Digital Projects Technician

The Washington State Archives preserves and provides the people of Washington with easy access to millions of legal and historical records of our state and local governments. Washington's Digital Archives is the first of its kind in the nation and accessible worldwide via the web.

Citizens depend on the Archives to research genealogy, state and city history, property transfers, legislative intent, court records, and academic projects. Archives branches are on the Capital Campus in Olympia and college campuses around the state.

The Office of Secretary of State (OSOS) offers some of the most unique and diverse job opportunities in state government. Its critical responsibilities include: ensuring a fair and accurate elections process; connecting Washingtonians through the power of libraries; protecting our important government records; and registering corporations and charities. The Secretary of State also administers vital community programs that inspire giving, document our history, and assist crime survivors in avoiding further abuse. This independent office under the state Constitution operates from facilities in the Olympia area and statewide.

The OSOS is looking for top-performing employees who embody its core values of integrity, service excellence, visionary leadership, collaboration and teamwork. It is committed to both employee growth and work-life balance. The benefits of working in state government also include potential eligibility for the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.

 
This position reports to the Customer Service Manager and under general supervision, performs routine technical archival tasks in the area of document preservation and conversion.  In addition, this position creates and enters metadata for individual records into an electronic content management system to ensure the security and availability of the images.

Please note: Interviews for this position will be conducted on an ongoing basis. It is in the candidate's best interest to apply as soon as possible. The hiring manager reserves the right to fill the position at any time.

Performs routine prepping, scanning and indexing assignments

Tasks include:

• Within established guidelines and standards, preps and scans paper and microfilm records to digital files using journey-level knowledge of the electronic conversion processes.
• Adjusts hardware and software setting to ensure the production of quality digital imaging products.
• Indexes digital images as per instructions by supervisor and the approved contract. 
• Conducts quality control processes on digital work products that meet or exceed. archives and international standards.  Resolves quality control issues prior to the delivery of the work product to customers.
• Coordinates work assignments with supervisor and priority list; outside of this guidance, works independently, seeking guidance from co-workers and supervisor as needed.

Equipment maintenance

Tasks include:

• Performs daily and weekly preventative maintenance on scanners and other peripheral equipment to industry standards.
• Informs management of any equipment problems.

Office and administrative work

Tasks include:

• Responds to routine customer questions and refers other questions to management.
• Performs a variety of administrative duties such as accurate collection of billing information and statistics.
• Maintains and monitors supplies for continuous flow of production to meet the priority list and needs of customers.
• Works with supervisor and co-workers to coordinate the pickup and return of customers’ records.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• One year of experience in the functional operations of a library or archives.
• Efficiently use a personal computer and applicable software to successfully perform the essential job functions of the position.
• Ability to read and write English language.

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:

• Digital image creation experience including document preparation, operation of scanners, indexing, and/or quality control.
• Demonstrated knowledge of archives and digital imaging industry standards.
• Demonstrated knowledge of laws governing creation and disposition of federal, state, and local records.
• Demonstrated knowledge of federal and state laws concerning the disclosure and confidentiality of public records.

Working Conditions
In this position, the incumbent works primarily in production office environment and requires sitting for long periods of time completing repetitive work. The standard work hours are Monday-Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM though work can be required outside of the standard hours to include days, weekends, and holidays as necessary. Occasional local and statewide travel which may include an overnight stay may be required in support of business unit activities. The incumbent in this position must be able to represent the Office of the Secretary of State in a competent, confident, and professional manner, including professional dress.  The incumbent of the position must also be able to move and maneuver records storage containers, as well as oversize bound volumes and flat documents which may weigh as much as 40 pounds, ability to use ladders and other lifting devices to retrieve records as high as 7’ in the air, and ability to drive a 16’ box truck long and short distances throughout the state all with or without a reasonable accommodation.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

• This position is in a bargaining unit represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) and is subject to the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the State of Washington, The Office of the Secretary of State, and the WFSE.
• Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted.  Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the position.
• Current Washington state driver's license or have requested and obtained an appropriate accommodation.
  
  

How to Apply:

• To be considered for this position you must attach the following:
  • Letter of interest describing how your experience and qualifications relate to the duties and qualifications of the position.
  • Current Resume
  • Three Professional references. Personal references will not be considered. 
• You must complete the supplemental questions at the end of this application.  Incomplete responses such as "see resume" will not be considered. In addition, if the employer you identify in the additional information section is not included on your resume or work experience profile and/or you do not identify an employer, you will not receive credit.
• All veterans must include a copy of your DD214 to receive preference in the hiring process.  You must black out your social security number before attaching it to your application.

The Office of the Secretary of State is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). We do not discriminate on the basis of religion, age, gender, marital status, color, creed, national origin, political affiliation, military status, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any sensory, mental or physical ability. All interested candidates are encouraged to apply. Persons of disability needing assistance in the application process, or those needing the announcement in alternative format, should email hr@sos.wa.gov.