SAMMA Digitization Operator

This is a Full Time Job

Project Overview

SAMMA is CBS News Archives' robotic tape digitization system. It is used to migrate legacy videotape formats into digital files as part of the broader preservation and access initiative.

Position Summary

CBS News Archives is seeking SAMMA Digitization Operators to support this large-scale archive digitization initiative. These roles are part of the end-to-end digitization workflow, with an initial emphasis on preparing archival videotape media for migration through SAMMA digitization systems.

Primary responsibilities will initially include tape preparation, barcode application, tape identification, metadata entry, sorting, staging, workflow tracking, and ensuring a steady supply of prepared tapes for digitization. As operational needs evolve and training progresses, SAMMA Digitization Operators may also be assigned to operate SAMMA digitization systems, monitor ingest workflows, troubleshoot routine workflow issues, perform quality-control checks, and support related archive digitization activities, including film preparation and film digitization workflows.

The ideal candidates are detail-oriented, reliable, comfortable following specific workflows, and able to work carefully with physical media and metadata entry. Prior experience with broadcast archives, videotape formats, film handling, digitization, media asset management systems, or production operations is helpful, but not required if candidates are organized, trainable, and consistent.

Location, Hours, and Compensation
• These positions are based onsite at the CBS News Archives facility in Metropark/Iselin, NJ.
• Expected schedule is 40 hours per week. Hours may include nights and weekends depending on operational needs.

Key Responsibilities
• Support the end-to-end archive digitization workflow, with an initial focus on SAMMA tape preparation and staging.
• Prepare, barcode, label, sort, organize, and stage videotape media for digitization.
• Enter and verify identifying metadata, including tape IDs, station IDs, dates, and other available information.
• Follow established workflows for preparing Beta, U-matic, DVCPro, XDCAM, and other legacy videotape formats.
• Identify and escalate unclear labels, missing metadata, damaged media, equipment concerns, or workflow questions.
• Maintain accurate tracking of prep, staging, digitization, and workflow status.
• Support daily production goals by ensuring media is prepared and available for digitization.
• As trained and assigned, operate SAMMA robotic tape digitization systems and monitor digitization workflows.
• Perform basic workflow checks and quality-control steps to confirm successful completion of assigned tasks.
• As trained and assigned, support film preparation and film digitization workflows, including inspection, labeling, documentation, staging, and scanner support.
• Handle videotape, film, and related archival media carefully to prevent damage or misplacement.
• Follow all safety, handling, and operational procedures in the archive workspace.

Required Qualifications
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions carefully.
• Comfortable performing repetitive but detail-sensitive work.
• Basic computer skills, including data entry and use of web-based tools or spreadsheets.
• Ability to read handwritten and printed labels and transcribe information accurately.
• Reliable attendance and punctuality.
• Ability to work independently once trained, while escalating questions when needed.
• Comfortable handling physical media, boxes, labels, barcode scanners, and digitization-related equipment.
• Ability to stand, sit, bend, and move throughout the workday as needed.
• Ability to lift and move boxes of videotapes or film materials, typically up to approximately 25–35 lbs.
• Availability to work onsite in Metropark/Iselin, NJ, including nights and weekends as operational needs require.

Preferred Qualifications
• Experience in archives, broadcast, libraries, records management, digitization, post-production, or a related media environment.
• Familiarity with legacy media formats, including videotape and/or motion picture film.
• Experience with barcode workflows, inventory systems, asset management systems, or media tracking tools.
• Experience operating or supporting digitization, ingest, playback, scanning, or media migration systems.
• Comfort working in a production-focused environment with daily throughput goals.
• Interest in archive preservation, legacy media, and digitization workflows.

Skills and Attributes
• Highly organized and methodical.
• Patient and careful with legacy media.
• Comfortable asking questions when instructions or media labels are unclear.
• Able to maintain focus and accuracy over long periods of repetitive work.
• Good communication skills.
• Team-oriented, but capable of working independently.
• Flexible and willing to adapt as workflows evolve.
• Willing to be trained across multiple parts of the tape and film digitization workflows.

Work Environment
• These positions are based onsite in an archive/digitization operations environment at the CBS News Archives facility in Metropark/Iselin, NJ. The work involves handling physical videotape, film, and related archival media; applying or scanning barcodes; entering metadata; staging media for digitization; operating or supporting SAMMA digitization workflows; supporting film prep and digitization workflows; and coordinating with Archives staff and digitization operators.
• The roles support a high-volume digitization operation, so consistency, accuracy, dependability, and careful handling of archival media are critical.

Training
• Training will be provided on CBS News Archives' specific SAMMA workflows, barcode procedures, tape identification rules, prep and staging processes, digitization procedures, film preparation workflows, film handling procedures, and escalation processes for unclear, unknown, damaged, or problematic media.
• Initial training and assignments may focus primarily on SAMMA tape preparation and staging. As employees demonstrate proficiency and as operational needs require, additional training may be provided for SAMMA digitization operation, workflow monitoring, basic troubleshooting, quality-control procedures, film preparation, and film digitization support.
• Additional training and/or certification opportunities may be available as related workflows and partnerships continue to develop.