Crafting the Future of Wildlife Education: Exhibits Specialist at the Smithsonian

Are you a creative professional with a passion for science and storytelling? The Smithsonian Institution is seeking an Exhibits Specialist to join the world-renowned team at the National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute in Washington, DC. This role is a unique intersection of artistic design, logistical project management, and scientific education.

Job Responsibilities

As an Exhibits Specialist, you will manage the lifecycle of both permanent and temporary exhibits. Your daily duties will include:

Project Management: Coordinating plans, monitoring schedules, and maintaining project budgets.
Content Development: Researching species-specific information and collaborating with animal curators to ensure accuracy.
Design & Collaboration: Serving as the central liaison between content experts, illustrators, and contractors to build interactive elements, murals, and models.

Requirements

To qualify for this GS-09 position, you must demonstrate the following:

Experience: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 level.
Education: A Master's degree or two years of progressively higher-level graduate education in a related field (such as industrial design, fine arts, or architecture).
Documentation: A strict two-page resume requirement is enforced. Your application must clearly reflect how your professional background aligns with the core duties listed in the announcement.

Salary and Benefits

Category	Details
Salary Range	$70,623 – $91,815 per year
Job Type	Full-Time, Permanent
Grade Level	GS-09

Employees enjoy a robust benefits package, including federal retirement options, comprehensive health insurance, and generous paid time off.

Application Tips

Focus on Impact: Describe your past projects by emphasizing the results—such as how you improved visitor engagement or streamlined a design process.
Compliance: Ensure your resume clearly states the hours worked per week and the specific months/years of employment to ensure you receive full credit for your work history.

This role offers a rare chance to shape how the public learns about wildlife conservation at the Smithsonian. If you have the creative vision and the project management skills to bring these exhibits to life, apply now.

Why This Exhibits Specialist Job Matters

Bring science and conservation to life—the Smithsonian National Zoo is looking for a creative visionary to design and manage world-class exhibits.

Exhibits Specialist Job Overview

The Smithsonian Institution is seeking a dedicated Exhibits Specialist to join the National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute. This role is central to creating educational, engaging, and immersive visitor experiences. You will serve as a key liaison between curators, animal care staff, and design teams, managing the lifecycle of exhibit projects from initial research and content development to installation and maintenance. If you are passionate about blending artistry with scientific storytelling in one of the world's most prestigious institutions, this is your opportunity to make a lasting impact.

Requirements for Exhibits Specialist

Must be a U.S. citizen.
One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 level in the Federal Service.
Experience in design, modelmaking, art, or exhibit restoration.
Ability to research themes and translate complex biological concepts into engaging public exhibits.
Strong proficiency in design software for exhibit creation and layout.
Must be able to pass a pre-employment background investigation.
Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered with the Selective Service.
Resume must be strictly limited to two pages.

Preferred Qualifications for Exhibits Specialist

A Master’s degree or equivalent graduate work in fine arts, industrial design, architecture, or related fields.
Demonstrated experience in collaborative project management across multi-disciplinary teams.
Familiarity with animal husbandry and species-specific habitat requirements.
Prior experience managing exhibit budgets and material procurement.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive health and life insurance options
✓Generous vacation and sick leave accrual
✓Federal retirement program participation
✓Paid federal holidays
✓Accident insurance
✓Flexible spending accounts

💡 How to Apply Exhibits Specialist Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Exhibits Specialist Job

Prepare a resume that is no longer than two pages.
Visit the official job portal link to start your application.
Complete the required online assessment questionnaire.
Upload all supporting documents, including unofficial transcripts if applicable.
Submit your complete application package before the closing date at 11:59 PM ET.

💡 General Tips

Customize your resume to address the specific job duties mentioned; do not copy the job description text word-for-word.
Be precise with your experience—list dates (month/year) and hours worked per week for every job entry.
Ensure your responses in the questionnaire are fully supported by specific examples in your resume.
Save a PDF copy of your responses at the end of the process for your own records.

Frequently Asked Questions

What level of experience is required for this role?

Applicants must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience at the GS-07 level or equivalent in the federal sector, or possess a relevant graduate degree.

Does the Smithsonian provide relocation assistance?

The Smithsonian does not pay for relocation expenses, although some recruitment incentives may be authorized depending on circumstances.

Can I submit a longer resume?

No, your resume must be no more than two pages. Exceeding this limit or failing to include required details may disqualify your application.

Job from Smithsonian Institution

The Smithsonian Institution is the world's largest museum, education, and research complex. Comprising 21 museums and the National Zoo, the Smithsonian is dedicated to "Inspiring Generations through Knowledge and Discovery." Working here means contributing to a global legacy of conservation, research, and public engagement.