Project Specialist (TEMP)

Job Title

Project Specialist (TEMP)

Agency

Prairie View A&M University

Department

Library

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

Prairie View, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

The project specialist conducts in-depth archival investigations and gathers, analyzes, and organizes historical data from various sources, to produce a digital story map that will be used for the sesquicentennial of the University and that will become the foundation for continuous building of the university’s historical records. This position is ideal for candidates with a passion for historical inquiry and proficiency in modern research technologies. This position is a one year appointment.

The salary is determined in accordance with the University’s compensation structure and will be commensurate with the candidates’ education and experience, within the assigned salary range for this position.

Responsibilities:

Research & Data Gathering

• Conduct literature reviews primary and secondary sources.

• Ensure historical accuracy in films, books, exhibits, educational materials.

• Gather historical data from archives, libraries, museums, and online databases.

• Travel to libraries, museums, and field sites for research.

• Submit requests any professional development that will enhance the research findings and share the information with Special Collections/Archives Department (SCAD) staff.

• Utilize AI tools as part of your research workflow and keep data and comparisons of using with and without AI tools.

• Share the research findings with the Special Collections/Archives Department for the purpose of promoting the findings to the Head, Special Collections/Archives for accessibility, digitization, creating LibGuides, and any other documents.

• Research should support the department’s efforts to investigate potential grant funding for digital humanities projects, promote awareness internal and external stakeholders, scholarly publications and presentations, potential collaborations and partnerships; especially, support the library and university missions and strategic plans.

• To be trained to perform oral interview according to university and TAMU System protocols.

Documentation, Organization, Outreach & Deliverable

• Compile, digitize, and organize historical data.

• Prepare research summaries, reports, and presentations.

• Transcribe interviews and documents.

• Assist in editing research papers, reports, and presentations related to the   university historical narrative.

• Maintain research documentation and ensure compliance.

• Collaborate with internal and external historians, curators, students, and faculty pursuing scholarly research.

• Train and mentor junior selected researchers.

• Assist with special collections and archival research inquiries.

Analysis & Interpretation

• Analyze and interpret historical documents, artifacts, oral histories, historical events, artifacts, and sources.

• Compile research insights as part of the interpretive process.

• Stay updated on research methods and tools.

Other Duties

• Attend meetings in the absence of the Head, Special Collections/Archives Department

• Supervise the department and student assistants/volunteers in the absence of any other full-time staff.

• Perform other duties as assigned related to department goals and objectives.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree in history, anthropology, archaeology, or a related field.

• Experience in project management preferred.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to communicate effectively.

• Experience in academic or archival research methods.

• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and writing skills, necessary to interpret historical data and documents.

• Proficiency in research databases (e.g., JSTOR, ProQuest) and MS Office.

• Detail-oriented with excellent organizational skills.

• Record of being capable of working independently and collaboratively.

• Ability to network with individuals, institutions, and organizations internally and externally.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's Degree

• Experience with ArcGIS, Microsoft Suite, Canva, and any other software useful in data collection, data interpretation, research presentation.

• Knowledge of specific historical periods or regions.

• Basic understanding of conservation and preservation techniques.

Special Requirements:

• Applicants with equivalent experience in lieu of a Bachelor’s degree may be considered. One year of the related experience is the equivalent of one college year. Applicants being considered for the equivalency must have four years of related experience to meet the equivalency in lieu of a Bachelor’s degree plus the minimum required years of experience. Applicants being considered for the equivalency must have a total of four years of experience.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.