Digital Film Preservation Specialist

Full Job Description

This position is located in the Film Laboratory, Preservation Services Section, National Audio-Visual Conservation Center (NAVCC) in Culpeper, VA, Researcher and Collections Services.

The position description number is 138467. The salary range reflects the locality pay for the Wash, D.C., Metro area. The incumbent will work a flextime work schedule.

This is a non-supervisory, bargaining unit position. Relocation expenses will not be authorized for the person selected under this vacancy.

Applicants must have had progressively responsible experience and training sufficient in scope and quality to furnish them with an acceptable level of the following knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of the position without more than normal supervision.

Knowledge of the principles, concepts, and history of motion picture photography as it applies to digital scanning and restoration methodologies and practices.** Applied knowledge of digital motion picture conversion and restoration principles, procedures and operations in a professional setting.** Ability to provide advice, guidance, and training in the digital restoration of motion pictures.** Ability to organize, plan and execute motion picture film scanning and restoration projects and related tasks.

Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing. Major Duties:

Digitally preserves and restores motion picture film images by adjusting contrast and density using appropriate software and hardware tools to restore color, tints and black and white sequences.

Determines complex technical requirements for digital reproductions of motion picture film including software packages and other tools.

Scans motion picture film, paper prints using specialized equipment and software packages. Oversees the preparation for and archiving of the digitized materials in a secure and stable repository.

Coordinates projects with appropriate personnel, ensuring timely delivery of digitized materials.

Provides training on the creation, preservation, restoration, and use of digital images created from motion picture film.

Attends conferences and meetings to make presentations or for professional development to keep abreast of current trends and technology in areas of specialty.

As an authority in photographic preservation and motion picture preservation1 provides technical support for digital film and digital photographic preservation projects.

Responsibility extends over digital projects concerned with the preservation, conservation, and reproduction of film and photographic materials of all types.

Consults with staff from a variety of organizations regarding film and photographic documentation, laboratory treatments.

Participates with management in the ongoing development of digital film and photographic preservation programs and developing guidelines and policies for the preservation, conservation and reproduction of a large variety of motion picture film elements.

Prepares reports, recommendations, and publications. Makes presentations as requested.

Serves as a Library of Congress representative to national technical meetings concerned with motion picture film preservation.

Provides training in methods and techniques in the digital reproduction of motion picture films .

Develops criteria and specifications for contract services, products, or equipment related to the digital preservation, conservation and reproduction of motion picture films.

Provides assistance to procurement officials in the technical evaluation of contractual proposals.

Participates with management in the continued development of film preservation programs that responds to the needs of the organization.

Participates in the development of new, or adaptation or modification of existing procedures for specific preservation projects.

Develops and conducts tests on existing photographic systems (e.g., preservation film scanning systems, film recording systems, etc.}.

Performs all steps necessary to properly calibrate and certify digital film preservation systems.

Participates with scientific research personnel to find solutions to complex film preservation problems. Determines test procedures and the design of special test equipment.

Tests preservation systems and components insuring proper calibration and performance. Test requirements may be hard to achieve or the item might be tested for an optional or new use.

Test results are evaluated in terms of attainment of objectives.

Serves as a source of information and advice on program issues that require assessment of unusual circumstances or variations in approach and development of new methods and criteria.

Serves as a mentor and provides guidance to film preservation staff. Maintains frequent contact with coworkers in the organization to render advice, consultation, and assistance.

Participates in planning conferences with supervisory and program managers to provide necessary information pertaining to the program specialty.