Exhibits Specialist (Graphics)

Summary The Smithsonian Institution is the world’s largest museum, education, and research complex, with 21 museums and the National Zoo. This position is in the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC). The National Museum of African American History and Culture is a national museum for the study and exhibition of African American history and culture. More than one selection may be made from this announcement. Responsibilities This position is in the Design and Production, Project Management and Planning, National Museum of African American History and Culture, Under Secretary for Museums and Education, Smithsonian Institution. The Exhibits Specialist (Graphics) provides recognized expertise in the field of planning and executing the construction of specialized and complex exhibition components and structures and directly supports the finished look of all museum exhibitions and public spaces. In this position, you will: • Assist exhibit designers and fabricators in the appropriate selection of graphic media and in the selection of graphic production processes to best fit the design aesthetics, object and artifact conservation needs. • Work with a wide variety of graphic file production techniques and graphic design software applications. • Prepare graphic mount substrates and other materials as needed. • Identify and notify appropriate personnel of exhibit items in need of repair. • Perform searches for applicable materials and suppliers and drafts purchase requests. Requirements Conditions of Employment Pass Pre-employment Background Investigation May need to complete a Probationary Period Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered with Selective Service. U.S. citizenship Conditions of Employment Physical Requirements: This position requires the physical ability to perform moderately heavy work including lifting and carrying heavy objects up to 50 lbs.; working within confined spaces; participating in the Smithsonian Institution's hearing and respiratory monitoring programs; lifting, bending, stooping and stretching for extended periods of time; operating all hand and power tools and all graphic production equipment; climbing ladders and scaffolds; working near eye irritants and hazardous substances and wearing personal protective equipment (PPE). Qualification requirements, including one year time-in-grade at the next lower grade level for promotion candidates, must be met within 30 days of the job announcement closing date. See the 'Required Documents' section for additional information. For information on qualification requirements, see Qualification Standards Handbook for General Schedule Positions viewable on OPM Website. Qualifications Basic Qualifications: Undergraduate and Graduate Education: Major study -- illustrative design, commercial art, fine arts, industrial design, architecture, drafting, interior design, or other fields related to the position. Advanced training in a vocational school, technical institute, or art institute above the high school level in one of the fields listed above is creditable as general experience on a month-for-month basis. In addition to the basic qualification requirement above: Experience for GS-09: You qualify for this position if you have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-07 level in the Federal Service. For this position, specialized experience is defined as working with exhibit designers or fabricators in assisting in the selection of graphic media; working from scale drawings, sketches, and/or verbal instructions to prepare graphic files for print production for museum exhibits; and assisting with the installation of graphical components of exhibits for a museum or similar cultural institution. Experience for GS-11: You qualify for this position if you have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-09 level in the Federal Service. For this position, specialized experience is defined as working with exhibit designers or fabricators in the selection of graphic media; working from scale drawings, sketches, and/or verbal instructions to prepare graphic files for print production and producing finished graphical components for museum exhibits; and leading the installation of graphical components of exhibits for a museum or similar cultural institution. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Part-time and/or unpaid experience related to this position will be considered to determine the total number of years and months of experience. Be sure to note the number of paid or unpaid hours worked each week. Or Education: Grade 9: Two full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master’s or equivalent degree related to this position may be substituted to meet the experience requirements. Grade 11: Three full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree related to this position may be substituted to meet the experience requirements. Or a Combination: Education and experience may be combined to meet the basic qualifications. For a full explanation of this option please see the Qualification Standards. Special Instructions for Foreign Education: If you are qualifying by education and/or you have education completed in a foreign college/university described above, it is your responsibility to provide transcripts and proof of U.S. accreditation for foreign study. For instructions on where to fax these documents, see the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. Education Undergraduate and Graduate Education: Major study -- illustrative design, commercial art, fine arts, industrial design, architecture, drafting, interior design, or other fields related to the position. Additional Information This position is included in the bargaining unit. Current or Former Political Appointees: Beginning January 1, 2010, agencies must seek prior approval from OPM before they can appoint a current or recent political appointee to a competitive or non-political excepted service position at any level under the provisions of title 5, United States Code. If you are currently or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, or Non-career SES employee in the executive branch, you MUST disclose that to the Office of Human Resources. Submit a copy of your applicable SF-50, along with a statement that provides the following information regarding your most recent political appointment: Position title; Type of appointment (Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES, or Presidential Appointee); Agency; and, Beginning and ending dates of appointment. Recruitment Incentive: Recruitment incentive(s) may be authorized for this position. However, approval for incentives are contingent upon various availability. If authorized, certain incentives will require the incumbent to sign a service agreement to remain in the Federal government for a certain time period. Note: This statement does not imply nor guarantee an incentive will be offered and paid. Selections may be made for vacancies across the Smithsonian Institution (SI). By applying to this position, you agree to allow your application and other personal information to be shared with one or more SI hiring officials for employment consideration for same/similar positions within the location(s) identified in this announcement. ATTENTION: Due to the large number of qualified applicants for positions of this type, this job announcement will close at 11:59 pm Eastern Time on either: (A) The closing date listed above or (B) The date that 100 applications are received; whichever occurs first. If the announcement closes on the date that 100 applications are received, all applications submitted by 11:59pm that day will be given consideration, including those in excess of 100. We encourage applicants to apply as soon as possible to ensure their applications are submitted before the announcement closes. We will not consider applications which are late due to the announcement closing once the above number of applications is reached.