King Ranch Museum and Archives, Kingsville, TX

Job Announcement – Archivist

Role Title: Archivist

Position Type: Full-Time/Non-Exempt

Salary Range: $75,000 - $85,000

King Ranch, Inc. seeks an experienced and innovative Archivist to manage and provide access to its diverse archival and material culture collections. Reporting to the Vice President of Shareholder Relations, this role collaborates with the Assistant Archivist and other Museum staff to enhance the collection’s interpretation and contribute to exhibitions and outreach. The ideal candidate will help modernize the collection and contribute to the development of a new program and facility, playing a key role in both preserving and expanding the scope of King Ranch's legacy.

About King Ranch Museum & Archives

Established in 1988, the King Ranch Archives preserve records documenting the history of the Corporation and Ranch, including the Ranch’s impact on cattle innovation, agriculture and agribusiness, wildlife conservation, and Texas history. The King Ranch Museum, open since 1991, serves as custodian of this rich heritage and is tasked with sharing this history with the public.

Position Summary

The Archivist oversees the arrangement, description, and stewardship of the King Ranch Museum and Archives collections. Responsibilities include appraising and acquiring records, ensuring proper storage and preservation, and applying archival best practices. The role also involves research, reference services, educational programming, and exhibit development.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage archival materials including documents, photos, audiovisual media, and artifacts.
• Catalog collections using PastPerfect collections management software.
• Supervise and direct collections staff in accessioning, data entry, and storage.
• Provide research services and controlled access to archival materials.
• Identify and address conservation and preservation needs.
• Conduct and preserve oral histories following industry best practices.
• Recommend acquisitions and deaccessions per collections policies.
• Contribute to exhibitions, publications, tours and education initiatives.

Qualifications

• Graduate degree in Library Science, Archives Management, History, or a related field.
• Minimum two years of archival experience, including appraisal and description.
• ACA Certified Archivist or ICRM Certified Records Manager preferred.
• Demonstrated experience supervising staff, interns, or volunteers.
• Strong English writing and communication skills; Spanish proficiency a plus.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, and archival database software.
• Experience with museum object handling, cataloging, and digitization best practices.
• Knowledge of preservation, rights management, and oral history methods.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation for occasional travel.

Physical Requirements

Ability to lift up to 35 pounds, climb stairs/ladders, and stand for extended periods.

To Apply

Send a letter of interest, a current resume, and three references via e-mail to: curator@musres.com. Please put “King Ranch Archivist” in the subject line. Questions may also be sent to this e-mail address. No phone inquiries.

Application deadline: May 30, 2025

King Ranch is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. The objective of the Company is to recruit, hire, train, and promote into all job levels the most qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, national origin, disability, military or veteran status or other protected status.