FamilySearch Metadata Specialist 2 - Authorities Team (Lehi, UT)

The Church News; Lehi (UT); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

FamilySearch metadata specialist role in Lehi, Utah, Hybrid work arrangement, focuses on making historical records and place-based data accessible by building and improving metadata for FamilySearch systems.

The position combines data analysis, scripting in Python, GIS tasks and collaboration with the Authorities Team to ensure high data quality and consistent use of names, subjects and localities across FamilySearch resources.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in geography, library and information sciences, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Linguistics or other related field.
• 4 years related professional work experience or equivalent years of experience
• Solid grasp of automation scripting, basic programming, data structures, and analytical thinking (including Python scripting, data processing, automation, use of AI tools and prompting, Git workflows, and development of automated data-quality solutions)
• Ability to work independently and take ownership of assigned tasks
• Excellent analytical skills and ability to complete detailed work with accuracy
• Ability to communicate effectively, both written and oral communications
• In-depth knowledge of department processes and operations
• Able to independently lift up to 50 pounds.
• Able to complete all physical requirements of the work, i.e., pushing, pulling, twisting, bending, reaching and pushing loaded book trucks. etc.
• Able to reach books on a high shelf, using a step stool.

Responsibilities

• Improve entries in FamilySearch Places in accordance with established guidelines and best practices
• Resolve place feedback issues routed to the Authorities Team
• Write Python scripts and use tools (GIS, Git, AWS) to analyze data, identify patterns, and automate routine tasks
• Collaborate with teammates via GitHub, including code review and adherence to engineering best practices
• Support or help coordinate volunteer and missionary place editors under the direction of senior team members
• Contribute to informational resources such as the Editor Handbook and Place Reports websites
• Learn to recognize repetitive data patterns and write code to handle them efficiently

Skills

Python scripting

Git workflows

Data analysis

Automation

Independent worker

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Geography or related field

Master's degree in Geography or related field

Tools

GIS tools

GitHub

AWS

Job description

FamilySearch Metadata Specialist 2 - Authorities Team (Lehi, UT)

Lehi, UT, United States (Hybrid)

Trending

To meet the needs of the Church, we seek to build teams that represent the diverse perspectives, broad life experiences and backgrounds of our global Church membership. With that in mind, we encourage all qualified applicants to apply.

Job Description

Works independently to make Family History Department historical records and place-based data available to members of the Church by creating, maintaining, and improving metadata used in FamilySearch systems. This position contributes to the quality, accuracy, and growth of FamilySearch data through research, data analysis, automation, and coding. Team members work at the intersection of metadata management, geographic knowledge, and software development to organize and analyze records and place information, automate data ingest and review processes, maintain data quality standards, and provide guidance for consistent use of names, subjects, and localities across FamilySearch systems.

Responsibilities

• Improve entries in FamilySearch Places in accordance with established guidelines and best practices
• Resolve place feedback issues routed to the Authorities Team
• Write Python scripts and use tools (GIS, Git, AWS) to analyze data, identify patterns, and automate routine tasks
• Collaborate with teammates via GitHub, including code review and adherence to engineering best practices
• Support or help coordinate volunteer and missionary place editors under the direction of senior team members
• Contribute to informational resources such as the Editor Handbook and Place Reports websites
• Learn to recognize repetitive data patterns and write code to handle them efficiently
  

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in geography, library and information sciences, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Linguistics or other related field
• 4 years related professional work experience or equivalent years of experience and education
• Solid grasp of automation scripting, basic programming, data structures, and analytical thinking (including Python scripting, data processing, automation, use of AI tools and prompting, Git workflows, and development of automated data-quality solutions)
• Ability to work independently and take ownership of assigned tasks
• Excellent analytical skills and ability to complete detailed work with accuracy
• Ability to communicate effectively, both written and oral communications
• In-depth knowledge of department processes and operations
• Able to independently lift up to 50 pounds.
• Able to complete all physical requirements of the work, i.e., pushing, pulling, twisting, bending, reaching and pushing loaded book trucks. etc.
• Able to reach books on a high shelf, using a step stool.

Preferred

• Experience with GIS tools and spatial data concepts
• Familiarity with Git and version control workflows
• Strong research skills; ability to evaluate and interpret geographic and historical data
• Proficiency in at least one non-English language relevant to genealogical research
• Experience with AWS or cloud-based data services
• Background in genealogy, history, or archival research
• Experience working with large structured datasets
• Master's degree in geography, library and information sciences, or other related field
  

About Us

Church employees find joy and satisfaction in using their unique talents and abilities to further the Lord’s work. From the IT professional who develops an app that sends the gospel message worldwide, to the facilities manager who maintains our buildings— giving Church members places to worship, teach, learn, and receive sacred ordinances—our employees seek innovative ways to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with the world. They are literally working in His kingdom.

Only members of the Church who are worthy of a temple recommend qualify for employment. Apart from this, the Church is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in its employment decisions on any basis that would violate U.S. or local law.

Qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, national origin, color, gender, pregnancy, marital status, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or other legally protected categories that apply to the Church. The Church will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities.

• Job Identification 377981
• Job Category LR - Library, Research & Preservation
• Job Schedule Full time
• Regular or Temporary Regular
• Worker Type Employee
• Number of Openings 1
• Worthiness Qualification Must be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and currently temple worthy.
• Posting Notice/More Info Please note that this job posting may close at any time without prior notice. Find out more about the many benefits of Church Employment at https://careers.churchofjesuschrist.org.