Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute
Exhibits Specialist (Mounting) (IS-1010-09/11)
Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, Washington, District of Columbia, us, 20022
Application Deadline:
26 September 2024Department:
Smithsonian American Art MuseumEmployment Type:
Full TimeLocation:
Washington, DCReporting To:
Exhibits Department HeadCompensation:
$68,405 / yearDescriptionOPEN DATE:
September 12, 2024CLOSING DATE:
September 26, 2024 (This job will close once 100 applications are received which may be sooner than the closing date.)POSITION TYPE:
Trust FundAPPOINTMENT TYPE:
Temporary Not to Exceed Three (3) YearsSCHEDULE:
Full TimeDUTY LOCATION:
Washington, DCNon-sensitive (NS)/Low RiskConditions of EmploymentPass Pre-employment Background Check and Subsequent Background Investigation for position designated as low risk.Complete a Probationary PeriodMaintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer.The position is open to all candidates eligible to work in the United States. Proof of eligibility to work in U.S. is not required to apply.Applicants must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement.OverviewThis position is located within the Exhibitions Office, Smithsonian American Art Museum (SAAM), Under Secretary for Museums and Culture, Smithsonian Institution (SI). The Exhibitions Office is responsible for the design, production, and installation of all exhibitions at the Donald W. Reynolds Center (DWRC) Museum and its Renwick Gallery, and ongoing maintenance of the permanent collection galleries at both locations.The primary purpose of this position is to provide object preparation and exhibit fabrication and production services support for all phases and aspects of exhibit preparation, installation, maintenance, and dismantling. Incumbent has primary responsibility for hinging, matting, and framing of works on paper, and works with other exhibit specialists in the production and installation of exhibits.Duties And ResponsibilitiesDuties and Responsibilities at the Grade 09 Level are as follows:Responsible for archival matting, hinging, assembly and preparation of works on paper according to museum procedures and assigned deadlines.Selects appropriate mat and glazing material as well as hinging method and placement.Determines need for spacers and layering.Maintains accurate and complete documentation relating to object preparation.Determines type and quantities of matting supplies required.Works from drawings and/or sketches and prepares same.Fabricates exhibit components and/or interactive prototypes in consultation with designers and staff, using a variety of materials including wood, metal and synthetics.Fabricates exhibition millwork from drawings, renderings, or written descriptions.Selects appropriate combinations of materials, machinery, processes, and techniques for the efficient production of exhibit components.Assists in graphics production as required.Contributes to the development and detailing of schedules as needed and assists with budget tracking.Works with Registrar’s Office and other Exhibitions staff moving and installing works on paper, paintings, sculpture, and exhibit furniture, preparing exhibit spaces, and hanging and installing works of art.Additional Duties and Responsibilities at the Grade 11 Level are as follows:Maintains up-to-date knowledge of special techniques and materials used in the preparation of works on paper and their secure display.Constructs proper housing for highly complex works such as pastels and very large posters.Participates in the planning and scheduling of work to be performed within the Production Office.Offers consultation and expertise to the supervisor, designers, conservators, and other museum staff to ensure appropriate use of available techniques and methods, ensuring object safety while maintaining quality and cost effectiveness.Coordinates work efforts with registrars, conservators, and the Exhibitions office Production Supervisor to ensure project requirements and timelines are met.Contributes to the development and detailing of schedules as needed.Qualification RequirementsFor the Grade 9 level, the following specialized experience is required:A minimum of one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the grade 7 level.Knowledge of the general principles, methods, tools, and techniques of exhibiting art, artifacts, and/or historical collections, in order to prepare and present works on paper or similar materials, including hinging, matting and construction of special housings.Knowledge of artifact presentation and handling techniques, including the ability to safely handle a wide variety of two- and three-dimensional art objects.Knowledge of exhibit production, art handling, and art installation including to support and assist in the creation and display of art exhibits that vary in style, material, and size.Basic knowledge of paper-based fine art and/or crafts, sufficient to understand and apply aesthetic principles to exhibition design requests.Basic knowledge of conservation concerns and industry standards in order to prevent damage or deterioration of collection objects on display.Skill in the fabrication of exhibition components of wood, metal, acrylic and composite materials, to produce, assemble, and/or install museum exhibits.Skill in the safe use of power tools and shop machinery such as table saw, panel saw, band saw, jointer, planer, router, shaper, drill press, compound miter saw, belt sander, lathe and others.Skill to use equipment and power tools commonly used in the installation of art exhibitions including but not limited to: sculpture lifts, man-lifts, gantries, and various handheld tools such as power drills, levels, screw drivers, and hammers.Ability to read, interpret and adapt to-scale drawings and specifications for exhibit millwork and object mounts.Ability to communicate effectively to coordinate with colleagues, contractors, and artists; give/take direction to/from others; and work effectively within a team environment.For the Grade 11 level, in addition to the above experience, the following specialized experience is required:A minimum of one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the grade 9 level.Knowledge of paper conservation concerns and industry standards in order to prevent damage or deterioration of collection objects on display.Knowledge of exhibit production, art handling, and art installation including the specific methods and techniques utilized in museum practice, to support and assist in the creation and display of art exhibits that vary in style, material, and size.Ability to monitor timetables, budgets, and schedules for managing workflow and meeting exhibition deadlines.Applicants, who wish to qualify based on education completed outside the United States, must be deemed equivalent to higher education programs of U.S. Institutions by an organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials. This documentation is the responsibility of the applicant and should be included as part of your application package.Any false statement in your application may result in your application being rejected and may also result in termination after employment begins.The Smithsonian Institution values and seeks a diverse workforce. Join us in "Inspiring Generations through Knowledge and Discovery."Resumes should include a description of your paid and non-paid work experience that is related to this job; starting and ending dates of job (month and year); and average number of hours worked per week.What To Expect Next:
Once the vacancy announcement closes, a review of your resume will be compared against the qualification and experience requirements related to this job. After review of applicant resumes is complete, qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager.Relocation expenses are not paid.Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and InclusionThe Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact weinwurmd@si.edu. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. To learn more, please review the Smithsonian’s Accommodation Procedures.The Smithsonian Institution is an
Equal Opportunity Employer . We believe that a workforce comprising a variety of educational, cultural, and experiential backgrounds support and enhance our daily work life and contribute to the richness of our exhibitions and programs. See Smithsonian EEO program information: www.si.edu/oeema.
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26 September 2024Department:
Smithsonian American Art MuseumEmployment Type:
Full TimeLocation:
Washington, DCReporting To:
Exhibits Department HeadCompensation:
$68,405 / yearDescriptionOPEN DATE:
September 12, 2024CLOSING DATE:
September 26, 2024 (This job will close once 100 applications are received which may be sooner than the closing date.)POSITION TYPE:
Trust FundAPPOINTMENT TYPE:
Temporary Not to Exceed Three (3) YearsSCHEDULE:
Full TimeDUTY LOCATION:
Washington, DCNon-sensitive (NS)/Low RiskConditions of EmploymentPass Pre-employment Background Check and Subsequent Background Investigation for position designated as low risk.Complete a Probationary PeriodMaintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer.The position is open to all candidates eligible to work in the United States. Proof of eligibility to work in U.S. is not required to apply.Applicants must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement.OverviewThis position is located within the Exhibitions Office, Smithsonian American Art Museum (SAAM), Under Secretary for Museums and Culture, Smithsonian Institution (SI). The Exhibitions Office is responsible for the design, production, and installation of all exhibitions at the Donald W. Reynolds Center (DWRC) Museum and its Renwick Gallery, and ongoing maintenance of the permanent collection galleries at both locations.The primary purpose of this position is to provide object preparation and exhibit fabrication and production services support for all phases and aspects of exhibit preparation, installation, maintenance, and dismantling. Incumbent has primary responsibility for hinging, matting, and framing of works on paper, and works with other exhibit specialists in the production and installation of exhibits.Duties And ResponsibilitiesDuties and Responsibilities at the Grade 09 Level are as follows:Responsible for archival matting, hinging, assembly and preparation of works on paper according to museum procedures and assigned deadlines.Selects appropriate mat and glazing material as well as hinging method and placement.Determines need for spacers and layering.Maintains accurate and complete documentation relating to object preparation.Determines type and quantities of matting supplies required.Works from drawings and/or sketches and prepares same.Fabricates exhibit components and/or interactive prototypes in consultation with designers and staff, using a variety of materials including wood, metal and synthetics.Fabricates exhibition millwork from drawings, renderings, or written descriptions.Selects appropriate combinations of materials, machinery, processes, and techniques for the efficient production of exhibit components.Assists in graphics production as required.Contributes to the development and detailing of schedules as needed and assists with budget tracking.Works with Registrar’s Office and other Exhibitions staff moving and installing works on paper, paintings, sculpture, and exhibit furniture, preparing exhibit spaces, and hanging and installing works of art.Additional Duties and Responsibilities at the Grade 11 Level are as follows:Maintains up-to-date knowledge of special techniques and materials used in the preparation of works on paper and their secure display.Constructs proper housing for highly complex works such as pastels and very large posters.Participates in the planning and scheduling of work to be performed within the Production Office.Offers consultation and expertise to the supervisor, designers, conservators, and other museum staff to ensure appropriate use of available techniques and methods, ensuring object safety while maintaining quality and cost effectiveness.Coordinates work efforts with registrars, conservators, and the Exhibitions office Production Supervisor to ensure project requirements and timelines are met.Contributes to the development and detailing of schedules as needed.Qualification RequirementsFor the Grade 9 level, the following specialized experience is required:A minimum of one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the grade 7 level.Knowledge of the general principles, methods, tools, and techniques of exhibiting art, artifacts, and/or historical collections, in order to prepare and present works on paper or similar materials, including hinging, matting and construction of special housings.Knowledge of artifact presentation and handling techniques, including the ability to safely handle a wide variety of two- and three-dimensional art objects.Knowledge of exhibit production, art handling, and art installation including to support and assist in the creation and display of art exhibits that vary in style, material, and size.Basic knowledge of paper-based fine art and/or crafts, sufficient to understand and apply aesthetic principles to exhibition design requests.Basic knowledge of conservation concerns and industry standards in order to prevent damage or deterioration of collection objects on display.Skill in the fabrication of exhibition components of wood, metal, acrylic and composite materials, to produce, assemble, and/or install museum exhibits.Skill in the safe use of power tools and shop machinery such as table saw, panel saw, band saw, jointer, planer, router, shaper, drill press, compound miter saw, belt sander, lathe and others.Skill to use equipment and power tools commonly used in the installation of art exhibitions including but not limited to: sculpture lifts, man-lifts, gantries, and various handheld tools such as power drills, levels, screw drivers, and hammers.Ability to read, interpret and adapt to-scale drawings and specifications for exhibit millwork and object mounts.Ability to communicate effectively to coordinate with colleagues, contractors, and artists; give/take direction to/from others; and work effectively within a team environment.For the Grade 11 level, in addition to the above experience, the following specialized experience is required:A minimum of one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the grade 9 level.Knowledge of paper conservation concerns and industry standards in order to prevent damage or deterioration of collection objects on display.Knowledge of exhibit production, art handling, and art installation including the specific methods and techniques utilized in museum practice, to support and assist in the creation and display of art exhibits that vary in style, material, and size.Ability to monitor timetables, budgets, and schedules for managing workflow and meeting exhibition deadlines.Applicants, who wish to qualify based on education completed outside the United States, must be deemed equivalent to higher education programs of U.S. Institutions by an organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials. This documentation is the responsibility of the applicant and should be included as part of your application package.Any false statement in your application may result in your application being rejected and may also result in termination after employment begins.The Smithsonian Institution values and seeks a diverse workforce. Join us in "Inspiring Generations through Knowledge and Discovery."Resumes should include a description of your paid and non-paid work experience that is related to this job; starting and ending dates of job (month and year); and average number of hours worked per week.What To Expect Next:
Once the vacancy announcement closes, a review of your resume will be compared against the qualification and experience requirements related to this job. After review of applicant resumes is complete, qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager.Relocation expenses are not paid.Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and InclusionThe Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact weinwurmd@si.edu. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. To learn more, please review the Smithsonian’s Accommodation Procedures.The Smithsonian Institution is an
Equal Opportunity Employer . We believe that a workforce comprising a variety of educational, cultural, and experiential backgrounds support and enhance our daily work life and contribute to the richness of our exhibitions and programs. See Smithsonian EEO program information: www.si.edu/oeema.
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