ARCHIVE SPECIALIST (PHOTOGRAPHIC RECORDS)

Code: 00279@ Local Competitive

Official job specification

The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.

Definition

Under direction, collects, maintains, and makes recommendations regarding the classification and preservation of photographs of historic significance and value; takes photographs of historic local areas and records changes in the physical appearance of the area through photography; does related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The work performed in this position does not require the application of a full understanding of the principles and concepts that underlie archival science, nor does it involve the performance of fundamental research or the interpretation of a broad spectrum of historical relationships of records. However, the work does require the application of an intimate and highly specialized knowledge of photographic preservation and retention and of the methodology applied to this work, more intensive than that applied by the professionally trained Archivist and of the determination of the historical value that exist in the photographic collection.

Examples of work

• Identifies, acquires, and maintains photographs of historical value.
• Restores such material once acquired to usable form.
• Protects photographs from deterioration by setting up such methods and procedures that will assure the preservation of such photographs from destruction and loss.
• Prepares catalogues of current and historical acquisitions of photographs and negatives for archives.
• Selects and orders all books on photography for library use.
• Answers inquiries from the public relating to the photographic archives.
• Attends staff meetings and makes suggestions regarding the ways and means of informing the public of the photographs available for viewing in the archival collection, through local newspapers.
• Informs the public of the availability of historical photographic material and exhibits.
• Evaluates the importance of photographic material and keeps those of enduring value and disposes of others.
• Restores and preserves historical photographs by chemical and other means.
• Properly labels and stores photographs of historic value.
• Plans photographic exhibits taking into consideration the particular objectives of the project and available equipment, materials, supplies, and funds.
• Assembles materials required and arranges the photographic exhibit in suitable form.
• Selects and mounts pictures, maps, documents, and other materials for exhibit.
• Takes and develops photographs of special subjects for archives.
• Obtains, stores, safeguards, and properly maintains and uses photographic equipment and supplies.
• Develops a documentary collection of materials in the audio-visual field, primarily photographic, but also including tapes, cassettes, and other forms in which the history of the area is preserved.
• Prepares requisitions for needed equipment, materials, and supplies.
• Prepares reports, keeps simple records.

Experience

Two (2) years of varied photographic experience.

License

Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Knowledge of the problems involved in the taking of photographs.
• Knowledge of the various types of cameras and their care and use.
• Knowledge of the techniques which are useful in taking photographs of various types of subjects. Knowledge of the procedures, equipment, materials, and supplies which are used in printing, developing, and enlarging of photographs.
• Knowledge of the techniques used in trimming and mounting photographs.
• Knowledge of the historical and architectural landmarks of the local area and of the cultural background of the ethnic groups that form the population of the area.
• Ability to analyze photographic problems, organize assigned photographic work and develop effective work methods.
• Ability to develop, print, and enlarge photographs and refill film holders.
• Ability to develop, enlarge, restore, and mount photographs to compound and use properly the varied types of chemical solutions needed in photographic work.
• Ability to obtain, store, record, safeguard, and properly use needed photographic equipment, materials, and supplies.
• Ability to maintain simple records and files and to select, analyze and preserve photographics of historic value.
• Ability to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
• Ability to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
• Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform the essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.