Become a Smithsonian Electrician: Build Your Career at the Heart of History

Are you a skilled electrician looking for a role that offers both technical challenge and historical significance? The Smithsonian Institution, the premier research and museum complex in the world, is currently seeking a dedicated Electrician to join its Facilities Management team in Washington, D.C. This is more than a standard trade position—it is a chance to preserve and maintain the very infrastructure that protects priceless collections and welcomes millions of visitors every year.

Job Responsibilities

As a Smithsonian Electrician, your work will be diverse and highly specialized. You will serve under the Craft Shop Supervisor to provide full-spectrum electrical services. Key duties include:

System Maintenance: Troubleshooting and repairing interior and exterior wiring, lighting, and signaling circuits.
Installation: Setting up electrical systems, fixtures, and control equipment for museum exhibits and research labs.
Innovation: Adapting methods to fabricate and modify specialized control systems for unique research equipment.
Emergency Response: Ensuring standby and emergency power systems are operational to protect critical collections and visitor safety.

Requirements

This position requires a high level of professional competence and physical readiness. Applicants must meet the following criteria:

Licensure: You must hold an active or inactive Journeyman or Master Electrician’s license.
Physicality: The role requires lifting up to 50 lbs, climbing, and standing for long periods.
Flexibility: You must be willing to work late shifts, weekends, and holidays.
Documentation: You must provide a valid driver's license.

Skills Comparison Table

Skill Category	Requirement Level	Importance
Technical Troubleshooting	Advanced	Critical
National Electrical Code	Expert	Critical
Physical Stamina	Moderate	High
Schematic Interpretation	Proficient	High

Salary Overview

This position offers a competitive federal salary, ranging from $34.71 to $42.63 per hour. As a federal role, compensation is structured to attract top-tier talent, supplemented by the comprehensive federal benefits package.

Benefits

Working for the federal government provides peace of mind through a robust benefits package, including:

Comprehensive health and life insurance.
Generous retirement programs, including the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
Flexible spending accounts to manage healthcare and dependent care costs.
Ample vacation, sick leave, and federal holiday pay.

Application Tips

Resume Focus: Your resume must be two pages or less. Use the space to highlight your technical electrical experience rather than copying the job description.
Documentation: Don't forget to attach your license and driver's license; missing documents are a common cause of disqualification.
SF-50: If you are a current federal employee, ensure your SF-50 clearly shows your time-in-grade, as pay adjustment notices are often insufficient.

If you take pride in your craft and want to work in an environment where your skills help maintain history, apply for the Electrician position at the Smithsonian today. Visit the Smithsonian careers portal to start your application and join a team that values your technical expertise.

Why This Electrician Job Matters

Power the history of the world: Join the Smithsonian Institution as a professional Electrician and help maintain the infrastructure of the nation's most iconic research and museum complex.

Electrician Job Overview

The Smithsonian Institution is seeking a dedicated and skilled Electrician to join the Office of Facilities Management (FM) in Washington, D.C. In this role, you will be instrumental in the lifecycle stewardship of world-class facilities, ensuring that our museums, research centers, and public gardens remain safe, functional, and efficient. You will perform essential electrical maintenance, installation, and troubleshooting, contributing to an environment that hosts millions of visitors annually.

Requirements for Electrician

Must possess an active or inactive Journeyman or Master electrician's license.
Must hold a valid State or District of Columbia driver's license.
Ability to perform moderately heavy physical labor, including lifting up to 50 lbs.
Capacity to work outdoors in various weather conditions and climb stairs or ladders.
Willingness to work irregular hours, including late shifts, weekends, and holidays for emergency support.
U.S. Citizenship or appropriate eligibility status.

Preferred Qualifications for Electrician

Proven experience in troubleshooting, modifying, and installing complex premise wiring systems.
Expertise in emergency and standby power systems.
In-depth knowledge of the National Electrical Code.
Strong ability to interpret electrical drawings and schematics.
Experience in maintaining electrical control or monitoring systems for research environments.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive health insurance options
✓Federal retirement programs
✓Life insurance coverage
✓Flexible Spending Accounts
✓Generous leave policies
✓Long-term care insurance availability

💡 How to Apply Electrician Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Electrician Job

Prepare a resume that is strictly limited to two pages.
Register for a USAJobs account and locate the official job announcement.
Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
Upload required documentation, including your electrician's license and driver's license.
Submit your application package before the midnight Eastern Time deadline on the closing date.
Verify receipt via the confirmation email sent by the Smithsonian.

💡 General Tips

Do not copy and paste text from the job description into your resume; provide concrete examples of your work.
Ensure your resume includes starting and ending dates and hours worked per week for every job listed.
If you are a current or former federal employee, ensure you attach an SF-50 that verifies your time-in-grade.
Double-check that your license copies are clear and legible before uploading.
If you have trouble with the online system, reach out to the contact provided in the announcement immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is travel required for this position?

The position is based in Washington, D.C. with minimal to no travel outside of the local area.

Can I submit my application via fax?

Online application is the primary method. If you absolutely cannot apply online, you must receive prior approval from the HR contact to submit a paper application.

Are relocation expenses covered?

The Smithsonian does not pay for relocation expenses, though recruitment incentives may be authorized for qualified candidates.

Is this a permanent position?

Yes, this is a full-time, permanent federal position.

What is the security clearance level?

This is a non-sensitive, low-risk position requiring standard credentialing.

Job from Smithsonian Institution

The Smithsonian Institution is a global leader in education, research, and cultural preservation. Comprising 21 museums, 14 research centers, and the National Zoo, the Smithsonian is a massive, diverse operation. The Office of Facilities Management (FM) is the backbone of this organization, ensuring that over 180 acres of facilities, gardens, and research buildings operate safely and efficiently around the clock. Working for the Smithsonian means joining a mission-driven team dedicated to "Inspiring Generations through Knowledge and Discovery."