Digitization Specialist

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.