Digital Imaging Specialist, IS-1001-09

Application Deadline: 10 June 2026 Department: National Museum of Natural History Location: Washington, DC Compensation: $70,623 - $91,815 / year Position Type: Trust Fund Appointment Type: Temporary, NTE 4 years Schedule: Full Time Duty Location: Washington, DC Position Sensitivity and Risk: Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk Open to all qualified applicants. What are Trust Fund Positions? Trust Fund positions are unique to the Smithsonian. They are paid for from a variety of sources, including the Smithsonian endowment, revenue from business activities, donations, grants, and contracts. Trust employees are not part of the civil service, nor does trust fund employment lead to Federal status. The salary ranges for trust positions are generally the same as for federal positions, and trust and federal employees often work side by side. Trust employees have their own benefit program, which may include health and dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, transit benefits, accident and disability insurance, annual and sick leave, family friendly leave, 403b retirement plan, discounts for Smithsonian membership, museum stores and restaurants, credit union, early enrichment center, and flexible spending accounts. Overview The National Museum of Natural History (NMNH) is seeking an experienced Digital Imaging Specialist in the Department of Paleobiology. The incumbent serves to support collection digitization, advance imaging workflows across multiple modalities, and implement technology for the benefit of departmental research, collections stewardship, and public outreach. The role promotes best practices, advances stewardship and research through effective data coordination, and facilitates improved access, preservation, and use of collections data and digital assets. Duties and Responsibilities Participate in digitization projects for natural history collections, including communication and coordination with stakeholders, project design and implementation, supporting 2D, 3D, and CT imaging requirements, assisting with digital asset management, identifying new solutions, and contributing to data collection workflows. Provide digital imaging services (2D photography, 3D capture, and CT scanning) of museum collection objects. Support the data lifecycle for digital assets, including data management, processing, file naming, metadata, and organization following departmental guidelines. Assist with maintaining departmental collections data and systems, creating records, editing records from primary sources, and responding to information requests with standardized reports. Track, document, and report project activities and outcomes, including specimen organization and movement, ensuring accurate recordkeeping and accountability. Support staff in developing data‑oriented projects by advising on workflows, tools, and best practices. Qualification Requirements Basic Requirements: One year specialized experience equivalent to at least grade 07 that is close or similar to the work of this position. Education and Experience: Applicants must possess a master’s or equivalent graduate degree, or two full years of progressively higher‑level graduate education leading to such a degree, and/or three to five years of related experience. An equivalent combination of education and experience also qualifies. Specialized Experience May Include Experience working with natural history collections. Experience in imaging of natural history collections using modalities such as 2D photography, SEM, microscopy, EDF, 3D surface capture (photogrammetry, structured light, laser line scanners), and CT scanning. Experience with digital asset management, organizing files, applying metadata, and supporting data migration into systems of record (e.g., EMu, DAMS). Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required 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. 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 evaluate new tools and technologies. Ability to work collaboratively and effectively with team members, stakeholders, and external partners. Knowledge of training and oral communication techniques to assist staff, interns, or volunteers. The Smithsonian Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr Smithsonian Institution