Summary The Smithsonian Institution is the world’s largest museum, education, and research complex, with 21 museums and the National Zoo. These positions are located in Exhibits Production, Office of Building Renovation & Exhibition Services, National Museum of American History (NMAH), Smithsonian Institution (SI). The National Museum of American History (NMAH) is a national museum for the study and exhibition of American history and culture. Responsibilities The NMAH, Exhibits Production is seeking multiple candidates to fill multiple vacancies in various departments (fabrication, graphics and exhibits service). The purpose of these Exhibits Specialist positions is to contribute to the planning and execution of the construction of specialized and complex exhibition components and structures, and directly supporting the finished look of all museum exhibitions and public spaces. In this position, you will: Serve as a fabricator/exhibits specialist and work to produce and develop exhibition projects that include elements such as structurally and architecturally accurate casework, components, artifact mounts, graphics, lighting, and other elements designed to enhance the museum exhibition of valuable artifacts. Interpret and analyze design specifications and details and develop and recommend fabrication methods that are appropriate for projects, and the display of artifacts or art works. Creates digital images and text for graphic panels, posters, signs, labels, decals, and other visual media ranging in size from several inches to room-size murals. Use appropriate raw materials, bonding, and attachment techniques, cutting and machining devices, and finishing systems that will be most appropriate for each task. Generate daily, weekly, monthly, and long-term lists and tasks for refurbishment of existing exhibits; and respond to refurbishment and maintenance requests received through the exhibit maintenance database reporting system. NOTE: The duties described are at the GS-09 level; the duties at the GS-07 are developmental leading to the GS-09. 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. More than one selection may be made from this announcement. Conditions of Employment Qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement. For information on qualification requirements, see Qualification Standards Handbook for General Schedule Positions on OPM website. Incumbent will be required to participate in SI hearing and respiratory monitoring programs. Incumbent will be required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE), such as, but not limited to, protective masks, goggles, and shoes. Physical Requirements The work requires lifting, bending, stooping, and stretching for extended periods of time. The position requires the incumbent to have the manual dexterity to efficiently operate all hand and power tools and all graphic production equipment. Work requires regular work in an industrial shop environment, with associated risks and conditions. It involves moderate risks or discomforts such as working with power tools, skin and eye irritants or hazardous substances. Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. unassisted. On an infrequent and non-regular and recurring basis, the incumbent may be required to climb ladders and scaffolds and balance to work in a variety of positions and may be required to work within confined spaces and at heights. Qualifications You must meet these Basic Education Requirements: 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. OR Experience in the actual type of work for which application is made. Unpaid experience is creditable, provided the work done was of a quality level and demonstrated the ability required for the position. This includes work in the appropriate field, e.g., design, modelmaking, art, taxidermy, or restoration. In addition to meeting the Basic Qualifications applicant must also meet Specialized Experience OR Education or Combination listed below. To qualify at the GS-07: Experience: You qualify for this position if you have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-05 level in the Federal Service. For this position, specialized experience is in at least one or more of the following: 1) Assisting in fabrication and installation of exhibit components made from wood and composites for a museum or similar cultural institution; 2) Participating in the production and installation of exhibit graphics; and 3) Assisting with regular maintenance activities for existing exhibit components. OR Education: One full year of graduate level education. OR Superior Academic Achievement may be substituted to meet the experience requirement. IMPORTANT - PLEASE NOTE: If you are using education to qualify you must submit a copy of your transcript. Superior Academic Achievement based on 1) class standing, 2) grade-point average, or 3) honor society membership. Specific requirements are: 1) Class Standing: Upper third of graduating class based on completed courses; 2a) Grade Point Average: 3.0 or higher as recorded on official transcript or as computed based on 4 years of education; 2b) based on courses completed during the final full 2 years of curriculum; or 2c) 3.5 or higher based on average of courses completed in the specific major field of study; or 3) Honor Society Membership: Election to membership in a national scholastic honor society listed in the Association of College Honor Societies, Booklet of Information, and/or Baird's Manual of American College Fraternities (membership in a freshman honor society cannot be used to meet the requirements of this provision). Degree must be directly related to the occupation, (see Education section). You must include a copy of your transcripts. OR A Combination of Education and Experience: Education and experience may be combined to meet the basic qualifications. 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. 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. To qualify at the GS-09: Experience: 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 in at least one or more of the following: 1) Performing the fabrication and installation of exhibit components made from wood and composites for a museum or similar cultural institution; 2) Producing and installing exhibit graphics; and 3) Providing regular maintenance activities for existing exhibit components. Or Education: Master's or equivalent graduate degree, or 2 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree, or LL.B. or J.D., if related. 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. 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. Education Refer to the above for education requirement. Education can be substituted for experience at these grade levels. 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. Additional Note: Federal employees with permanent status or individuals eligible for special appointing authorities may also apply to 24R-SA-311434-MPA-NMAH. 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.