Museum Specialist (Aeronautics)
Chantilly, VA - USA
Job Summary
The Smithsonian Institution is the worlds largest museum education and research complex with 21 museums and the National Zoo. This position is located in the National Air and Space Museum (NASM) Preservation & Restoration Unit (PRU). The PRU is responsible for protecting the National Collection of Aeronautics and Space Artifacts through proper and authentic preservation and restoration techniques.
The Museum Specialist (Aeronautics) serves as a skilled member of the preservation/restoration team and works under the supervision of a Shop Supervisor.
In this position you will:
- Perform tasks of a highly technical nature in support of NASMs preservation/restoration program primarily but not exclusively preparing the large artifacts in the aeronautics and space history collections for movements to and from exhibit and/or artifact storage.
- Select and applies appropriate cleaning solvents fabrics and fungicidal materials for restoration and conservation.
- Maintain a clear concise and detailed report of each restoration project often with daily entries.
- Determine what tasks are necessary to ensure the preservation of complete aircraft and space craft that have been subjected to outdoor exposure and storage environments that have been less than museum standards.
- Design and construct forms jigs cradles dollies and slings as needed to safely handle the artifacts during the restoration process and in preparation for the movement of the artifacts to be rigged into locations for exhibit.
- 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
- Must be able to lift 40 pounds unassisted
- Must be able to walk stand bend and reach for long periods of time
- Must be able to work in extreme temperatures dust or hazardous materials
- Must work at heights up to 100 ft. operating from a ladder lift or shelf
- Must be a U.S. Citizen
- Must wear and properly use personal protective equipment (PPE)
Conditions of Employment
Qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement.
For information on qualification requirements seeQualification Standards Handbook forGeneral Schedule Positionson OPM website.
GS-9 Experience:You qualify for this position if you have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least theGS-07level in the Federal Service.For this position specialized experience is defined as:
- Application of conservation preservation or restoration techniques to technical industrial and/or transportation machinery or aerospace equipment
- Documentation of project progress or completion summary
- Ability to read and understand manuals and technical data related to this field
- Movement and rigging of aircraft spacecraft and/or aerospace artifacts
Or Education:2 full academic years of progressively higher level graduate educationormasters or equivalent graduate degree related to the position.
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.
Or a Combination:Education and experience may be combined to meet the basic qualifications; For a full explanation of this option please see theQualification 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.
GS-11 Experience: You qualify for this position if you have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least theGS-09level in the Federal Service.For this position specialized experience is defined as:
- Application of conservation preservation or restoration techniques to industrial and/or aerospace equipment
- Performing projects on an independent level including resource planning (such as materials and time estimates)
- Movement and rigging of aircraft spacecraft and aerospace artifacts
Your resume must be no more than two (2) pages and should clearly demonstrate how your experience aligns with the responsibilities and specialized experience required for this position. Do not copy language directly from the vacancy announcement as you will be deemed ineligible for consideration. Instead provide detailed descriptive information about your actual experience.
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.
See above education can be substituted only at the GS-9 grade level. For GS-9 education substitution unofficial transcripts in a degree field related to the the position must be submitted at the time of application.
This position is included in the bargaining unit.
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.
Important Note:
Your resume and supporting documentation will be compared to your responses to the occupational questionnaire or other assessment tool for consistency. If a determination is made that you have rated yourself higher than is supported by your resume you will be assigned a rating commensurate to your described experience. Your resume should provide sufficient information regarding how your education and experience relate to this position including the major duties and qualifications criteria listed.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government passionate about the ideals of our American republic and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
The Smithsonian offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes in part vacation and sick leave holidays health/life insurance accident insurance and excellent retirement program options.
Please see Benefits at for a complete description.
Flexible Spending Accounts -
Health Insurance - - Insurance - Term Care Insurance -
Retirement Program - Experience:
IC