Sr. Newsreel Preservationist

MUSEUM SCI SR (009722)

UCPath Position ID: 40065014

Position Description History/Status

For Reference ONLY - PeopleAdmin JA Number:

705420

Approved Date:

10/29/2025 4:22:24 PM

Date Last Edited:

10/29/2025 4:22:21 PM

Last Action Effective Date:

4/1/2016

Organization Details

Business Unit (Location):

LACMP

Organization Code:

8300O

Organization:

UNIVERSITY LIBRARY

Division Code:

8310D

Division:

UNIV LIBRARY DIV

Department:

046100 - FILM & TV ARCHIVE

Position Details

UCPath Position Number:

40065014

Position Description ID

165053

UC Payroll Title:

MUSEUM SCI SR (009722)

Personnel Program

Professional and Support Staff (PSS)

Salary Grade:

STEPS

Job Code FLSA:

Exempt

Union Code (Collective Bargaining Unit):

RX: Research Support Professionals

Employee Relations Code:

E: All Others - Not Confidential

Employee Class (Appt Type):

2 - Staff: Career

Full-Time Equivalent (FTE)

1

SUPERVISION

UCPath Reports to Position Number:

40061201

Reports to Payroll Title:

CONSERVATOR 4

UCPath Department Head Position Number:

40061941

Department Head Payroll Title:

ADMIN MGR 2

GENERAL SUPERVISION - Indicates that the incumbent develops procedures for performance of variety of duties; or performs complex duties within established policy guidelines.

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.

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. 

Digital Newsreel Project

1. Serves as the primary liaison with the Packard Humanities Institute (PHI) for the PHI–UCLA Digital Newsreel Project (DNP).

2. Coordinates day-to-day digitization workflows, material selection, and quality control to ensure consistency with archival and technical standards.

3. Trains colleagues on policies, processes, and equipment, and maintains clear communication with PHI and FTVA management.

25%

Quality Control and Workflow Management

1. Conducts rigorous quality control (QC) of digital files for image, audio, and metadata accuracy.

2. Identifies and logs technical issues, confirms file corrections, and verifies completeness of supporting documentation.

3. Tracks and reports workflow progress, maintaining communication with PHI and internal supervisors.

20%

Program Administration and Policy Development

1. Establishes and implements policies and procedures for newsreel preservation, including inventory control, documentation, labeling, and nitrate inspection.

2. Ensures compliance with Archive standards for safety, record keeping, and workflow management.

10%

Restoration and Preservation Execution

1. Performs or directs all restoration projects from the Hearst Metrotone Newsreel Collection and related non-fiction materials.

2. Determines authentic restoration versions through research, editing, and photochemical and digital processes.

3. Selects optimal elements, plans workflows, and applies advanced preservation techniques to achieve professional archival standards.

10%

Preservation Project Planning

1. Determines appropriate restoration and preservation formats based on condition, authenticity, and archival guidelines.

2. Oversees soundtrack restoration, mixing, and digital cleaning.

3. Documents processes for future scholarly and technical reference.

10%

Personnel Supervision and Training

1. Directs and evaluates staff, interns, and volunteers engaged in preservation work.

2. Provides instruction in archival handling, equipment operation, and preservation techniques.

3. Assigns duties, monitors performance, and ensures adherence to safety and quality standards.

5%

Professional and Educational Engagement

1. Represents FTVA in professional associations and at conferences, symposia, and workshops.

2. Presents on preservation methodologies, participates in training programs, and supervises educational activities related to film preservation and restoration.

5%

Consultation and Coordination

1. Coordinates with other Archive units to ensure alignment in cataloging, acquisitions, and programming.

2. Advises on preservation-related issues, assists in planning public exhibitions, and supports use of the restored materials for educational or development initiatives.

5%

Public Communication and External Relations

1. Responds to inquiries regarding the Archive’s preservation work, participates in outreach and fundraising events, and serves as a knowledgeable spokesperson to media and external stakeholders, as authorized.

5%

Financial and Reporting Responsibilities

1. Prepares technical and financial reports on preservation activities.

2. Provides budget projections and narrative reports as needed for Archive planning, and ensures fiscal accountability for external funding sources.

5%

•

Performs other duties as assigned.

•

Complies with all policies and standards.

•

Complies with the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Principles of Community.

•

This position description is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties or skills required for the job and is subject to review and change at any time, with or without notice, in accordance with the needs of the organization.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's Degree

Degree in related area and/or equivalent experience

Required

Master's Degree

Degree in related area and/or equivalent experience

Preferred

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

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS AND/OR CONDITIONS OF 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

LOCATION AND PHYSICAL, ENVIRONMENTAL, MENTAL (PEM) REQUIREMENTS

Environment and Work Location Information

Environment Type:

Non-Clinical Setting

Location Setting:

Other University Setting(s)

Location:

STOA

•

General Office Equipment

Standing/Walking

X

X

Sitting

X

X

Bending/Stooping

X

X

Squatting/Kneeling

X

X

Climbing

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull 0-25 lbs

X

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull 26-50 lbs

X

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull over 50 lbs

X

Physical requirements other

X

Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes

X

X

Loud noise levels

X

X

Marked changes in humidity or temperature

X

Microwave/Radiation

X

Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment

X

X

Exposures other

X

Sustained attention and concentration

X

X

Complex problem solving/reasoning

X

X

Ability to organize & prioritize

X

X

Communication skills

X

X

Numerical skills

X

X

Mental demands other

X

X

Classification 3:  Position in which exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues is not part of the position description. The normal routine task involves no exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues and the employee can decline to perform tasks which involve a perceived risk without retribution.