The Historic Preservation and Archives Officer

Fort Worth, TX, United States

Closing date and time Continuous

Summary

The Historic Preservation and Archives Officer directs and provides for the daily operation of the Tarrant County Historic Preservation and Archives program; maintaining the archival collection of County records, local historical collections, and official records of the Tarrant County Historical Commission and making these available to the public.

The position will coordinate the Historic Preservation efforts within the County including the designation of properties to the National Register of Historic Properties, develop and maintain Certified Local Government (CLG) designation for Tarrant County, and seek grant funding for preservation and archival projects.

Posting may close at any time.

Tarrant County employees enjoy superior health, retirement, and insurance benefits.

For more information, please click on the link below:

http://www.tarrantcounty.com/en/human-resources/employee-benefits.html

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Manages the Tarrant County Archives, setting the strategic direction for the acquisition and preservation of historical documents and items. Establishes archival procedures and controls over records of long-term historic value to Tarrant County.

Seeks out, studies, and selects records of greatest historical and research value for addition to the Archives. Meets with potential donors of historical artifacts, transports collections to archives as needed, and keeps records of donors.

Directs the operation of the Archives facility, overseeing the protection, use, storage, arrangement, and description of records and collections including manuscripts, photographs, maps, historical items, and documents in accordance with accepted standards and practices of the Archives profession.

Selects and oversees the digitization of collection items for full online content. Develops and maintains a strong online presence for the Tarrant County Archives, offering guides, finding aids, and full content access.

Plans and implements accessibility to the Archive collection for a wide variety of researchers and other public users while maintaining protection to the collection from misuse or theft.

Serves as the County’s Historic Preservation Officer and Certified Local Government (CLG) Representative. Ensures development and maintenance of all required Historic Preservation plans and policies; develops a system for surveying and inventorying of local Historic Landmarks, National Registry properties, and cultural resources; and submits annual reports to the Texas Historical Commission in order to qualify and continue as a Certified Local Government (CLG).

Develops sound projects for historic preservation in Tarrant County for the purpose of seeking CLG grant funding. Works in conjunction with the Tarrant County Historical Commission to identify grant opportunities, develop grant proposals, and implement initiatives.

Creates and maintains a database of local, state, and national designated historic properties and of the documents and items in the Archives collection for use by researchers and preservationists and as a search tool for in-house use and control. Creates and updates guide to location, subject, and biographical research files on the Tarrant County Historical Commission and Archives website.

Reviews and makes recommendations on all National Registry of Historic Places nominations within the County, providing letters of support based on archival and field research. Reports any modifications or alterations to National Register properties, State Antiquities Landmarks, Recorded Texas Historic Landmarks, or other locally designated Historic Sites to the Texas Historical Commission.

Stays current with laws, regulations, and techniques related to Historic Preservation and Archives. Complies with legal requirements including the Open Records Act, copyright laws, and all other relevant local, state, and federal laws.

Plans, directs, and implements Historic Preservation and Archives public outreach efforts offering programs throughout Tarrant County on issues relating to local history, Historic Preservation plans, and the Archives. Writes articles and works with the media and the Public Information Officer to promote Tarrant County history, local historic sites and properties, and the Archives. Designs, plans, and implements professional quality exhibits within public exhibition areas showcasing items of historical importance.

Works with the public through phone calls, correspondence, e-mails, and interaction with visitors within the archives providing information, documentation, assistance, and opportunity to research and use the Archive records and listings of historical items, sites, and properties.

Develops and administers the budget for the Archives and Historic Preservation program. Enters all requisitions and goods receipts and keeps records of receipts of funds for the Archives, depositing funds with County Auditor. Maintains office equipment as needed.

Serves as staff liaison to the Tarrant County Historical Commission (TCHC). Maintains the official records generated and deposited by the Tarrant County Historical Commission (correspondence, financial records, marker research, and meetings and committee reports) and makes them available to TCHC members or the public. Provides assistance and guidance to TCHC Board Members and Officers on Board functions, budget, reports, and all needs that involve interaction with other County departments. Assists TCHC members with historical research and preservation planning efforts as requested.

Develops and maintains relationships with historic preservation staff at municipalities within the County and in surrounding counties. Works with and advises community leaders, elected officials, and Tarrant County department heads on matters pertaining to historic research, preservation, surveying of local historic and cultural resources, and archiving of historical materials. Mentors, advises, and serves as advocate for historical organizations as requested.

Prepares regular reports on accessions and status of Archives for the Tarrant County Historical Commission and the County Administrator as required. Prepares donation reports for Commissioners Court records as required. Prepares the annual CLG report to the Texas Historical Commission as required. Prepares an annual report for the TCHC, County Administrator, and Commissioners Court on grants and other activities of the Historic Preservation and Archives program.

Fields requests to house and maintain historical County records from Elected Officials and Department Heads and maintains those records and items. Researches and provides historical information to various County offices as requested.

Supervises and directs the work of employees, interns, and volunteers in the Archives. Provides training on archival policies and procedures to employees, interns, and volunteers.

Performs all other related duties as required.

Minimum Requirements

NOTE: YOU MUST FILL OUT THE WORK HISTORY and EDUCATION SECTIONS OF APPLICATION TO SHOW YOU HAVE YEARS OF EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION AS REQUIRED BY HIRING DEPARTMENT OR BE DISQUALIFIED.

TO APPLY, must have a Bachelor’s degree or higher in History, a Social Science, or a related field.

TO APPLY, Five (5) full-time years of work experience in historical and archival research, interpretation, preservation, teaching, or other related activity within an historic organization or government agency, academic institution, library, museum, or similar institution.

Graduate degree in History, Archival Administration, or Library Science with focus on Archival Studies and Archives Management strongly preferred.

Must have qualifications to be appointed as Historic Preservation Officer and CLG Representative as per the Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualifications Standards. Academy of Certified Archivist (ACA) Certification or eligibility for certified Archivist status preferred.

Familiarity in the use of archival electronic record keeping; knowledge of local history strongly preferred.

Regular attendance and hours are essential. Self-discipline, organizational skills, and professional habits to accomplish preservation and archival tasks are required.

Strong problem solving and multi-tasking skills.

The ability to work pleasantly and professionally with the public is essential as well as work with all the members of the Tarrant County Historical Commission.

Join us as on March 18 at 5 p.m. ET, when Gina Nichols, Regent for Exam Administration, will host an online Q&A session to answer questions from prospective exam applicants and those looking for information on how best to prepare for the exam.

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