Supervisory Chief Conservator

Smithsonian; Washington, Northern (District of Columbia, KY); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

The Smithsonian Institution's conservation laboratory at the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden seeks a conservation professional at the GS-12 level. The role involves examining and treating fine art objects, documenting conditions and treatments, monitoring environments, managing budgets, and mentoring conservation staff.

Applicants should demonstrate experience with stewardship of museum collections and be prepared to discuss related projects and responsibilities during the selection

Qualifications

• Specialized experience examining and treating fine art objects.
• Documenting object conditions and conservation treatments.
• Monitor environmental conditions and identify risks to collections.
• Manage project budgets and supervise conservation staff.

Skills

Fine art conservation

Condition documentation

Environmental monitoring

Budget management

Staff supervision

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 conservation laboratory of the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden (HMSG), Smithsonian Institution (SI). The conservation laboratory is an integral part of the Collections Care and Management Department, charged with the stewardship of the collections of the Museum.

Experience:You qualify for this position if you have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 level in the Federal Service. For this position, specialized experience is defined as demonstrated experience examining and treating fine art objects; documenting object conditions and conservation treatments; monitoring environmental conditions and identifying potential risks to collections; managing project budgets; and supervising and/or mentoring conservation staff.

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.