Multimedia Assistant IV (Audio Archivist)

Description

Located at the Imogene Powers Johnson Center for Birds and Biodiversity in the 220-acre Sapsucker Woods sanctuary, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology is the world's leading resource for conservation, research, education, and citizen science focused on birds. The Lab is a vibrant unit within Cornell's College of Agriculture & Life Sciences, where several full-time faculty teach undergraduate courses, advise graduate students, and manage world-class, mission-driven programs. Our management and staff are committed to the highest standards of ethics and excellence in all areas of our work, and our Board leadership includes faculty from Cornell and other universities, successful entrepreneurs and managers from the business and non-profit sectors, and conservation-minded citizens from the United States and beyond.

The Macaulay Library (ML) at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology (CLO) is the world's largest natural sound & video archive of the behaviors of insects, fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. The collection, dating back to 1930, now includes more than 170,000 audio recordings and 60,000 video clips of animal behavior. In 1999, the ML began digitizing its analog-based recordings and now has over 85,000 audio and 39,000 video clips that can be searched and played online through the Internet. ML also provides custom and engineered versions of rich media assets for research, education, conservation, zoos and aquaria, wildlife managers, and both public and commercial media. The Macaulay Library's mission is to collect, preserve, and distribute audio media specimens as a resource for research, education, and conservation.

The Macaulay Library Program at the Lab of Ornithology is currently seeking an Audio Archivist. Duties include:

In accordance with established archival protocols, and in collaboration with external and internal researchers, develop the resources of the Macaulay Library (ML).
Organize, repair, and ingest original field recordings into an advanced digital asset storage and management system.
Evaluate, prepare, and enter field data into collection database.
Perform required maintenance of studio equipment.
Prepare regular progress reports for the curator.
Assist in preparing materials for reports, grants and publications.
Perform or assist in field recordings.
Prepare and package equipment for shipment to recordists and courses.
Identify, prioritize, schedule and define scope of archival projects.
Review, evaluate and proofread text data corresponding to specimen recordings.
Identify media in advanced state of deterioration then undertake or schedule restoration.
Field and fulfill media distribution requests from the archive.
Train staff in curatorial operations.
Serve as guide to the facilities for visitors.
Annual renewable appointment based on performance and availability of funding.
Applicant to provide cover letter, resume, contact information for 3 references.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in biological sciences or other formal training program of 4 years or equivalent; 2-4 years experience or equivalent.
Prior experience and the ability to quickly build knowledge in principles of animal communication and taxonomy.
Must possess discriminating visual and listening skills.
Must have demonstrable ability to learn sound editing techniques.
Computer experience including, but not limited to email, web browsers, spreadsheets, and word processing.
Additional knowledge is required in both the Windows and Macintosh operating systems.
Must know, or be able to learn quickly, software for media editing, analysis, and database management.
Ability to work independently while supporting the efforts and mission of the team.
Must be able to work and communicate well with others.
Must be able to adapt to changing priorities, situations, and demands.
Demonstrates accountability in all work responsibilities.
Ability to travel to remote field recording locations when necessary.
Preferred Qualifications:
Knowledge and training in animal behavior.
Background check may be required. No relocation assistance is provided for this position.
Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League university and a great place to work. Our inclusive community of scholars, students and staff impart an uncommon sense of larger purpose and contribute creative ideas to further the university's mission of teaching, discovery and engagement. Located in Ithaca, NY, Cornell's far-flung global presence includes the medical college's campuses on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and Doha, Qatar, as well as the new CornellNYC Tech campus to be built on Roosevelt Island in the heart of New York City.

Diversity and inclusion have been and continue to be a part of our heritage. Cornell University is a recognized EEO/AA employer and educator.