Project Manager

Description

LAC Federal is seeking an experienced Project Manager to lead an on-site microfilm inventory and preservation support project at a major federal research library in Washington, DC. The Project Manager will oversee the inventory, identification, documentation, quality control, and preparation of archival master and print-negative microfilm collections for secure storage. This hands-on leadership role combines project management, library technical services, integrated library system (ILS) operations, MARC-based metadata management, collection preservation practices, staff supervision, and production reporting. The successful candidate will manage daily workflows, ensure the accuracy of physical and electronic inventory records, coordinate with federal library personnel, and directly support inventory processing as needed.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Manage daily microfilm inventory operations, staff assignments, production schedules, deliverables, and quality assurance activities in accordance with contract requirements.
• Supervise and participate in the retrieval, staging, inventory, inspection, tracking, and secure return of archival master and print-negative microfilm reels.
• Oversee the creation, verification, and updating of holdings records (HREC) and item records (IREC) in the FOLIO integrated library system, ensuring accurate bibliographic relationships and metadata.
• Verify MARC-related cataloging information, call numbers, titles, enumeration, chronology, copy numbers, item locations, and barcode associations for monographs, serials, and multilingual materials.
• Direct the physical inspection of microfilm to identify acetate and polyester film, deterioration indicators, damaged reels, labeling discrepancies, and materials requiring preservation attention.
• Establish and maintain batch control procedures, including chain-of-custody tracking, production monitoring, exception documentation, and timely return of collection materials.
• Implement quality assurance methods to minimize errors and batch rejections.
• Train and mentor inventory personnel in FOLIO procedures, microfilm handling, metadata verification, productivity standards, and quality assurance requirements.
• Compile and analyze daily, weekly, monthly, and annual production statistics, including completed reels, batch status, processing errors, labor utilization, and project progress.
• Prepare weekly statistical reports, periodic progress reports, production forecasts, and other required documentation for government project representatives.
• Coordinate with federal library personnel regarding technical questions, workflow priorities, problem resolution, quality reviews, staffing changes, and project milestones.
• Oversee the final preparation of inventoried microfilm for secure storage, including barcode verification, batch reconciliation, approved packing procedures, and preservation of collection integrity.

Requirements

• Microfilm and archival collections experience: Minimum of two (2) years of experience performing work similar to the required microfilm inventory activities in a major research library or heritage organization with microfilm collections in various languages
• MARC cataloging: Minimum of two (2) years of experience with, or understanding of, cataloging using MARC records for monographs and serials.
• Staff supervision and quality control: Minimum of one (1) year of experience training staff, assigning work, and monitoring or inspecting completed work.
• Production reporting: Ability to compile statistical data and prepare daily, weekly, monthly, and annual reports documenting work performed.
• Integrated library systems: Demonstrated experience using an integrated library system (ILS) to support library collection management, cataloging, or inventory operations.
• Multilingual collections: Demonstrated experience processing library or archival materials in various languages.
• Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to coordinate with staff, communicate technical requirements, and prepare clear reports.
• Federal suitability: Ability to successfully complete and maintain the required federal background investigation, suitability/fitness determination, and facility access authorization before beginning work.

Preferred Qualification

• Master's degree in library and information science (MLS/MLIS) from an ALA-accredited program, or a related degree in archival studies, preservation, history, or information management.
• Three or more years of progressively responsible experience supervising library technical services, archival inventory, preservation processing, or collection management projects.
• Direct experience using FOLIO, including the creation and maintenance of holdings records and item records.
• Experience with OCLC Connexion, MARC 21, RDA, library authority control, or related bibliographic and metadata standards.
• Working knowledge of microfilm preservation, including acetate deterioration, vinegar syndrome, polyester film identification, archival storage, and safe handling of fragile materials.
• Experience managing multilingual or international research collections, including newspapers, serials, manuscripts, legal gazettes, and special collections.
• Demonstrated experience developing standard operating procedures, quality control checklists, production metrics, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel or comparable tools for statistical analysis, productivity monitoring, and performance reporting.
• Previous experience managing federal government library, archives, records management, or cultural heritage support contracts.
• Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified Archivist (CA), or other relevant project management, archival, or preservation credential.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods while overseeing project operations, conducting inventory inspections, performing data entry, and completing administrative tasks.
• Ability to bend, stoop, reach, and perform repetitive hand movements when retrieving, inspecting, handling, and organizing microfilm reels and archival materials, including accessing shelving at varying heights.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull microfilm reels, archival storage containers, and related materials weighing up to 25 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.

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.