We are the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) Office of Information and Library Sciences (OILS). The BTS is the Principal Federal Statistical Agency that provides objective, comprehensive, and relevant information on the extent and use of the Nation’s transportation system, how well the system performs, and the effects of the system on society and the environment.
The Office of Information and Library Sciences (OILS) operates the National Transportation Library (NTL) within BTS, maintaining, facilitating access to and preserving statistical, archival and research information and data needed for transportation decision-making at the Federal, State, and local levels. The NTL was established in 1988 as a born-digital library. The NTL’s archival collections are the only physical collections within the library; all other resources are digital.
Read more about the library at https://ntl.bts.gov/ntl.
Are you interested in learning how to develop a new archival repository into a more discoverable, rich resource for the Department of Transportation? Here is an opportunity to learn new archival operating procedures, improve outreach and access to library collections and services, and research, create, and share educational content about transportation history.
Under the direction of an Archivist mentor at the National Transportation Library, the selected participant will engage in hands-on learning, acquire experience and skills in metadata creation, digitization planning, research, outreach, and archival science best practices as they relate to the historic transportation resources produced by the Department of Transportation staff. The fellow will learn how to create and evaluate archival management plans, catalog digital assets for preservation and accessibility, and research strategies to increase outreach and discoverability.
This appointment requires full engagement which is defined by the program as 40 hours per week and is for one year. The appointment may be extended in increments of one year, up to three years total, contingent upon project needs and funding availability.
U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) ensures our Nation has the safest, most efficient and modern transportation system in the world, which improves the quality of life for all American people and communities, from rural to urban, and increases the productivity and competitiveness of American workers and businesses.
This opportunity offers a monthly stipend. The selected applicant may also be offered allowances for professional travel and health insurance.
This opportunity is located on-site in Washington, DC; remote participation may be approved by the mentor.
Applications may be reviewed on a rolling basis and a selection made prior to the opportunity close date.
The participant will not enter into an employee/employer relationship with ORISE, ORAU, DOE, DOT, or any other office or agency. Instead, the participant will be affiliated with ORISE for the administration of the appointment through the ORISE letter of appointment and Terms of Appointment.
A complete application consists of:
- Profile Information
- Application Questions (goals, experiences, and skills relevant to the opportunity)
- Transcript(s) – An unofficial transcript or copy of the student academic records printed by the applicant or by academic advisors from internal institution systems may be submitted. The selected candidate may be required to provide proof of completion of the degree before the appointment can start.
- A current resume/CV
- One Letter of Recommendation – Applicants are required to provide the names and contact information for two recommenders in order to submit the application, one of which will be notified to submit a letter to Zintellect on behalf of the applicant. The letter of recommendation must be submitted before an offer is made.
If you have questions, please email USDOT@orau.org and list the reference code for this opportunity in the subject line of your email.
Qualifications
- Master’s degree in progress or received within 60 months of the start date of the appointment.
- Coursework and/or background in library science, metadata, cataloging, historical research, instructional technology, outreach, and/or communications.
- Ability to keep research on track with measurable results.
- Familiarity with archival research.
- Ability to transform information into research documents and reports that tell a compelling story.
- A familiarity with presenting results in a clear, effective, and attractive manner to inform next steps in the research process.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Excellent organizational and analytical skills.
