Position at MoMA: Assistant Digital Preservation Specialist

Posted on Mon, 08/20/2018 - 16:05

TITLE: Assistant Digital Preservation Specialist
DEPARTMENT: The David Booth Conservation Department


The Museum of Modern Art is currently accepting applications for an Assistant Digital Preservation Specialist working within the Media Conservation section of the David Booth Conservation Department and Center. This role provides an opportunity for a candidate with experience in digital preservation to work with the Digital Repository for Museum Collections (DRMC), one of the first digital repositories for art at a major US museum. The duties will involve assisting with day-to-day operation of an OAIS-compliant repository ecosystem to support the ingest, storage, and preservation of the Museum’s digital art collection.
The Museum’s repository ecosystem includes the following software applications: Archivematica and AToM/Binder by Artefactual Systems for ingest and AIP creation, The Museum System (TMS) by Gallery Systems for collections management, NetX for digital asset management, and an LTO-based storage system.
Reporting to the Agnes Gund Chief Conservator and other senior conservation titles as assigned, the incumbent will have the following specific responsibilities:


● Facilitates storage of artworks by preparing art materials for ingest, examining SIP transfer and ingest status, reviewing the progress of each SIP, and troubleshooting as necessary.
● Works to support the development, maintenance, and internal management of the DRMC with Media Conservation.
● Works closely with Information Technology, Registrar, and the DAM teams on DRMC core-technical infrastructure, improvements, and workflows.
● Participates in dialogue with vendors and assists with resolution of support tickets.
● Tests new digital preservation technologies, tools, and protocols.
● Creates and maintains documentation and training materials.
● Actively participates in open-source development community forums and working groups related to aspects of the DRMC.


Qualified candidates will possess a graduate degree (master’s of library science or master’s of arts) in a field related to the position. Minimum of two years relevant experience. Knowledge of fundamental concepts of digital preservation and digital forensics. Familiarity with image, audio, video, and text file formats. Command-line skills within a Unix/Linux environment preferred but not required. Experience working in a cultural heritage institution (museum, library, archive) is preferred. Strong interpersonal and written communication skills. Attention to detail and ability to work for long stretches on mission-critical but repetitive tasks. Ability to establish positive and productive collaborations with a range of stakeholders within and outside the Museum. Ability to travel as required. Comfortable acquiring new technical knowledge and skills in an ever-evolving technological environment.
HOW TO APPLY: Please submit a CV and detailed letter of interest, and the names of three references, letters from references are not requested, ideally in one PDF file. All material, in digital form, should be sent to jobs@moma.org.

Please reference the position title/department in the subject line. Application deadline is September 4, 2018.