This position is located in the Office of Communications Office Communications and External Relations Office of Communications Outreach and External Relations Office of The Librarian.
The position description number for this position is 465774.
This is a non-supervisory bargaining unit position.
Relocation expenses will not be authorized for the person(s) selected under this vacancy announcement.
The Library of Congress (LOC) Office of Communications (OC) ensures that the image of and information about the Library is accurate and reflects the mission of the organization. It fosters and increases public awareness of the Library defines and targets audiences for its public-affairs programs and assesses the effectiveness of those programs.
The Photographer position is responsible for capturing images that document and illustrate the events programs and collections of the Library of Congress and for providing image editing digital archival and related services for the Library. The position is located in the Office of Communications Office of the Librarian. The incumbent reports to the Chief of Publications. The incumbent works independently to carry out photography and other Library assignments during and after standard working hours; creates high quality original photographs and text captions; reviews edits formats and prepares images for digital upload and use; develops and implements photo concepts for Library publications presentation materials and other purposes; assists in managing some social media platforms curated by of the Office of Communications; and serves as the archivist for the Office of Communications photography archive.
The incumbent is responsible for taking still or motion pictures of subjects primarily in color using advanced photographic skills. Operates a variety of specialized photographic equipment such as medium- and large-format cameras and digital cameras as well as computer software used to manipulate distribute and archive digital images. Photographs different types of subjects under varying conditions ranging from people in action to close-ups of rare books and other materials.
Manipulates images to achieve maximum focus sharpness contrast color range and density or shades of grey to accentuate the main points of interests with the use of Adobe Photoshop or other image enhancing software. Makes decisions on the composition of the final photographic products by identifying the important features of the subject in relation to the intended purposes of the photographs. Assesses and resolves unusual problems related to the enhancement or correction of photographic images.
Develops original concepts for publications presentation materials and public affairs support such as electronic press kits and photo releases that present to the public the ideas or image desired by the Library that evoke desired responses from viewers or that reduce the cost of production installation or maintenance of the visual product; transform spoken or written descriptions of items processes issues or events into visual representations.
Creates edits and posts high quality written and graphic content using a variety of methods and techniques with input and engagement from subject matter experts for the Librarys Flickr social media account.
Responds quickly to spur-of-the-moment Library news assignments or unscheduled events. This requires flexibility in work schedule (some events occur after regular hours) and adaptability to unplanned assignments and situations. This also requires preparations for emergencies such as keeping cameras loaded with fresh memory cards and batteries charged.
Conditions of Employment
Library of Congress employees are prohibited from using illegal drugs including marijuana. The Library is part of the Federal Government and abides by federal law so regardless of individual state or District of Columbia laws marijuana use is illegal considered criminal activity and can affect your employment at the addition past or current drug use and activities (e.g. selling or distributing) may deem you ineligible for employment.
Applicants must have had progressively responsible experience and training sufficient in scope and quality to furnish them with an acceptable level of the following knowledge skills and abilities to perform the duties of the position without more than normal supervision.
Ability to operate various cameras and audiovisual equipment.**
Ability to archive organize and make related photo material accessible.**
Knowledge of digital photography and multimedia systems techniques and technologies.**
Ability to plan manage and coordinate projects.
Ability to manage special project planning.
Ability to use print and web-related software systems.
Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing.
Althoughit is the Librarys policy to afford the maximum pay benefit to employees when setting rates of pay a new appointee who has had no previous Federal service will generally be paid at step one of the grade.
The Library of Congress is an equal opportunity employer.
Applicants must submit a complete application package that is received by the closing date of this announcement.
Appointment/retention is subject to a favorable evaluation of an appropriate personnel security/suitability investigation. For more information please see:Vetting Process
This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process please email The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
Applicants with disabilities may be considered under special hiring procedures and must submit an appropriate certificate of eligibility when applying for this proof or disability/certification may be issued by the State Vocational Rehabilitation Office Disability Services or Career Services office of the applicants college or university or the Department of Veterans Affairs. The lettermust verify that the applicant has a severe disability and must be dated within three years of the date of the from health care providers are not more information contact the Librarys Office of Equal Employment Opportunity at or email FAILURE TO SUBMIT YOUR CERTIFICATION WILL CAUSE YOUR APPLICATION TO NOT BE CONSIDERED UNDER THE SELECTIVE PLACEMENT PROGRAM.
The Library of Congress is the national library of the United States and is part of the Legislative Branch of the Federal government. As such all positions are in the excepted service.
The Library reserves the right to fill a lesser or greater number of vacancies indicated during the life of this vacancy announcement.
Initial permanent appointments to the Library of Congress require completion of a one-year probationary period. Probationary periods served at other Federal agencies do not count toward this requirement.
The Library of Congress may offer repayment for all or part of federally insured student loans. However not all service unitswithin the Library of Congress participates in the repayment of federally insured student loans. Therefore determination to repay a federally insured student loan is subject to approval by the appropriate service unit.
A Not to Exceed (NTE) status is used to identify an appointment with a specific ending date. However the Library has the right to separate a NTE employee at any time due to either performance issues or budget constraints.
Are you a veteran Please indicate the type of veterans preference you are claiming in your application materials and/or applicant profile and provide the appropriate supporting documentation to validate your claim. Those applying for 5-point preference must submit Member Copy 4 of your DD 214. Those applying for 10-point preference must fill out an SF-15 (click here for the form) and provide the required documentation listed on the back of the form. If required supporting documentation is not attached Veterans Preference will not be considered in the application process.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government passionate about the ideals of our American republic and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.