Digital Imaging Specialist, IS-1001-09

Smithsonian Institution•Washington, DC

7d•$70,623 - $91,815•Onsite

About The Position

The National Museum of Natural History (NMNH) is seeking an experienced candidate to fill the Digital Imaging Specialist position in the Department of Paleobiology. The incumbent serves as a Digital Imaging Specialist for fossil collections, collaborating closely with department and museum staff to plan, develop, and implement data and image driven collections initiatives. The purpose of this position is to support collection digitization, advance imaging workflows across multiple modalities, and implement information technology for the benefit of departmental research, collections stewardship, and public outreach. The incumbent supports NMNH goals of enhancing collections discoverability and expanding institutional capacity in digitization, data management, and imaging practices. This role promotes best practices within the assigned department, advances both collections stewardship and scientific research through effective coordination of data-oriented activities, and facilitates improved access, preservation, and use of collections data and digital assets.

Requirements

One year specialized experience equivalent to at least grade 07 that is close or similar to the work of this position.
A master's or equivalent graduate degree, or 2 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree from an accredited college or university and/or 3-5 years of related experience.
Experience working with natural history collections
Experience in imaging of natural history collections objects using imaging modalities, like 2D photography, specialized imaging (e.g. SEM, microscopy, EDF), 3D surface capture (e.g. photogrammetry, structure light or laser line scanners), and/or CT scanning techniques, to support collections documentation and research.
Experience with digital asset management, which is required to organize files, apply metadata, and support data migration into systems of record (e.g., EMu, DAMS).
Knowledge of natural history collections practices and museum standards, particularly related to paleobiology, biodiversity, and geoscience materials
Knowledge and ability to apply standard data management practices, including data entry, validation, quality control, cleaning, and migration, with attention to accuracy and consistency.
Demonstrated ability with imaging equipment and software tools used to produce, process, and manage digital assets.
Ability to adapt established workflows, support digitization projects, and assist with evaluating new tools and technologies.
Ability to work collaboratively and effectively with team members, stakeholders, and external partners in support of project goals.
Knowledge of training and oral communication techniques, sufficient to assist in instructing staff, interns, or volunteers in standard procedures and workflows.

Responsibilities

Participates in digitization projects for natural history collections, including communicating and coordinating with stakeholders and team collaborators, contributing to project design and implementation, supporting 2D, 3D, and CT imaging requirements, assisting digital asset management, identification of new solutions, and contributing to data collection workflows.
Provides digital imaging services (2D photography, 3D capture, and CT scanning) of the museum’s collections objects, which are constructed of a wide variety of materials, come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, and can be generally complex to image or otherwise digitize.
Supports the data lifecycle for digital assets associated with the museum’s collections, including data management and processing of new and existing 3D and CT digital assets and 2D image files including file naming, metadata, and organization following departmental guidelines.
Assists with maintaining departmental collections data and data systems, including creation of records, editing records based on information provided or gathered from primary sources (e.g. object labels, field books, ledgers, publications, research results), and responding to digital information requests with standardized reports that meet user needs.
Participates in tracking, documenting, and reporting project activities and outcomes, including specimen organization and movement in collections, ensuring accurate recordkeeping and accountability.
Supports staff in developing data-oriented projects by advising on workflows, tools, and best practices.