Launch Your Career: Museum Specialist (Aeronautics) at the Smithsonian
Do you have a passion for aviation history and a talent for technical preservation? The Smithsonian Institution, specifically the National Air and Space Museum (NASM), is seeking a dedicated Museum Specialist to help safeguard some of the world's most significant aerospace artifacts. This permanent, full-time position in Chantilly, Virginia, offers a unique opportunity to work behind the scenes in the Preservation and Restoration Unit (PRU).
Job Responsibilities
As a Museum Specialist, your work will be highly technical and critical to the integrity of the National Collection. Your primary duties will include:
- Restoration and Conservation: Applying professional cleaning, restoration, and preservation techniques to technical machinery and aerospace equipment.
- Project Management: Planning and documenting restoration projects, ensuring clear progress reports and material estimates.
- Artifact Handling: Designing and building custom support structures, such as cradles and jigs, to move and rig large, fragile aerospace items safely.
- Environmental Stewardship: Managing artifact storage environments to protect collection pieces from degradation.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Position Title | Museum Specialist (Aeronautics) |
| Location | Chantilly, Virginia |
| Salary Range | $70,623 – $111,087 per year |
| Hiring Status | Full-Time, Permanent |
| Security Clearance | Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk |
Requirements
To succeed in this role, you must demonstrate a commitment to precision and safety. Key requirements include:
- U.S. citizenship.
- Specialized experience in conservation or restoration at the GS-07 (for GS-9) or GS-09 (for GS-11) grade levels.
- Physical stamina, including the ability to lift 40 lbs and work at heights of up to 100 feet.
- Adherence to safety protocols, including the use of PPE.
- A clean background check.
Salary Overview
This position is compensated within the GS-9 to GS-11 range, with an annual salary potential of $70,623 to $111,087, depending on experience and qualifications.
Benefits
The Smithsonian provides an excellent benefits package to support employees and their families, including comprehensive health, life, and accident insurance, a robust retirement plan, and generous leave accrual.
Application Tips
- Tailor Your Resume: Your resume should clearly demonstrate how your previous work matches the specialized experience requirements.
- Keep it Concise: Stick to the strict two-page limit.
- Detail is Key: Explain your volunteer work and specific technical skills clearly, including hours worked per week.
- Proofread: Ensure your questionnaire answers align perfectly with the narrative in your resume.
If you are ready to combine your technical expertise with a passion for history, apply for this Museum Specialist role today. You are not just getting a job; you are helping preserve the story of human flight.
Why This Museum Specialist (Aeronautics) Job Matters
Protect the legacy of flight: The Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum is seeking a detail-oriented Museum Specialist to restore and preserve our world-renowned collection of aeronautics and space artifacts.
Museum Specialist (Aeronautics) Job Overview
Join the Preservation and Restoration Unit (PRU) at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum in Chantilly, Virginia. In this role, you will be a vital part of the team responsible for the long-term stewardship of iconic aircraft and spacecraft. You will engage in hands-on conservation work, artifact movement, and technical documentation to ensure these treasures of human ingenuity are maintained for future generations.
Requirements for Museum Specialist (Aeronautics)
- U.S. Citizenship
- One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 (for GS-9) or GS-09 (for GS-11) level
- Ability to lift 40 pounds unassisted
- Physical capability to walk, stand, bend, and reach for extended periods
- Comfort working at heights up to 100 feet using lifts, ladders, or shelves
- Ability to work in environments with extreme temperatures, dust, or hazardous materials
- Proper use and adherence to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) requirements
- Successful completion of a pre-employment background investigation
- Registration with Selective Service (for males born after 12/31/59)
- Maintain a direct deposit bank account
Preferred Qualifications for Museum Specialist (Aeronautics)
- Hands-on experience with industrial, transportation, or aerospace conservation and restoration
- Proficiency in artifact rigging and movement planning
- Experience in technical documentation and project management
- Master’s degree or two years of progressively higher graduate education in a related field
- Proficiency with museum collection management software and Microsoft Office
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive health, life, and accident insurance
- ✓Generous vacation and sick leave policies
- ✓Federal holiday observations
- ✓Competitive retirement program options
- ✓Flexible spending accounts
💡 How to Apply Museum Specialist (Aeronautics) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Museum Specialist (Aeronautics) Job
- Prepare a resume no longer than two pages.
- Gather necessary documentation, including transcripts and veteran preference proof (if applicable).
- Apply online through the USAJOBS portal by clicking the Apply button.
- Complete the required questionnaire assessing your professional competencies.
- Review your application package for completeness and consistency.
- Submit your application before the midnight Eastern Time deadline on the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Your resume must clearly link your experience to the duties described; avoid generic language.
- Be specific about hours worked per week for both paid and volunteer positions.
- Double-check that your self-assessment ratings on the questionnaire are fully supported by the narrative in your resume.
- Submit all required documents, including unofficial transcripts, at the time of application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute education for experience?
Yes, education can be substituted for experience only at the GS-9 level. You must provide unofficial transcripts at the time of application to be considered.
What is the page limit for my resume?
Your resume must be exactly two pages or fewer. Applications exceeding this limit or lacking required details may be disqualified.
What is the PRU?
*A: The Preservation and Restoration Unit is responsible for the authentic conservation of the NASM's Aeronautics and Space collections.*
Will the Smithsonian pay for relocation?
*A: Relocation expenses are typically not paid, though recruitment incentives may be authorized for specific candidates.*
Job from Smithsonian Institution
The Smithsonian Institution is the world’s preeminent museum, research, and education complex. With 21 museums and the National Zoo, the Smithsonian is dedicated to the increase and diffusion of knowledge. Working for the Smithsonian means contributing to a global legacy of inspiration, discovery, and heritage preservation.