Ethnographic Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Summary
The Library of Congress shares its vast collections of books, manuscripts, photographs, maps, audiovisual materials, and priceless artifacts to cultivate curiosity and spark imagination. We engage, inspire, and inform Congress and the American people with a universal and enduring source of knowledge and creativity.
We seek highly talented professionals to join a vibrant and collaborative community. Your work here will have lasting impact on the Library and its users well into the future.
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Duties
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The Folklife Specialist (Research and Programs) position is located in Researcher and Collections Services (RCS), of the Special Collections Directorate (SCD) in the American Folklife Center (AFC) at the Library of Congress. Pursuant to Public Law 94-201, the American Folklife Center was created in 1976 by the U.S. Congress to "preserve and present" American folklife through programs of research, documentation, archival preservation, reference service, live performance, exhibition, publication, and training.
The purpose of the position is to support professional services for the Center's public programming activities as part of a team; contribute significantly to the planning and coordination of research-based educational resources and interpretive materials; support the development of AFC archival collections; and represent the Center within and outside the Library on matters of folklife, ethnomusicology, ethnographic research, and oral history.
As the Folklife Specialist (Research and Programs), you will:

• Support the planning and coordination of a range of public programs under the guidance of the supervisor, Head of Research and Programs, such as performances, lectures, exhibitions, and interpretive programs, including goals and objectives, development of management plans, and the scheduling of public programs.
• Contribute to materials across multiple media that draw on expertise in the fields of folklore, ethnomusicology, oral history, and related cultural heritage disciplines. Materials may include written articles, lectures, blog posts, publicity/press releases, and social media communications, as well as the development of content for various digital platforms. Prepare and contribute to policy and division reports as required.
• Assist with Center folklife and ethnomusicological research projects in the Library of Congress and in other research libraries and ethnographic archives. Aid with professional services and information resources in various media for that the Center provides to cultural heritage fields, including folklife, ethnomusicology, and oral history.
• Contribute to Center field research and documentation projects when applicable, using standard interviewing and documentary techniques and equipment. Help with timelines, product development, staffing, and publicity for American Folklife Center initiatives involving public programming and researcher development or support as required.
• Represent the Center within the Library on matters of folklife, ethnomusicology, ethnographic research, and public programming; stay abreast of the latest research and publications in these fields; make and maintain professional contacts (both within and outside the Library); and travel outside the Library to work with collaborators to further Center objectives.
• Provide reference services for complex research projects and issues associated with the American Folklife Center's archival collections on folklife, ethnomusicology, and documentary media. Duties include surveying and evaluating the Library's collections relating to these areas; addressing complex reference inquiries; and planning and developing public information resources in various media concerning Center research and programming activities and archival resources.
• Aid in providing resources to support AFC educational programming development and works with other units and programs as needed (inside and outside of the Library).
• Stay abreast of trends in the archival field. Provide subject expertise and conducts research, as needed to help inform collection acquisition decisions. Assist archives staff to provide curatorial expertise and other support as assigned related to collections processing and access efforts.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• The position description number for this position is 470679.
• 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.

Requirements
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Conditions of employment
Conditions of Employment
Library of Congress employees are prohibited from using illegal drugs, including marijuana. The Library is part of the Federal Government and abides by federal law, so regardless of individual state or District of Columbia laws, marijuana use is illegal, considered criminal activity, and can affect your employment at the Library. In addition, past or current drug use and activities (e.g., selling or distributing) may deem you ineligible for employment.
Qualifications
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 folklife, ethnomusicology, ethnographic research, public programming, and/or related fields. **
Ability to support and contribute to professional services for the American Folklife Center's research and programming activities. **
Familiarity with principles or practices supporting public programming in the cultural heritage sector. **
Ability to produce informational and interpretive materials on activities or collections.
Ability to support education programs and training.
Ability to plan and execute work.
Ability to communicate in writing.
Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing.
Additional information
Although it is the Library's policy to afford the maximum pay benefit to employees when setting rates of pay, a new appointee who has had no previous Federal service will generally be paid at step one of the grade.
The Library of Congress is an equal opportunity employer.
Applicants must submit a complete application package that is received by the closing date of this announcement.
Appointment/retention is subject to a favorable evaluation of an appropriate personnel security/suitability investigation. For more information, please see:Vetting Process
This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please email ADA@loc.gov. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
Applicants with disabilities may be considered under special hiring procedures and must submit an appropriate certificate of eligibility when applying for this position. The proof or disability/certification may be issued by the State Vocational Rehabilitation Office, Disability Services or Career Services office of the applicant's college or university, or the Department of Veterans Affairs. The letter must verify that the applicant has a severe disability and must be dated within three years of the date of the application. Certification from health care providers are not accepted. For more information contact the Library's Office of Equal Employment Opportunity at 202-707-6024 or email spp@loc.gov. FAILURE TO SUBMIT YOUR CERTIFICATION WILL CAUSE YOUR APPLICATION TO NOT BE CONSIDERED UNDER THE SELECTIVE PLACEMENT PROGRAM.
The Library of Congress is the national library of the United States and is part of the Legislative Branch of the Federal government. As such, all positions are in the excepted service.
The Library reserves the right to fill a lesser or greater number of vacancies indicated during the life of this vacancy announcement.
Initial permanent appointments to the Library of Congress require completion of a one-year probationary period. Probationary periods served at other Federal agencies do not count toward this requirement.
The Library of Congress may offer repayment for all or part of federally insured student loans. However, not all service units within the Library of Congress participates in the repayment of federally insured student loans. Therefore, determination to repay a federally insured student loan is subject to approval by the appropriate service unit.
A "Not to Exceed" (NTE) status is used to identify an appointment with a specific ending date. However, the Library has the right to separate a NTE employee at any time due to either performance issues or budget constraints.
Are you a veteran? Please indicate the type of veterans' preference you are claiming in your application materials and/or applicant profile and provide the appropriate supporting documentation to validate your claim. Those applying for 5-point preference must submit Member Copy 4 of your DD 214. Those applying for 10-point preference must fill out an SF-15 (click here for the form) and provide the required documentation listed on the back of the form. If required supporting documentation is not attached, Veterans' Preference will not be considered in the application process.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.