Chicago History Museum is hiring: Project Photographer/Imaging Specialist in Chi

Project Photographer/Imaging Specialist

The Project Photographer/Imaging Specialist provides digital photography and scanning services to document the Chicago History Museum's collections. Supported by CHM's Lilly Endowment and Save America's Treasures grants, this term position produces digital images that meet cultural heritage industry standards, improving access to the collections, sustaining CHM's role as a research institution, and supporting the Museum's revenue-generating imaging services. The position works as part of a team that includes a Head of Digital Collections Initiatives, Lead Photographer/Imaging Specialist, Rights and Reproductions Coordinator, Digital Asset Specialist, and Metadata Specialist, and coordinates with staff in Collections (Conservation, Museum Collections, Registration, Research Collections, Research Services), Curation & Exhibits, Development, Education, and Communications to meet collection imaging needs.
Core Responsibilities
Provide digital photography and scanning services adhering to FADGI guidelines and cultural heritage best practices to document collection materials, including manuscripts, books, photographic prints and negatives, broadsides, drawings, and three-dimensional objects
Work with the Digital Collections Initiatives team and other Museum staff to implement safe, efficient, and effective workflows for creating, editing, managing, and delivering archival and production master digital images and other derivatives
Use Adobe Photoshop to perform post-production processes (exposure correction, color correction, digital retouching, etc.) and batch processes to automate repetitive tasks
Meet deadlines while maintaining quality control
Use safe object handling methods with collection materials, maintain the security of collection materials, and alert appropriate Collections staff to any preservation or conservation concerns identified during digitization
Maintain CHM photography equipment
Keep studio areas clean and organized, and track physical materials as they move between offices
Provide excellent customer service and communication to staff and external clients
Collaborate with colleagues in Collections, Curation & Exhibits, and other departments to support clear communication and coordinated work across functional areas
The Ideal Candidate Will
Hold a BFA in Photography (MFA and/or substantive relevant museum experience preferred)
Have a minimum of 3 years of professional experience in digital and studio/on-location photography environments (Assistant, Digital Tech, or Photographer)
Have a minimum of 3 years of professional experience in post-processing and image editing, including exposure adjustment, color correction, clean-up, manipulation, and compositing
Be proficient in the setup and maintenance of digital imaging equipment, including digital cameras, flatbed scanners, photographic support systems, and lighting equipment
Understand traditional (film-based) photographic processes and terminology
Have experience working with original, historical materials in a museum, archive, or library setting
Be proficient with large format printing, color management, and print proofing
Have expertise in Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Bridge, Adobe Camera Raw, Capture One, and SilverFast
Have working knowledge of and experience with digital asset management software
Be able to follow complex workflows to meet production, quality control, and metadata requirements
Be able to multitask, prioritize, and work accurately, efficiently, and in an organized manner in a deadline-driven environment
Have excellent visual acuity and attention to detail
Have excellent oral and written communication skills and communicate effectively with staff and external clients
Be able to handle archival materials safely
Be able to lift, carry, and move objects and studio equipment weighing up to 30 lbs, climb step ladders, and stand for prolonged periods
Demonstrate a commitment to collaboration, teamwork, and customer service
Solve technical and procedural problems creatively
Other Duties
Create descriptive and administrative metadata for digital assets accurately, following CHM’s cataloging practices
Notify the Lead Photographer when consumable supplies are running low
Stay informed of current photographic technologies, techniques, standards, and best practices
Organize and maintain the legacy image archive
Other duties as assigned
Compensation & Benefits
The expected pay range for this position is $54,000 per year. Compensation is determined based on experience, skills, internal equity, and organizational needs. CHM offers a comprehensive benefits package, which may include medical, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, paid holidays, retirement plans, and other benefits in accordance with CHM policies.
Bargaining Unit Role
This position is in the bargaining unit represented by AFSCME Council 31, Local 1061, and wages, hours, benefits, and other terms and conditions of employment are covered by the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreement.
How to Apply
To apply, please submit a current resume and a letter of introduction via the Chicago History Museum application link. For best consideration, submit materials by December 1.
Employment Opportunity Statement
Chicago History Museum is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides reasonable accommodations as required by law. All qualified candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.