Digital Imaging Technician

The New York Botanical Garden; New York (NY); On-site; USD 27,000 - 39,000; Part time

Job summary

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

Responsibilities include imaging, post-processing, metadata creation, and workflow coordination, with a focus on accuracy, organization, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Photography or related field or equivalent experience.
• 1–2 years of digital imaging experience.
• Experience with imaging hardware and workflows.
• Proficiency in Photoshop, Bridge and Excel.
• Experience creating metadata and managing digital assets.
• Ability to learn capture software and work independently.

Responsibilities

• Capture, process, and deliver high-quality digital images.
• Calibrate and operate imaging equipment to standards.
• Handle rare and fragile materials following preservation guidelines.
• Post-process images including color correction and cropping.
• Create TIFFs and derivative files for access.
• Maintain metadata records and asset organization.
• Coordinate workflows and production schedules with stakeholders.
• Fulfilling imaging requests within timelines.

Skills

Digital imaging experience

Adobe Photoshop

Adobe Bridge

Microsoft Excel

Metadata management

Independent work

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in Photography or related field

Tools

Copy stands with overhead camera systems

Scanners

Digital Asset Management Systems (DAMS)

Capture One

Phocus

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