Become a Museum Specialist at the National Gallery of Art
Are you passionate about the preservation of cultural heritage? The National Gallery of Art is seeking a dedicated Museum Specialist (Art) to assist in a critical phase of collection management. This role offers an opportunity to work within one of the world's most prestigious institutions, located on the historic National Mall.
Job Responsibilities
You will be working within the Division of Prints and Drawings, directly reporting to the Collections Manager. Your core duties will include:
- Re-organizing and consolidating art collections for secure transfer.
- Collaborating with curators and conservators to determine appropriate housing for fragile works on paper.
- Utilizing The Museum System (TMS) to maintain precise records of art movements.
- Transporting art pieces between secure storage and designated areas.
Comparison: Qualifications
| Feature | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Education | Masters or 2 yrs grad study OR relevant experience |
| Experience | 1 year at GS-07 equivalent |
| Physicality | Lift up to 50 lbs |
| Citizenship | Required |
Requirements
To qualify, you must possess at least one year of specialized experience executing collection movement projects for fine art. Applicants must also be U.S. citizens and able to pass a background check.
Salary and Benefits
The position offers a competitive salary range of $70,623 to $91,815 annually. Employees enjoy the standard Federal benefits package, including health insurance, retirement contributions, and leave accrual.
Application Tips
Keep your resume concise (max 2 pages) and focus on specific experiences that mirror the duties of a collections specialist. Always verify that your documentation is complete to avoid being disqualified for an incomplete application package.
This role is ideal for an organized, detail-oriented individual looking to make a lasting impact on how the nation's art is preserved. Apply today to contribute your expertise to the National Gallery of Art.
Why This Museum Specialist (Art) Job Matters
Shape the future of art history at the National Gallery of Art by facilitating the movement and preservation of world-class collections.
Museum Specialist (Art) Job Overview
The National Gallery of Art is currently seeking a detail-oriented Museum Specialist (Art) to join the Division of Prints and Drawings. This vital role focuses on the logistical oversight, safe handling, and re-housing of nearly 120,000 prints, drawings, and illustrated books as they transition to a new offsite storage facility. You will be at the heart of our mission to care for our extensive collection, ensuring that these masterpieces are preserved for future generations while supporting ongoing museum operations.
Requirements for Museum Specialist (Art)
- Must be a United States Citizen.
- Must be able to pass a pre-employment background investigation.
- Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered for Selective Service.
- Must possess a valid driver's license.
- Physical ability to lift and transport boxes weighing up to 50 pounds.
- One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 level in Federal service or private sector.
- Must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date.
Preferred Qualifications for Museum Specialist (Art)
- Master's degree or two full academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education in a relevant field.
- Proven experience executing collection movement projects for works of art on paper.
- Proficiency in collection management software, specifically The Museum System (TMS).
- Comprehensive knowledge of art handling, archival packing, and storage techniques for prints and drawings.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive Federal health insurance plans
- ✓Federal retirement program and savings options
- ✓Life insurance coverage
- ✓Flexible Spending Accounts
- ✓Generous annual and sick leave accrual
💡 How to Apply Museum Specialist (Art) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Museum Specialist (Art) Job
- Create or update your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a resume that does not exceed 2 pages, detailing your experience with specific dates and hours.
- Complete all required online questionnaires and assessment questions.
- Upload supporting documentation including transcripts, SF-50 (if applicable), and veteran documentation.
- Submit your application through the official portal before the deadline.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume clearly highlights relevant, quantifiable experience related to museum collection management.
- Double-check that your resume includes specific dates (month/year) and hours worked per week for every position listed.
- Avoid including sensitive personal data like SSN or photos on your resume.
- Submit your application well before the deadline to account for potential technical issues.
- Monitor your status through your USAJOBS account to stay updated on the review process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this role?
The primary focus is managing the logistical movement and re-housing of prints and drawings into a new offsite facility while ensuring the safety and cataloging accuracy of the items.
Is a specific degree required?
While a degree is not strictly required, you must meet the specialized experience requirement, or a combination of graduate-level education and relevant work experience.
Is this a permanent position?
The initial appointment is for one year, with the possibility of extension depending on funding and project needs.
Job from National Gallery Of Art
The National Gallery of Art is the nation’s museum, providing free admission to millions of visitors annually. It houses a vast collection of over 160,000 works of art, ranging from ancient artifacts to contemporary masterpieces. The gallery serves as a hub for art, creativity, and education, maintaining the highest standards for conservation and research.