Museum Specialist

Selective Placement Factor: This position has a Selective Placement Factor, which is a skill, knowledge, ability, or other characteristic essential for the job’s satisfactory performance. The Selective Placement Factor represents the minimum requirements for this position and is a prerequisite for appointment. Applicants who do not meet the Selective Placement Factor are ineligible for further consideration. Selective Placement Factor: You must demonstrate the ability to read and write in one of the following languages: French, Italian, or German, in order to perform original exhibition research and for exhibition-related publications and special curatorial projects. 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 defined as assisting curators in exhibition planning, performing original research/analysis and performing research-oriented duties in support of exhibitions, publications, acquisitions, and other projects. 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: 2 full academic years of progressively higher level graduate education or master’s or equivalent graduate degree related to the position. 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.
The Smithsonian Institution is the world’s largest museum, education, and research complex, with 21 museums and the National Zoo. This position is located in the Curatorial Department of the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum. Located on New York Citys Museum Mile, in the historic Carnegie Mansion and Garden, Cooper Hewitt is the only museum in the United States devoted exclusively to historic and contemporary design. More than one selection may be made from this announcement.