Digital Imaging Technician

New York Botanical Garden; New York (NY); On-site; USD 21,000 - 29,000; Part time

Job summary

The New York Botanical Garden seeks a detail-oriented part-time Digital Imaging Technician to create, manage, and preserve digital images of the Mertz Library's collections. You will work with Conservation, Systems, and Digital Projects to support digitization and fulfill imaging requests, producing preservation-quality assets.

Responsibilities include capturing high-quality images, post-processing, metadata creation, and storage management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Photography or related field or equivalent experience.
• 1-2 years of digital imaging experience.
• Experience with copy stands, overhead camera systems, scanners and workflows.
• Proficiency with Photoshop, Bridge, and Excel.
• Experience creating metadata and managing digital assets.
• Ability to learn professional capture software.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Capture, process, and deliver high-quality digital images.
• Calibrate and operate imaging equipment to standards.
• Handle rare materials according to preservation practices.
• Perform image post-processing and color correction.
• Create preservation-quality TIFF and derivative files.
• Maintain metadata and asset records.
• Apply naming conventions and QC procedures.
• Organize digital assets and storage systems.
• Coordinate imaging workflows with stakeholders.
• Maintain production statistics and documentation.
• Assist in developing digitization workflows.

Skills

Detail-oriented

Digital imaging workflows

Metadata creation

Organization

Education

Bachelor's degree in Photography or related field

Tools

Adobe Photoshop

Adobe Bridge

Microsoft Excel

Job description

NYBG Job Description

Title

Digital Imaging Technician

Reports to

Senior Conservator

Position Summary

The New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) seeks a detail-oriented part-time Digital Imaging Technician to create, manage, and preserve high-quality digital images of the Mertz Library's collections, including books, manuscripts, photographs, objects, and botanical art. Working collaboratively with the Conservation Department, Systems Librarian, and Digital Projects Working Group, the Technician supports digitization initiatives, fulfills imaging requests, and produces preservation-quality digital assets that enhance access to historically significant collections.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

• Capture, process, and deliver high-quality digital images using professional imaging equipment and software.
• Calibrate, maintain, and operate imaging equipment to ensure consistent quality and adherence to standards.
• Handle rare, fragile, and special collections materials according to preservation and conservation best practices.
• Perform image post-processing, including cropping, color correction, and exposure adjustments.
• Create preservation-quality TIFF files and derivative access files.
• Create and maintain technical and descriptive metadata records.
• Apply file naming conventions, metadata standards, and quality control procedures.
• Organize and manage digital assets and storage systems.
• Coordinate imaging workflows, priorities, and production schedules with project stakeholders.
• Maintain production statistics and project documentation.
• Assist with developing and improving digitization workflows and procedures.
• Fulfill imaging requests from internal and external users within established timelines.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Photography or related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• 1-2 years of digital imaging experience
• Experience with copy stands with overhead camera systems, scanners and digital imaging workflows.
• Proficiency with Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Bridge, and Microsoft Excel.
• Experience creating metadata and managing digital assets.
• Ability to learn and use professional capture software
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to work independently.

Preferred

• Experience handling rare, fragile, or special collections materials.
• Familiarity with TIFF preservation standards, color management, FADGI guidelines, and digitization quality control practices.
• Experience with Digital Asset Management Systems (DAMS).
• Experience with Capture One and Phocus image capture software.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Ability to lift and move materials and equipment weighing up to 40 pounds.
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods while performing imaging and computer-based work.
• Ability to perform repetitive hand and wrist movements.
• Ability to bend, reach, and safely handle fragile collection materials while following preservation and safety procedures.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

Baseline Work Schedule

20 hours per week, 3 days per week

Payrate

$24 per hour

EOE