FamilySearch Metadata Specialist 2 - Authorities Team (Lehi, UT)

Works independently to make Family History Department historical records and place-based data available to members of the Church by creating, maintaining, and improving metadata used in FamilySearch systems. This position contributes to the quality, accuracy, and growth of FamilySearch data through research, data analysis, automation, and coding. Team members work at the intersection of metadata management, geographic knowledge, and software development to organize and analyze records and place information, automate data ingest and review processes, maintain data quality standards, and provide guidance for consistent use of names, subjects, and localities across FamilySearch systems.

• Improve entries in FamilySearch Places in accordance with established guidelines and best practices
• Resolve place feedback issues routed to the Authorities Team
• Write Python scripts and use tools (GIS, Git, AWS) to analyze data, identify patterns, and automate routine tasks
• Collaborate with teammates via GitHub, including code review and adherence to engineering best practices
• Support or help coordinate volunteer and missionary place editors under the direction of senior team members
• Contribute to informational resources such as the Editor Handbook and Place Reports websites
• Learn to recognize repetitive data patterns and write code to handle them efficiently
   

Required

• Bachelor's degree in geography, library and information sciences, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Linguistics or other related field
• 4 years related professional work experience or equivalent years of experience and education
• Solid grasp of automation scripting, basic programming, data structures, and analytical thinking (including Python scripting, data processing, automation, use of AI tools and prompting, Git workflows, and development of automated data-quality solutions)
• Ability to work independently and take ownership of assigned tasks
• Excellent analytical skills and ability to complete detailed work with accuracy 
• Ability to communicate effectively, both written and oral communications
• In-depth knowledge of department processes and operations
• Able to independently lift up to 50 pounds. 
• Able to complete all physical requirements of the work, i.e., pushing, pulling, twisting, bending, reaching and pushing loaded book trucks. etc. 
• Able to reach books on a high shelf, using a step stool. 

Preferred

• Experience with GIS tools and spatial data concepts
• Familiarity with Git and version control workflows
• Strong research skills; ability to evaluate and interpret geographic and historical data
• Proficiency in at least one non-English language relevant to genealogical research
• Experience with AWS or cloud-based data services
• Background in genealogy, history, or archival research
• Familiarity with front-end development (JavaScript, web tools)
• Experience working with large structured datasets
• Master's degree in geography, library and information sciences, or other related field