Digital Librarian

Overview

Most library jobs are about maintaining a collection someone else built. This one starts with thousands of research records and a blank catalog. You would design how a Columbia River fish mitigation research library is organized, described, and screened, including the AI-assisted workflow that does the first pass, rather than inheriting someone else's cataloging decisions.

FWI is hiring a Digital Librarian / Metadata Lead to support the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Portland District, on its Columbia River Fish Mitigation (CRFM) literature compilation project. You will design and run the intake, indexing, and metadata workflow behind a screened, searchable library of biological and fisheries research, set the standards that keep it consistent, and quality-check the AI tools that speed it up. This is hands-on collection building, and USACE scientists and decision-makers will rely on what you build.

FWI is expanding rapidly and has been recognized as a 2024, 2025 and 2026 Top Workplace, offering excellent growth opportunities in a collaborative environment.

Work Schedule and Location:

Remote: This role is fully remote within the United States. The team works across time zones, so you will need some availability for meetings during Pacific and Eastern business hours.

Responsibilities

• Lead transfer and intake of literature records, including deduplication, file naming, and version control
• Develop and apply metadata standards, controlled vocabularies, and indexing conventions for scientific literature
• Build and maintain the screened literature database and reference library (e.g., Zotero)
• Configure, test, and quality-check AI-assisted intake and screening tools; flag edge cases for expert review
• Prepare records and metadata for final library file packages, working with the document production team
• Coordinate with the Fisheries Biologist consultant on borderline relevance and classification decisions
• Document workflows, standards, and quality control procedures; support status reporting to the Program Manager

Qualifications

Required: 

• Lead transfer and intake of literature records, including deduplication, file naming, and version control
• Develop and apply metadata standards, controlled vocabularies, and indexing conventions for scientific literature
• Build and maintain the screened literature database and reference library (e.g., Zotero)
• Configure, test, and quality-check AI-assisted intake and screening tools; flag edge cases for expert review
• Prepare records and metadata for final library file packages, working with the document production team
• Coordinate with the Fisheries Biologist consultant on borderline relevance and classification decisions
• Document workflows, standards, and quality control procedures; support status reporting to the Program Manager

Desired: 

• Experience organizing scientific, technical, or federal research literature
• Experience using AI-assisted tools for documentation, research synthesis, or content workflows
• Section 508 accessibility knowledge
• Prior federal contracting experience

FWI is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets. 

Why Join Our Team

At FWI, we place the highest importance on creating an exceptional employee experience. You'll have opportunities to achieve your career aspirations through internal promotions, professional development, and other recognition and rewards programs. Join our team and take advantage of the many benefits we offer, including:

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Long-term and Short-term Disability Insurance
• Life Insurance
• 401(k) Plan
• Holiday Pay
• Paid Time Off

Pay Range

$75,000 to $85,000, depending on experience, education and clearance level.