Job Opening Title:
Collections Specialist
Name of Employer:
Tigua
Job Site Location (City AND State):
Washington, DC
Application Deadline:
6/1/2026
Minimum Degree Requirement:
MLIS
Years of experience required:
0+
Salary Range:
Job Opening URL:
Job Description (if URL to posting not available). Include instructions for how to apply:
Collections Specialist (Technical Support Specialist, Contractor)
STATEMENT OF WORK
BACKGROUND
The United States Naval Observatory (USNO) Library is one of the most comprehensive astronomical collections in the United States. The USNO Library supports scientific activities, research, and education through expertise in astronomical information, scholarly communication, and knowledge management. The physical collection includes over 80,000 print volumes, scientific research journals, a rare book collection, historical scientific objects, original papers, and audio/visual material. The Library responds to information requests from staff at two locations, through interlibrary loan (ILL), and researcher reference queries.
SCOPE
USNO is seeking a Collections Specialist to support our collection management efforts. A qualified candidate is expected to have some library or archives related experience, either academic or professional. The candidate will be expected to work both independently and in concert with library staff on day-to-day duties and special projects. The candidate will have the opportunity to work with material dating from 1800 to modern day with duties ranging from shelving and shifting to organizing photograph collections, scanning for interlibrary loan, and inventorying large format materials. Candidates can expect to get exposure to many different aspects of librarianship and will build skills in areas of professional interest.
REQUIREMENTS:
1. Support library staff with collection management duties.
2. Review catalog metadata for accuracy.
3. Perform pre- and post-processing duties as needed.
4. Re-house fragile material.
5. Respond to phone and email requests for information, data or outside resources.
6. Manage the physical collections with re-shelving and shifting.
7. Access metadata systems in order to fulfill information requests.
8. Prepare journals and reports for the bindery process.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS (REQUIRED):
1. 1+ years academic or educational experience in libraries or collection management.
2. Ability to lift up to 40 lbs.
3. Must have and be able to maintain a SECRET clearance.
4. Experience using Word, Excel, and Access.
5. Excellent communication skills: written, verbal, telephone, and email.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS (DESIRABLE):
1. Professional experience in a library and/or museum setting.
2. MLIS or Museum Studies Degree
3. Background / interest in library science, science in general, and physics / astronomy in particular.
4. Photo archiving experience or inclination
Please contact Morgan Black, Library Director, for more information and to apply. Send application material, including resume and cover letter, to morgan.e.black4.civ@us.navy.mil. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.