Film Archivist

RieLes Group; Culpeper (VA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

RieLes Group is recruiting a Film Archivist for the Library of Congress Motion Picture Film Archiving Project at the Packard Campus in Culpeper, Virginia. The role focuses on specialized archival processing of historic 16mm and 35mm film, including poorly labeled materials and ethnographic collections, to enable long-term preservation and storage.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate expertise in identifying, handling, inspecting, and documenting motion picture film, including complex or

Qualifications

• Experience in motion picture film identification, handling, and inspection.
• Ability to lift and handle materials up to 35 pounds.
• Experience in a library or archives environment.
• Onsite work at Library of Congress Packard Campus, Culpeper, VA.

Responsibilities

• Identify film titles, reels, and various motion picture element types (negatives, prints, soundtracks).
• Inspect film condition and document issues such as shrinkage or vinegar syndrome.
• Prepare materials for storage, rehousing, labeling and inventorying.
• Create inventories, metadata and archival documentation.
• Assist with development and refinement of film processing procedures.
• Participate in weekly meetings with Library of Congress staff.

Skills

Film handling

Archival analysis

Inventory data entry

Written/verbal communication

Education

Film preservation cert/degree

Job description

Film Archivist – Motion Picture Film Archiving Project

Location: Culpeper, VA

Worksite: Library of Congress Packard Campus, 19053 Mt. Pony Road, Culpeper, VA

Work Arrangement: Onsite

Anticipated Start Date: November 12, 2026

Contract: Base Year + Four Option Years

Position Type: Full-Time

Position Overview

RieLes Group is seeking a Film Archivist to support the Library of Congress Motion Picture Film Archiving Project at the Library of Congress Packard Campus in Culpeper, Virginia

The Film Archivist will perform specialized archival processing of historic 16mm and 35mm motion picture film, including poorly labeled materials, original production elements, and ethnographic collections. The position will work closely with Library of Congress staff to identify, organize, document, and prepare motion picture film materials for long-term preservation and storage

The ideal candidate will have demonstrated expertise in identifying, handling, inspecting, and documenting motion picture film, including complex, fragmentary, or incomplete production elements

Key Responsibilities:

• Identify film titles, reels, and various motion picture film element types, including negatives, prints, workprints, soundtracks, trims, and outtakes
• Inspect film condition and document issues such as shrinkage and vinegar syndrome
• Perform basic preservation triage, rehousing, labeling, and preparation of materials for storage
• Apply labels and barcodes accurately to film materials and containers
• Create accurate inventories, metadata, and related archival documentation
• Assist with the development and refinement of film processing procedures
• Track processing activities, results, productivity, and quality-control information
• Participate in quality checks and ensure accurate and consistent processing of materials
• Prepare progress reports and other project documentation
• Participate in weekly meetings with Library of Congress staff
• Follow established archival, preservation, handling, and safety procedures
• Perform other related duties necessary to support the motion picture film archiving project

Required Qualifications:

• Demonstrated expertise in motion picture film identification, handling, and inspection, including complex or fragmentary production elements
• Knowledge of archival analysis, organization, description, and basic preservation practices
• Ability to accurately enter and maintain archival and inventory data
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• At least six months of experience in a library or archives environment performing similar duties
• Ability to lift and handle materials weighing up to 35 pounds
• Ability to work onsite at the Library of Congress Packard Campus in Culpeper, VA
• Personnel must meet the qualifications of the applicable FEDLINK labor category

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certificate or degree in Film Preservation, Moving Image Preservation, or a related field
• Four years of experience working in a film archive, library, museum, or archival environment involving motion picture collections
• Experience working with historic, poorly labeled, fragmentary, or complex motion picture film collections
• Familiarity with film preservation terminology, condition assessment, inventory procedures, and archival metadata

Training

Library of Congress system-specific training will be provided

Specialized motion picture film expertise must already be demonstrated by the selected candidate