Description

LAC Federal is seeking a skilled and detail-oriented Digitization Specialist to support the digitization of archival photographic collections. This position plays a key role in preserving and improving online access to historically significant photographic records through high-resolution digital imaging, image post-processing, and metadata creation activities.

The successful candidate will work on-site in Landover, Maryland, using professional digital imaging equipment and archival handling techniques to digitize photographic negatives, slides, and transparencies in accordance with established archival standards and protocols.

Responsibilities

Digitize archival slides, negatives, and transmissive materials using professional overhead camera systems and copystand photography workflows
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 Smithsonian 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

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in library science, Archives, Museum Studies, Photography, Digital Humanities, History, Information Science, or a related field; equivalent professional experience may be considered
Minimum 2–4 years of 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
Experience with digital photography workflows using copystands or overhead camera systems
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

Preferred Qualifications

Coursework or background in archives, special collections, photography, museum studies, or preservation
Experience with digital asset management systems (DAMS), preferably OpenText Media Management
Familiarity with TIFF preservation imaging standards, color management, and image quality control
Experience working in federal, museum, library, or cultural heritage environments
Understanding of archival description and metadata standards

Physical Requirements

Ability to lift, carry, and move archival boxes, imaging equipment, and collection materials weighing up to 30 pounds, with frequent bending, reaching, and handling of materials throughout the workday.
Ability to sit or stand for extended periods while operating digital imaging workstations, copystand photography equipment, and computer systems requiring repetitive hand and wrist movements.
Ability to work in archival and collections environments while safely handling fragile and historically significant materials using established preservation and conservation procedures.

Benefits

Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
Short Term & Long-Term Disability
Training & Development

EEO Statement

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.

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