Launch Your Career: Museum Specialist at the Smithsonian Institution
Do you have a passion for history, aerospace, and the meticulous care of national treasures? The Smithsonian Institution is looking for a talented Museum Specialist to join the Collections Processing Unit at the National Air and Space Museum. This is a rare opportunity to contribute to the preservation of some of the most significant artifacts in human history while working in a high-impact, professional federal environment.
Job Responsibilities
As a Museum Specialist, your daily work will be both physical and intellectual. Key duties include:
- Artifact Handling: Safely packing, moving, and storing delicate and valuable aerospace artifacts.
- Logistics: Planning transport operations, including the use of heavy equipment like forklifts and box trucks.
- Design: Developing innovative storage systems and protective cradles for unique objects.
- Management: Coordinating with conservators, curators, and interns to ensure the security of the National Collections.
Comparison of Qualifications
| Level | Education/Experience Requirement | Focus Area |
|---|---|---|
| GS-07 | 1 year specialized experience or 1 year grad study | Foundational handling and documentation |
| GS-09 | 1 year specialized experience or 2 years grad study | Complex logistics and heavy equipment |
| GS-11 | 1 year specialized experience (GS-09 equivalent) | Expert artifact research and international compliance |
Requirements
To succeed in this role, you must be a U.S. citizen and meet the physical demands of the position, including the ability to lift 50 pounds. You will need a valid driver's license and must be capable of obtaining a Class A commercial license within nine months of employment. Additionally, candidates must pass a background investigation and periodic drug testing.
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive salary range of $57,736 to $111,087 per year, commensurate with your grade level (GS-07 to GS-11) and experience.
Benefits
Employees of the Smithsonian enjoy:
- Comprehensive health insurance.
- Generous leave policies, including sick and annual leave.
- Access to federal retirement plans.
- Opportunities for professional growth in a prestigious organization.
Application Tips
- Customize Your Resume: Ensure it is two pages or fewer and highlights specific, actionable experience.
- Use Data: Clearly indicate hours worked per week to demonstrate your experience levels.
- Be Consistent: Match your resume details with your responses in the online questionnaire to avoid disqualification.
If you are ready to apply your technical skills and passion for preservation to a world-class collection, the Smithsonian Institution is the place to be. Review the requirements carefully and submit your application to contribute to the legacy of the National Air and Space Museum.
Why This Museum Specialist (General) Job Matters
Protect and preserve history! Join the Smithsonian Institution as a Museum Specialist and play a vital role in managing the world's premier aerospace collection.
Museum Specialist (General) Job Overview
The Smithsonian Institution is seeking a dedicated Museum Specialist for the National Air and Space Museum's Collections Processing Unit in Chantilly, Virginia. In this role, you will be responsible for the physical security, transportation, and documentation of irreplaceable aerospace artifacts, ensuring these treasures are preserved for future generations.
Requirements for Museum Specialist (General)
- U.S. Citizenship
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Class A commercial driver's license within 9 months of hire
- Must be able to lift 50 pounds without assistance
- Ability to pass a pre-employment background investigation
- Subject to random drug testing
- Registration with Selective Service (for males born after 12/31/59)
- Valid state or District of Columbia driver's license
- Submission of a resume no longer than two pages
Preferred Qualifications for Museum Specialist (General)
- Experience in the physical handling and preservation of valuable artifacts
- Proficiency in logistics, including packing, crating, and international transportation of delicate objects
- Experience with inventory management systems and documentation standards
- Ability to operate heavy equipment, such as forklifts, scissor lifts, and large transport vehicles
- Graduate-level education in a related field
- Strong technical skills in designing custom storage solutions for diverse object types
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive health and life insurance options
- ✓Generous paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays
- ✓Robust federal retirement programs
- ✓Flexible spending account options
- ✓Recruitment incentives may be available
💡 How to Apply Museum Specialist (General) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Museum Specialist (General) Job
- Review the full vacancy announcement on the official federal portal.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly limited to two pages.
- Gather relevant documentation, such as transcripts or veteran preference forms.
- Submit your application online through the official portal before the deadline.
- Complete the occupational assessment questionnaire.
- Monitor your email for status updates from the Smithsonian Office of Human Resources.
💡 General Tips
- Do not copy language verbatim from the job announcement in your resume; describe your own experiences in detail.
- Ensure your resume explicitly lists the start and end dates (month/year) and hours worked per week for each job.
- Double-check that all required supporting documents, such as unofficial transcripts, are attached at the time of submission.
- Verify your answers to the assessment questionnaire against your resume to ensure consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply via paper application?
Online application is preferred. Paper applications are only accepted in specific circumstances with prior approval from the contact person.
What is the promotion potential for this role?
This position offers career ladder progression up to the GS-11 grade level.
Is travel required for this position?
Yes, the role involves coordination of artifact transportation and may require local or international logistics management.
Job from Smithsonian Institution
The Smithsonian Institution is the world's largest museum, education, and research complex. With 21 museums, 14 research centers, and the National Zoo, the Smithsonian is dedicated to "Inspiring Generations through Knowledge and Discovery." Joining this team means becoming part of a global effort to protect history.