Crafting History: Become an Exhibition Specialist at the National Gallery of Art

Have you ever wondered how world-class exhibitions are brought to life? Behind every masterpiece on display at the National Gallery of Art is a team of skilled professionals ensuring that art is protected, presented, and accessible. The Gallery is currently seeking a talented Exhibition Specialist (Fabrication) to join its prestigious Design Department. This is a unique opportunity to blend technical fabrication skills with the curation of one of the world's most significant art collections.

Job Responsibilities

As an Exhibition Specialist, you are the bridge between a designer’s vision and the physical installation. Your core duties include:

Fabrication & Construction: Building and installing exhibition casework, modular wall systems, and graphic supports.
Digital Fabrication: Utilizing CNC routers, 3D printers, and laser cutters to produce high-precision components.
Art Safety: Exercising extreme care when working near delicate objects, ensuring all construction meets strict conservation standards.
Project Coordination: Collaborating with curators and production staff to develop buildable, safe solutions for unique gallery spaces.

Requirements

To be eligible for this position, you must meet the following federal requirements:

Citizenship: You must be a United States citizen.
Experience: Demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-08 or GS-10 level (depending on the grade level applied for).
Documentation: Submission of a clear, accurate resume detailing dates and hours of work.
Compliance: Successful completion of a background investigation.

Grade Level Comparison

Feature	GS-09 Level	GS-11 Level
Scope	General exhibition support	Full-cycle fabrication in cultural institutions
Responsibility	Assisted project completion	Independent production and management
Experience Requirement	1 Year specialized experience	1 Year advanced specialized experience

Salary Overview

This position offers a competitive federal salary range of $70,623 to $111,087 per year, commensurate with qualifications and the specific grade level offer.

Benefits

Employees of the National Gallery of Art enjoy the comprehensive benefits package afforded to federal employees, including:

Health, Life, and Retirement insurance programs.
Generous paid time off.
Flexible Spending Accounts.

Application Tips

Tailor Your Resume: Ensure your resume highlights specific fabrication projects, especially those involving CNC machinery.
Be Specific: Don't just list tasks; describe the complexity of the exhibition cases you have built.
Check Your Status: Log into USAJOBS regularly to track the progress of your application.

Working at the National Gallery of Art is more than a job—it is a contribution to the preservation of human history. If you have the technical skills and the passion for art, we encourage you to apply today.

Why This Exhibition Specialist (Fabrication) Job Matters

Bring art to life behind the scenes at the National Gallery of Art—where craftsmanship meets world-class curation.

Exhibition Specialist (Fabrication) Job Overview

The National Gallery of Art is seeking a skilled Exhibition Specialist to join the Design Department. In this critical role, you will be responsible for the fabrication, assembly, and installation of exhibition elements, ensuring that our collections are displayed safely and beautifully. Working within a specialized production shop, you will collaborate with designers and curators to transform creative concepts into tangible, professional-grade museum displays.

Requirements for Exhibition Specialist (Fabrication)

Must be a United States Citizen.
Must pass a background investigation and suitability determination.
Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered for the Selective Service.
Must meet specialized experience requirements for the GS-09 or GS-11 grade levels.
Experience with exhibition case fabrication and construction around delicate art objects.
Proficiency in Computer Numerical Control (CNC) router programming and operation.

Preferred Qualifications for Exhibition Specialist (Fabrication)

Prior experience working within a museum or cultural institution setting.
Demonstrated ability to develop fabrication-ready documentation from design concepts.
Strong structural judgment for creating stable supports under difficult architectural conditions.
Proficiency in digital fabrication methods, including 3D printing and laser cutting.
Experience developing prototypes and mock-ups for iterative design reviews.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options.
✓Generous paid leave and vacation time.
✓Federal retirement programs.
✓Life insurance coverage.
✓Flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care.

💡 How to Apply Exhibition Specialist (Fabrication) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Exhibition Specialist (Fabrication) Job

Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
Prepare a resume that specifically details your relevant experience, including dates of employment and hours worked per week.
Complete the mandatory assessment questionnaire provided in the application portal.
Upload required documentation, such as transcripts or SF-50 forms.
Submit your complete application package by the closing date.

💡 General Tips

Your resume must clearly demonstrate your experience level to match the GS-09 or GS-11 qualifications.
Be specific about your CNC and fabrication projects, as human resources cannot assume your experience.
Ensure your resume includes the exact start and end dates (month/year) for every role.
Preview the assessment questions early to ensure you have all necessary information prepared.
Double-check that all required documents are attached before hitting submit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary role of the Exhibition Specialist?

You will fabricate, install, and maintain exhibition casework, modular walls, and specialized mounts for artwork at the National Gallery of Art.

Are there specific education requirements?

While no specific degree is mandated, education in fields like industrial design, fine arts, architecture, or drafting can count toward the qualification requirements.

Is a background check required?

Yes, successful candidates must pass a background investigation and suitability determination before hiring.

Is relocation assistance provided?

*A: No, relocation expenses will not be paid for this position.*

Can I apply if I am not a federal employee?

*A: Yes, this position is open to various hiring paths. Check the full announcement for details.*

Job from National Gallery Of Art

The National Gallery of Art is a premier cultural institution located in Washington, D.C. Dedicated to exploring human creativity through its collection of over 160,000 works of art, the Gallery serves millions of visitors annually. By providing free access to its buildings and programs, the Gallery fosters an environment of education and inspiration.