Sr. Newsreel Preservationist at InsideHigherEd

Special Instructions to Applicants

This position REQUIRES that a RESUME and COVER LETTER be submitted in addition to the application. Please have ALL FILES ready to upload when applying.

Department Summary

UCLA Film & Television Archive, a department of the UCLA Library, collects moving images as works of art and as social and historical documents, restores and preserves moving images for current and future generations, curates collections, programs and events using moving images to advance knowledge, and provides access to moving images for purposes of research, education and enjoyment. The Archive’s collections consist of over 520,000 holdings dating from the dawn of cinema to the present and cover a broad-spectrum of content from major Hollywood studios films and network television shows to independent productions, documentaries, theatrical newsreels and television news films. Preservation, a unit of the Archive, undertakes and manages preservation and restoration projects of moving image titles using materials in the Archive’s collections and/or obtained from outside sources. The exacting work of Preservation encompasses both traditional photochemical and modern digital technologies, and involves: researching the best surviving materials among the world’s archives, film companies, other film repositories and private collectors; painstakingly comparing and cutting together shots and scenes from diverse sources; repairing or replacing damaged sections of the film; timing or color grading the picture to achieve the appropriate “look” for the film; rerecording soundtracks to remove auditory imperfections; tinting silent films in their original colors; and restoring original titles, credits and intertitles or recreating them.
Position Summary

The Senior Newsreel Preservationist leads the preservation and restoration activities of the UCLA Film & Television Archive's (FTVA) Newsreel Preservation Program, serving as both a technical expert and strategic administrator. The SNP manages the end-to-end preservation and restoration workflow for the Archive's extensive Hearst Metrotone Newsreel Collection and related non-fiction, non-feature film materials, overseeing both photochemical and digital preservation efforts. The Senior Newsreel Preservationist ensures that the Archive's work in this area reflects the highest professional and technical standards, aligning project activities with institutional goals and funding priorities.

 

Reporting to the Archive's Head of Preservation, the Senior Newsreel Preservationist is responsible for administering the Newsreel Preservation Program, including setting priorities, directing day-to-day operations, and maintaining records. The Senior Newsreel Preservationist serves as the primary liaison with the Archive's partner organization, the Packard Humanities Institute (PHI), which supports the PHI–UCLA Digital Newsreel Project (DNP). The- SNP coordinates with PHI to ensure that digitization workflows, quality control procedures, and data integrity standards are consistently met, and provides oversight and guidance to PHI personnel working with the Hearst Metrotone Collection. The role requires expert judgment in selecting and preparing materials for digitization, conducting quality control reviews of digital files, and ensuring that audiovisual and metadata files are accurately linked and preserved.

 

The Senior Newsreel Preservationist plans and executes special restoration and preservation projects, applying advanced knowledge of historical research, archival laboratory techniques, and motion picture editing to achieve authentic restorations. The SNP determines appropriate restoration methods and preservation formats based on archival standards and available elements. The SNP oversees the full range of preservation activities, from element selection and repair through final output, including the restoration of damaged soundtracks and documentation of specialized processes for scholarly and professional use.

 

As a program manager, the Senior Newsreel Preservationist establishes and monitors procedures for inventory control, labeling, documentation, and safety inspections of nitrate materials as they relate to the newsreel collection. The SNP oversees the training and supervision of preservation personnel, interns, and volunteers as they relate to newsreels; develops and maintains technical and administrative records; and ensures compliance with all safety and environmental standards. The SNP prepares written reports and materials for internal and external use, including progress reports for grant-funded projects, and ensures fiscal accountability for all extramural funds.

 

The Senior Newsreel Preservationist serves as a key representative of the Archive in professional contexts, engaging with local, national, and international organizations devoted to film preservation and restoration. The SNP may participate in conferences, workshops, and educational programs, contributing to the advancement of archival practices through presentations, publications, and professional service. They also contribute to the Archive's educational mission by training students, advising faculty and researchers on the use of preserved materials, and representing the Archive to the public and media as needed.

 

This position requires a deep understanding of twentieth-century history and world events, strong technical proficiency in both analog and digital preservation methods, and the ability to manage multiple complex projects with a high degree of independence and precision. The Senior Newsreel Preservationist's leadership ensures that FTVA's Newsreel Preservation Program continues to safeguard one of the world's most significant newsreel collections for future generations, reflecting UCLA's commitment to the long-term preservation of moving image heritage.

Salary & Compensation

*UCLA provides a full pay range. Actual salary offers consider factors, including budget, prior experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business considerations. Salary offers at the top of the range are not common. Visit UC Benefit package to discover benefits that start on day one, and UC Total Compensation Estimator to calculate the total compensation value with benefits.
Qualifications

Experience in evaluating images for contrast, density, digital artifacts. (Required)

Experience using Filemaker Pro or other database systems. (Preferred)

Experience in film handling. (Preferred)

1.Skill in operating film preservation equipment, including Steenbecks, Moviolas, Cinescans, rewinds, sync blocks, and other standard editing tools. (Required)

2.Manual dexterity and precision required to inspect, repair, splice, and leader film prints and negatives safely and efficiently. (Required)

3.Expertise in identifying and treating film deterioration and physical damage using archival repair techniques and professional laboratory standards. (Required)

4.Strong written and verbal communication skills to prepare reports, documentation, and professional correspondence related to preservation projects. (Required)

5.Ability to establish and maintain accurate record-keeping systems, inventories, and documentation for preservation workflows and materials. (Required)

6.Proven ability to organize and supervise staff, interns, and volunteers, ensuring adherence to quality standards and safe handling of archival materials. (Required)

7.Knowledge of archival standards for preservation, restoration, and handling of nitrate and safety film materials, including proper environmental controls. (Required)

8.Proficiency with Windows-based systems and database tools such as FileMaker Pro, Access, and Excel for data management and workflow tracking. (Required)

9.General knowledge of twentieth-century history and world geography to support research on historical newsreel content. (Required)

10.Knowledge of professional laboratory and exhibition standards for motion picture printing, projection, and video transfer processes. (Required)

11.Skill in independent project management, prioritizing multiple assignments under deadline pressure while maintaining quality and accuracy. (Required)

12.Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills to build effective working relationships across departments, archives, and external partners. (Required)

Education, Licenses, Certifications & Personal Affiliations

Bachelor's Degree Degree in related area and/or equivalent experience (Required)

Master's Degree Degree in related area and/or equivalent experience (Preferred)

Special Conditions for Employment

Background Check: Continued employment is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background investigation.

CANRA: The position is designated as a mandatory reporter under CANRA. The employee must sign the "Statement Acknowledging Requirement to Report Child Abuse".

Occasional attendance at offsite conferences and meetings. (Preferred)

Schedule

9:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M.
Union/Policy Covered

RX-Research Support Professionals
Complete Position Description

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