Archival Imaging Specialist

Description

The Archival Imaging Specialist will support a major federal archive by digitizing historical photographic collections to help preserve and improve online access to significant archival materials. This on-site role, based in Landover, Maryland, involves high-resolution imaging of photographic negatives, slides, and transparencies using professional digital imaging equipment and archival handling techniques in accordance with established agency standards and protocols. Responsibilities also include image post-processing, metadata creation, and maintaining the quality and integrity of digital assets.

• →Digitize archival slides, negatives, and transmissive materials using professional overhead camera systems and copy stands
• →Calibrate imaging equipment daily and maintain image quality standards throughout production activities 
• →Handle fragile archival materials using proper preservation and conservation practices 
• →Remove items from archival housings and sleeves and perform light dust removal prior to imaging 
• →Perform image post-processing activities including cropping, color correction, skew adjustment, exposure balancing, and dust cleanup using Adobe Photoshop and related software 
• →Produce preservation-quality TIFF files meeting required technical specifications 
• →Create and maintain technical and descriptive metadata records in Excel spreadsheets and collection systems 
• →Apply standardized file naming conventions and metadata transcription procedures 
• →Store and organize digital assets on designated network drives 
• →Coordinate with Smithsonian staff regarding workflows, imaging priorities, quality control, and production schedules 
• →Maintain accurate production statistics and timesheets 
• →Adhere to archive security, privacy, and collections handling requirements 

• Demonstrated experience supporting archival digitization, digital imaging, museum collections, libraries, archives, or cultural heritage organizations 
• Experience digitizing transmissive materials such as slides, negatives, transparencies, or photographic collections 
• Familiarity with TIFF preservation imaging standards, color management, and image quality control 
• Demonstrated experience performing post-processing of digitized or born-digital image-based materials in black & white (B&W) and color.
• Experience using a Digital Asset Management system to ingest, describe, and manage digital objects; Open Text Media Management preferred
• Experience with digital photography workflows using copy stands or overhead camera systems (PhaseOne camera preferred)
• Proficiency with Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Bridge, and Microsoft Excel 
• Experience generating descriptive and technical metadata 
• Demonstrated ability to handle fragile archival and museum collections carefully and accurately 
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail 
• Ability to work independently in a production-oriented environment 
• Ability to lift archival boxes and work at imaging workstations for extended periods 

• Bachelor’s degree in Library Science, Archives, Museum Studies, Photography, Digital Humanities, History, Information Science, or a related field strongly preferred
• Coursework or background in archives, special collections, photography, museum studies, or preservation 
• Experience working in federal museum, library, or cultural heritage environments 

• Ability to lift, carry, and move archival boxes and materials weighing up to 30 pounds and perform frequent bending, reaching, and standing throughout the workday. 
• Ability to work at digital imaging workstations for extended periods, including operating overhead camera systems, copy stands, and computer equipment with repetitive hand and wrist movements. 
• Ability to work in archival storage and processing environments that may be cool, dusty, and require careful handling of fragile historical materials while following preservation and safety protocols.

The company and its subsidiaries are an equal opportunity employer and celebrate the population of differences and does not discriminate in its hiring/hiring practices, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Nothing in this job specification restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. 

Critical features of this job are described under various headings above. They may be subject to change at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons. The above statements are strictly intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of employees in this position.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. 

To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. 

Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship.