Library Jobs in Laurel, MD (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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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.

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.
Ability to compose correspondence.**
Ability to use computerized search tools, databases, and functions.**
Ability to operate and maintain scientific, preservation laboratory, and/or imaging instrumentation.**
Ability to plan, organize, and execute work within specified deadlines.
Ability to use integrated information systems.
Knowledge of library and cultural heritage preservation processes and procedures.
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.
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.