Become a Guardian of History: Supervisory Exhibits Specialist at Lowell National Historical Park

The National Park Service (NPS) invites passionate history enthusiasts and technical experts to apply for the position of Supervisory Exhibits Specialist (Weave Room). Based at the storied Lowell National Historical Park, this role is critical to the preservation and interpretation of America's Industrial Revolution. You won't just be managing a museum; you will be keeping history in motion.

Job Responsibilities

As the Supervisory Exhibits Specialist, your primary focus is the operation and maintenance of the historic weave room within the Boott Cotton Mills Museum. Your responsibilities include:

Operational Leadership: Manage a fully functioning historic weaving exhibit featuring over 80 operating looms.
Staff Management: Recruit, train, and supervise a team of personnel dedicated to maintaining historic industrial equipment.
Safety & Maintenance: Requisition necessary supplies, perform routine equipment repair, and maintain strict safety standards for both staff and the public.
Educational Outreach: Conduct and oversee hands-on demonstrations that highlight industrial history to park visitors.

Comparison of Requirements

Requirement	Description
Experience	1 year of specialized experience at the GS-09 level.
Education	Ph.D. or 3 years of progressively higher-level graduate study.
Combination	A mix of graduate education and experience totaling 100%.
Age Requirement	Must be 18+ (or 16+ with specific educational certifications).

Requirements

To be eligible, applicants must meet specific federal criteria by the announcement closing date. This includes being a U.S. citizen, passing a background check, and ensuring your resume clearly states the hours worked per week for each position held. Failure to document hours per week can lead to your experience not being credited.

Salary Overview

This position is classified at the GS-11 grade level. The salary range is currently set at $84,579 to $109,959 per year, depending on steps and federal service history.

Benefits

Employees of the National Park Service enjoy access to extensive federal benefits, including:

Health and dental insurance programs.
Federal retirement pension plans.
Opportunities for ongoing professional growth within the Department of the Interior.
A collaborative work environment within a National Park setting.

Application Tips

Be Precise: Use a resume format that indicates specific dates (month-year) and total hours worked.
Quality Over Quantity: While you must provide enough detail to prove qualifications, keep your resume strictly to the two-page limit.
Transcripts: If you are using education to qualify, ensure you upload your full transcripts including your GPA and degree conferral date.

This role is more than just a job; it’s an opportunity to maintain a living piece of American history. If you have the technical skills to handle industrial machinery and the leadership qualities to guide a team, we encourage you to apply to the National Park Service today.

Why This Supervisory Exhibits Specialist (Weave Room) Job Matters

Bring history to life by leading the iconic Weave Room at the Lowell National Historical Park—a unique opportunity to manage historic industrial machinery and inspire the next generation.

Supervisory Exhibits Specialist (Weave Room) Job Overview

The National Park Service is seeking a dedicated Supervisory Exhibits Specialist to oversee the historic weaving operations at the Boott Cotton Mills Museum in Lowell, Massachusetts. In this role, you will lead the charge in maintaining and demonstrating the site’s historic textile equipment, ensuring that the Industrial Revolution’s legacy is preserved, interpreted, and shared with the public through high-quality, engaging educational experiences.

Requirements for Supervisory Exhibits Specialist (Weave Room)

Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
Submit a resume not exceeding two single-sided pages (minimum 10-point font).
Must be at least 16 years old with required documentation.
Must pass a background investigation.
Registration for Selective Service (for males born after 12-31-59).
Participation in mandatory Direct Deposit.
Successful completion of E-Verify employment verification.
Ability to serve a 1-year probationary period.
Meet specific specialized experience or educational requirements by the closing date.

Preferred Qualifications for Supervisory Exhibits Specialist (Weave Room)

Proven track record in managing historic machinery or industrial textile equipment.
Experience in supervising, training, and scheduling museum or educational staff.
Strong proficiency in applying contemporary museum standards to industrial or technical exhibits.
Demonstrated ability to perform hands-on technical demonstrations for public audiences.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Federal career opportunities with the Department of the Interior.
✓Comprehensive health and life insurance options.
✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
✓Paid federal holidays and leave accrual.
✓Professional development and training opportunities.

💡 How to Apply Supervisory Exhibits Specialist (Weave Room) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Supervisory Exhibits Specialist (Weave Room) Job

Review the full vacancy announcement in detail.
Prepare a federal-style resume clearly documenting work hours, grades, and experience.
Gather supporting documentation (transcripts, DD-214 for veterans, etc.).
Log into USAJOBS to start your application.
Complete the online questionnaire and attach all required documents.
Submit the application package before the 11:59 PM ET deadline on November 3, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume specifically lists 'full-time' or the exact number of hours worked per week; otherwise, your experience may not be credited.
Keep your resume strictly to two pages or less to avoid automatic disqualification.
Use the 'Apply Online' button to upload all necessary documents in the correct format (avoid Adobe portfolios).
Double-check that transcripts include your name, school, credit hours, and GPA.
Preview the questionnaire early to understand the technical competencies being evaluated.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a Supervisory Exhibits Specialist do at Lowell National Historical Park?

You will manage the historic weaving exhibit, which includes supervising staff, maintaining functional historic looms, requisitioning supplies, and ensuring the safety of visitors and employees.

Can I use volunteer experience to qualify?

Yes, both paid and unpaid volunteer experience are considered, provided they demonstrate the required competencies for the role.

Are there physical requirements for this job?

Yes, the role requires frequent physical exertion, including lifting, pushing, pulling, carrying, and extended periods of standing, crouching, or stooping.

What is the work environment like?

*A: The environment involves high noise levels from machinery, exposure to periodic toxic fumes, and working on various surfaces. You will be provided with necessary safety gear.*

Is relocation assistance provided?

*A: Yes, relocation expenses may be authorized for the right candidate.*

Job from National Park Service

The Department of the Interior’s National Park Service is dedicated to preserving the natural and cultural resources that define our nation. At Lowell, we tell the story of the transition from farm to factory, the rise of industrial technology, and the vibrant history of the 'mill girls' and immigrants who built this region. Joining our team means contributing to a legacy that will be shared with visitors for generations to come.