflect their lived experience, ancestry, and history.
• You value the preservation of history and want to share the stories that archival materials represent.
• You thrive on engaging with others and helping to meet their needs and achieve their research and education goals.
• You are excited to inspire others and tell stories through archival mediums.
• You seek to encourage and spread a deeper understanding of the history and culture of African Americans in Oakland and Northern California.

A few challenges you might face in this job:

• You will need to manage your time wisely to complete your duties.
• You will often work independently and maintain a high standard of self-motivation and accountability.
• You will need to work effectively within a modest budget.

Competencies Required:

• Attention to Detail: Focusing on the details of work content, work steps, and final work products
• Critical Thinking: Analytically and logically evaluating information, propositions, and claims
• Displaying Ownership and Accountability: Holding self and others accountable for measurable, high-quality, timely, and cost-effective results.
• Fact Finding: Obtaining facts and data pertaining to an issue or question
• Professional Impact: Presenting self as a positive representative of the organization
• Writing: Communicating effectively in writing

Education:

A bachelor's degree in archival studies, history, library and/or information sciences, public administration, political science, or a related field with coursework in archival methods and theory and library systems. A Master's degree in a related field is highly desirable (but not required).

Experience:

Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in archival administration, preferably with experience in digital and print document collections utilized by museums and/or archives. Note: A Master's degree in a related field may substitute for up to two (2) years of experience.

License or Certificate / Other Requirements:

Possession of a professional designation as a Certified Archivist (CA) is highly desirable. Successful incumbents in this position may be expected to operate automotive vehicles in the performance of assigned duties. Due to the nature of the assignment and the hours worked, public transportation may not be a cost effective or efficient method for traveling to the various locations required. Individuals who are appointed to this position will be required to maintain a valid California Driver's License throughout the tenure of employment OR demonstrate the ability to travel to various locations in a timely manner as required in the performance of duties.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Deep knowledge and understanding of the history and culture of African Americans in Oakland and Northern California.
• Ability to create artistic, attractive, and clear exhibits and displays utilizing interactive technology and beautiful design.
• A vision for how this position might help the City of Oakland maintain diversity, eliminate racial disparities, and achieve racial equity.