Photography Assistant Job in Washington, DC

Vacancy No. SCOTUS-12740364-CO Department Supreme Court of the United States
Salary $57,164.00 to $90,898.00 Grade 7 to 9
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 5/28/2025 Close Date 6/11/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Washington, DC


Summary

This is a full-time position with the Curator's Office at the Supreme Court of the United States in Washington, D.C.

Closing Date: Wednesday, 06/11/2025, 11:59 PM EDT

Please note that this vacancy has a limit of 200 applicants. The job opportunity announcement will automatically close if that limit is reached prior to the closing date.

Duties

The Photography Assistant is responsible for a broad range of activities that support the day-to-day management of the Photography department in the Curator's Office of the Supreme Court of the United States.

The Photography Assistant assists the Court Photographer with all aspects of photography assignments from scheduling, setting up equipment, post-production work, and distribution of images. The incumbent serves as an alternate photographer, and assists with photography assignments requiring multiple photographers. The incumbent works in conjunction with the Court Photographer and Collections Management team to provide access to the Supreme Court's image collection. The incumbent serves as primary contact for receipt, tracking, and processing of internal and external requests for images. These activities include responding to and scheduling requests for photographic services, preparation and management of paper and electronic photography records, and maintaining the integrity of databases used for the management and retrieval of digital assets. Some flexibility of hours is required because of occasional evening and weekend events and projects.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • Meet Experience Requirements (see Qualifications)
  • Employment is subject to successful completion of a security background check.
  • If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. See: www.sss.gov

Qualifications

One to three years of experience as a digital photographer in a museum, gallery, or similar setting OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience directly related to the duties and the knowledge, skills and abilities of this position is required. The position requires discretion, independent judgment, and problem-solving skills.

The knowledge, skills and abilities necessary for the position are:
  • General knowledge of, interest in, and willingness to learn all aspects of professional photography.
  • Knowledge of studio lighting and digital photography principles and techniques.
  • Familiarity with digital imaging processes and editing software programs such as Adobe Photoshop, Creative Suite, and Lightroom.
  • Familiarity with Digital Asset Management (DAM) software and principles. (Previous experience with TMS Media Studio and Extensis Portfolio helpful, but not required.)
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite products required.
  • Understanding of proper procedures for the archival storage of film and digital images.
  • Strong organizational skills with attention to detail in record keeping.
  • Must have strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with tact and diplomacy.
  • Must be capable of working both independently and as a member of a team.
  • Must possess the ability to plan, implement and work on multiple projects simultaneously.

Education

A college degree is required, with studio photography or photojournalism emphasis.

Additional information

Working for the Supreme Court of the United States offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, paid vacation, sick leave, holidays, life insurance, health benefits, and participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System. Additional benefits include flexible spending accounts, long-term care insurance, and the SmartBenefits transit subsidy.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

We will review and assess your application package in comparison with the posted qualifications for the position.

Your answers to the assessment questionnaire are required and will be used to evaluate your application. To preview the assessment questionnaire, click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12740364

Required Documents

The following documents are required:

  1. A cover letter
  2. A resume
  3. A Portfolio - Please upload a PDF that provides samples of individual and group portraiture, architectural photography, and/or event photography.

How to Apply

You must upload the cover letter, resume, and a porfolio. These documents are required and must be received by the closing date, 06/11/2025, in order to be considered. Please submit only these documents unless you have prior federal and/or military experience. In that case your most recent SF-50, Statement of Service, and/or DD-214 will also be required.

  • To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJobs account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USAJobs resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
  • Click the Submit My Answers button to submit your application package.
  • It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
  • To verify your application is complete, log into your USAJobs account, https://www.usajobs.gov, select the Application Status link and then select the More Information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
  • To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJobs account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJobs account or your application will be incomplete.

Agency contact information

Human Resources Office
Address
Supreme Court of the United States
1 First Street NE
Washington, DC 20543
US

Next steps

Upon submission, you will receive an e-mail acknowledging receipt of your application. Please be advised that your application will not be considered complete unless all of the required documents have been received. All applicants will be notified once a selection has been made.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.