Museum Specialist (General)

US Smithsonian Institution; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

The Smithsonian Institution, located at the National Air & Space Museum, seeks a position in the Collections Processing Unit to protect and manage the National Collections of Aeronautics and Space Artifacts. The role emphasizes safe handling, packing, and transport of delicate objects, with strict adherence to environmental, security, and conservation standards.

Candidates should demonstrate progressively higher experience in artifact handling, cataloging, and transportation planning, including

Qualifications

• Experience handling delicate artifacts, including packing, unpacking, and moving.
• Experience in cataloging, documentation, and inventory management.
• Experience planning artifact transportation locally.

Skills

Artifact handling

Packing & crating

Environmental controls

Security protocols

Education

Graduate education

Master's degree

Tools

Crating systems

Lifters

Climate‑controlled containers

Job description

The Smithsonian Institution is the world’s largest museum, education, and research complex, with 21 museums and the National Zoo. This position is located in the National Air & Space Museum/Collections Processing Unit (CPU). The Collections Processing Unit is responsible for protecting the National Collections of Aeronautics and Space Artifacts in perpetuity and guaranteeing intellectual and physical control over those collections.

GS-07 Experience: You qualify for this position if you have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-05 level in the Federal Service. For this position, specialized experience is defined as:

• Experience and knowledge in handling delicate and valuable artifacts, including proper techniques for packing, unpacking, and physically moving objects
• Experience cataloging, documentation, and inventory management
• Experience planning and executing artifact transportation locally

Or Education:

One full year of graduate level education OR superior academic achievement in a field related to this position.

OR

Or a Combination: Education and experience may be combined to meet the basic qualifications. For a full explanation of this option please see the Qualification Standards. Special Instructions for Foreign Education: If you are qualifying by education and/or you have education completed in a foreign college/university described above, it is your responsibility to provide transcripts and proof of U.S. accreditation for foreign study. For instructions on where to fax these documents, see the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.

GS-09: Experience: You qualify for this position if you have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-07 level in the Federal Service. For this position, specialized experience is defined as:

• Experience and knowledge in handling large and valuable artifacts, including proper techniques for packing, unpacking, and physically moving objects. This includesunderstanding appropriate environmental conditions, security protocols, and preventive conservation measures to ensure the safety and preservation of the artifactsduring handling and transportation.
• Experience in planning and executing artifact transportation, both locally and internationally. This includes knowledge of packing materials and methods, customsregulations, insurance requirements, and logistics coordination.
• Experience using specialized handling equipment, such as crating systems, lifters, or climate-controlled containers is required.

Or Education:

Two full academic years of progressively higher level graduate education ORMaster's or equivalent graduate degree related to the position

Or a Combination: Education and experience may be combined to meet the basic qualifications. For a full explanation of this option please see the Qualification Standards. Special Instructions for Foreign Education: If you are qualifying by education and/or you have education completed in a foreign college/university described above, it is your responsibility to provide transcripts and proof of U.S. accreditation for foreign study. For instructions on where to fax these documents, see the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.

GS-11 Experience: You qualify for this position if you have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-09 level in the Federal Service.For this position, specialized experience is defined as:

• Extensive experience and knowledge in handling aerospace artifacts, including proper techniques for packing, unpacking, and physically moving objects. This includes understanding appropriate environmental conditions, security protocols, and preventive conservation measures to ensure the safety and preservation of the artifacts during handling and transportation.
• Experience researching local and international regulations governing artifact transportation, including customs requirements, import/export permits, and cultural heritage protection laws. Understanding legal and ethical considerations related to repatriation and provenance research is required.
• Extensive experience in packing and crating artifacts for transportation, considering their fragility, size, and material composition. This involves selecting appropriate packing materials, such as acid‑free tissue paper, foam, or padding, and using proper techniques to create protective enclosures or crates.

Your resume must be no more than two (2) pages and should clearly demonstrate how your experience aligns with the responsibilities and specialized experience required for this position. Do not copy language directly from the vacancy announcement, as you will be deemed ineligible for consideration. Instead, provide detailed, descriptive information about your actual experience.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Part-time and/or unpaid experience related to this position will be considered to determine the total number of years and months of experience. Be sure to note the number of paid or unpaid hours worked each week.