Library Technician (Preservation Science Technician)

About the opportunity

The Library of Congress is seeking a Library Technician (Preservation Science Technician) to join the Preservation Research and Testing Division (PRTD) within the Preservation Directorate. The successful candidate will support programs and projects involving scientific analysis and research for collection preservation, maintain scientific reference collections, and test materials used for exhibiting, housing, or storing collections to ensure they meet Library specifications. Responsibilities include operating scientific and imaging equipment, conducting data post-processing, performing equipment maintenance, and managing scientific records and databases.

Salary and benefits

• Annual salary range: $57,736 – $75,059 (reflects locality pay for Washington, D.C. area)
• Potential repayment for all or part of federally insured student loans (subject to approval by the appropriate service unit)

Who can apply?

• Must have progressively responsible experience and training sufficient to perform duties without more than normal supervision.
• Ability to compose correspondence.
• Ability to use computerized search tools, databases, and functions.
• Ability to operate and maintain scientific, preservation laboratory, and imaging instrumentation.
• Ability to plan, organize, and execute work within specified deadlines.
• Ability to use integrated information systems.
• Knowledge of library and cultural heritage preservation processes and procedures.
• Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing.
• Prohibited from using illegal drugs, including marijuana, regardless of state or District of Columbia laws.

Required documents

• Resume
• Most recent Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50 or equivalent) for current or former federal employees.
• Appropriate certificate of eligibility for applicants with disabilities applying under special hiring procedures (must be dated within three years and issued by a State Vocational Rehabilitation Office, Disability Services/Career Services office of a college/university, or the Department of Veterans Affairs).
• Member Copy 4 of DD 214 for those claiming 5-point veterans' preference.
• SF-15 and required documentation for those claiming 10-point veterans' preference.

When to apply

• Application deadline: September 16, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST).

How to apply

• Create and upload a resume to your USAJOBS profile.
• Review the Job Announcement and preview the online questions in the Qualification and Evaluation section.
• Click the 'APPLY ONLINE' button to be redirected to the Library's Hiring Management website.
• Answer eligibility questions for Federal employment.
• Complete the vacancy application questions honestly and thoroughly.
• Electronically upload all required documentation. If multiple documents of the same type exist, combine them into a single file.
• Click 'Finish' to submit the application.