Library Technician; Preservation Science Technician

Job Title

Library Technician (Preservation Science Technician)

This position reports to the Chief, Preservation Research and Testing Division (PRTD), Preservation Directorate. The Directorate is responsible for the long-term, uninterrupted access to the Library's numerous and diverse collections through a variety of preservation programs. The incumbent provides assistance to PRTD programs and projects involving scientific analysis and research related to the preservation of collections; the development and maintenance of scientific reference collections;

and the testing of materials used to exhibit, house, or store collections to ensure they meet current Library specifications.

As the Library Technician (Preservation Science Technician), you will:

• Operate scientific and imaging equipment to conduct typical capture of data and digital images on a variety of library materials and scientific reference samples using both detailed and more general specifications. Conducts post-processing of resulting data and digital images. Undertakes routine maintenance and calibration of equipment according to established specifications or in concert with supervisor following a troubleshooting approach. Maintains equipment documentation and undertakes routine equipment maintenance activities, including assisting with inventory control and management of computing and software systems.
  
  Assists supervisor in maintenance of scientific equipment.
• Perform organization, arrangement, and description work on many scientific records or data files arising from the range of assigned testing activities. Assesses the correctness of data and metadata and makes both minor and some major corrections as needed, and consults with senior staff as needed. Creates and updates both basic and moderately complex databases for project documentation. Organizes and creates a variety of reports based on laboratory data and activities.
  
  Uses automated tools and performs searches on preservation science databases and associated files to locate metadata and information. Undertakes both routine and moderate data maintenance activities, including assisting with management of computing and software systems. Verify that files contain associated metadata and are archived and stored in appropriate location on servers. Creates and updates complex databases with project documentation.
• Perform organization, arrangement, and description work on a number of materials in scientific sample collections (such as the Center for Heritage Analytical Reference Materials (CHARM). Works with supervisor to maintain samples and records related to documentation, organization, description, and metadata of imaging and scientific data.
• Use automated tools and performs complex searches on library and preservation science databases and associated files to locate metadata and information. Undertakes more sophisticated collection maintenance activities, including inventory control and management of computing and software systems.
• Conduct basic and moderate testing and quality assurance procedures on a variety of materials to evaluate the materials considered to exhibit, house, or store collection materials using both well-defined and more general specifications. Compiles data and reports on testing results for review. Assists supervisor in developing new testing or quality assurance procedures. Performs routine and difficult maintenance activities related to testing and quality assurance, including assisting with inventory control and management of computing and software systems.
  
  Assists supervisor in training staff on testing and quality assurance procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• The position description number for this position is 317063.
• The salary range indicated reflects the locality pay adjustments for the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan area.
• The incumbent of this position will work a Flexitime work schedule. This is a non-supervisory, bargaining unit position.
• Relocation expenses will not be authorized for the person(s) selected under this vacancy announcement.