Friday, April 24, 2009

I often feel that I am in a unique position job-wise in that I want to work with a particular material. I would like to find a job working with audio or moving image materials so there are many PA jobs that I see that simple do not interest me. I could see myself in a job that was mainly working with a book or paper collection with a small portion devoted to audio or moving image but I've been searching for jobs lately that have this as a main focus. I feel that this gives me a skewed outlook on the job market because I see very few jobs that are solely what I want to do. Many of these jobs do have a digital component because they deal with reformatting of obsolete moving image formats or providing access to these formats. I've searched the ischool job site as well as the ARSC forums and AMIA listserv for jobs. Some of the more interesting jobs are not at libraries or archives but at private corporate institutions. For example:

Job Number

1035148

Business

NBC Universal

Business Segment

NBC Universal - NBC TV Network & Media Works

About Us

NBC Universal is one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies. We develop, produce and market entertainment, news and information to a global market. NBC Universal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group, and world-renowned theme parks.

Posted Position Title

Assistant Archivist

Career Level

Experienced

Function

Manufacturing

Function Segment

Library & Archives

Location

United States

U.S. State or China Province

California

City

Universal City

Relocation Expenses

None

Role Summary/Purpose

Under direct supervision of the Senior Archivist, the Assistant Archivist – Exhibits and Loans will be responsible for fulfilling internal and external exhibit and loan requests, installing displays of archival assets, monitoring the displays, and coordinating the safe return of assets. The Assistant Archivist will also assist the Senior Archivist in cataloguing and packing the production assets of NBC Universal that have been chosen for retention in Archives & Collections.

Essential Responsibilities

· Responsible for the planning and implementation of internal and external exhibits featuring Archives & Collections assets. This includes working closely with other departments within NBC Universal including Universal Studios Hollywood to develop themes, select assets, and install exhibits ensuring their safe display and return.

· Responsible for managing all internal and external loans of objects for marketing junkets or small exhibits in external venues. Includes creation of legal documentation, arrangement of shipping, managing the dressing of items, and condition reporting upon return. If damage occurs, works with Senior Archivist to negotiate repair or compensation arrangements.

· Quality checks exhibition during duration of loan to be sure that the requirements detailed in the loan agreement are being followed.

· Responsible for checking in assets and their physical re-housing after they have been returned.

· Assist the Senior Archivist as needed in cataloguing film and television assets chosen for retention in Archives & Collections.

Qualifications/Requirements

· Bachelor’s degree with coursework in history, fashion, museum studies, or equivalent

· Minimum 3 years experience in museum environment and knowledge of the entertainment industry

Eligibility Requirements:

· Interested candidates must submit a resume/CV through nbcunicareers.com to be considered (note job#: 1035148).

· Manual dexterity to handle fragile collections, and ability to lift 40-pound boxes required

· Must have good communication and writing skills

· Willingness to travel and work overtime, and on weekends with short notice.

· Must be willing to work at the station in UNIVERSAL CITY, CA.

· Must be willing to take drug test and submit to a background investigation.

· Must have unrestricted work authorization to work in the United States.

· Must be 18 years or older.

· Must have a valid driver’s license (if applicable).

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

For U.S. employment opportunities, GE hires U.S. citizens, permanent residents, asylees, refugees, and temporary residents. Temporary residence does not include those with non-immigrant work authorization (F, J, H or L visas), such as students in practical training status. Exceptions to these requirements will be determined based on shortage of qualified candidates with a particular skill. GE will require proof of work authorization. Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a background investigation and drug screen.

Desired Characteristics

· The ability to be a self-starter that works independently

· Detail oriented person, with strong organizational skills

· Experience using word processing, spreadsheet, database and digital imaging software

This posting deals in both the digital realm and the physical. I feel that many of the moving image/audio jobs require that someone have a good grasp of the theory behind metadata creation and digital preservation. I feel that I have a good understanding of the key concepts but I would like a job that deals more with they physical side of the media.

2 comments:

  1. Since we usually discuss preservation issues within the context of public institutions, I wonder how different (or not) it would be to work in a private company such as NBC Universal. Sounds interesting!

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  2. This is not a professional job for a PA. It is a job for a college graduate with both packing skills and exhibit skills. They will not hire somebody with an MSIS for this job. Also, I am not sure what type of archival materials they are talking about. It could be posters, scripts, photos, of course audiovisual materials, but it could also be other things (sets, clothing, etc.)

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