National Geographic Society is looking for an experienced, enthusiastic, and collaborative Senior Archivist to work with the Society’s vintage photo collection. Please apply online.
Summary
The Photo Archivist is responsible for the daily management, preservation and organization of the photo archives and monitors and reports on the condition of the collection. Archivist will oversee the intellectual and physical organization of the vintage photo collection and, working in conjunction with other Society collection staff, will help establish policies and priorities for the photo archives. Position may provide tours to explain the collection and its importance to business vendors, partners, potential donors, and other visitors.
The Photo Archivist will work with NGS management and other collections areas and museum staff to create a long term collections management plan that addresses conservation, maintenance, digitization, and outreach for all NGS heritage assets.
Responsibilities
- Review and build working knowledge of all current finding aids (digital and analog) that pertain to the collection. Where lacking, bring standardization and consistency to finding aids; particularly analog finding aids. Recommend, create, and execute work plans for back-up systems to analog finding aids. (30%)
- Maintain photographic archival collections in accord with archival industry standards for environmental needs, arrangement and description, and preservation and conservation protocols. Analyze database and other finding aids for greater intellectual control over collection. Standardize, improve, and enhance metadata in analog finding aid. Identify new platforms and tools that may maintain and improve access the collections (30%)
- Broadly support research/reference services as may be needed to NGS and NGP. Work with NGS and NGP staff members on exhibitions, educational and public programs, content development etc. and identify photo archives collection materials to be used in such programs. Work with other collections areas for bridge information gaps between collections. (15%)
- Develop and perform outreach activities relating to the photo archives and working in collaboration with other collection areas, prepare condition and assessment reports, identify priorities for preservation and conservation attention, and identify areas of particular strength and importance within the collection. Review and make recommendations for donation of photographic materials from outside parties. (10%)
- Work with Director of Archives and Research to create a long-term plan for preservation, maintenance of and accessibility to the collections. (15%)
Minimum Education Required
Master’s degree in archival science or MLIS from an ALA-accredited program, with an emphasis on archival coursework or training; knowledge of preservation standards for archival materials; particularly photographic materials.
Minimum Years and Experience
Seven years’ experience arranging, describing, and cataloging archival photography collections in a museum or research library setting. Experience using descriptive standards and best practices. Knowledge of history of publishing,photography, and photojournalism.
Knowledge and Skills Required
- Relevant training or experience in cataloging and metadata creation in a library or museum
- An understanding of controlled vocabularies and current standards for Library of Congress subject headings and classifications. Understanding of current cataloging and technical trends in collections management.
- Knowledge of past photographic processes and techniques and the preservation needs and challenges associated with them. Knowledge of fine art preservation and conservation needs and protocols.
- Ability to work effectively in both a team environment and independently
- Strong service orientation and awareness of end user needs for exhibitions, publishing, and other product/content uses.
- Strong organizational skills, high level of concentration, and attention to detail
- Strong communication skills, enthusiastic, collaborative, creative.
- Must be able to lift/move/maneuver objects up to 40 lbs.
Supervision
Interns
Responsibility percentages may vary depending on business needs.
National Geographic’s headquarters is located in the heart of Washington, D.C. In addition to a unique and dynamic work environment, National Geographic offers its employees a comprehensive benefits package, including health and dental benefits, generous vacation and leave time, a 401(k) plan, and flexible work options. Please visit our careers site at www.nationalgeographic.com/jobs to view this job as well as our full listing of career opportunities. National Geographic is an Equal Opportunity Employer.