Sr. Newsreel Preservationist at AMIA | Assn of Moving Image Archivists

Position

Sr. Newsreel Preservationist (full-time)

Location

Santa Clarita, CA 91355

Application Date

November 13, 2025

Job Link

https://jobs.ucla.edu/jobs/8985

Job Contact

Sr. Newsreel Preservationist

University of California Los Angeles

Film & Television Archive

Requisition Number: 8985

Salary Range: USD $76,699.12 – USD $123,421.25 Annually

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.

For full application instructions and position description, please visit: https://jobs.ucla.edu/jobs/8985

UCLA is an Equal Opportunity Employer advancing inclusive excellence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC nondiscrimination policy. We are committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce along with honoring unique experiences, perspectives, and identities. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable and welcoming.