Visual Information Specialist (Exhibit Design)

US Smithsonian Institution; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The Smithsonian Institution seeks candidates in the Exhibits Design, Exhibits Operations and Program Support, Museum Research and Scholarship, National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI), Under Secretary for Museums and Culture (USMC). The role involves assisting with designing exhibitions and supporting project management across all stages from concept to maintenance.

Qualifications emphasize undergraduate/graduate study in visual arts or related fields, with possible knowledge of medicine,

Qualifications

• Undergraduate and graduate education in listed visual arts and design fields.
• Some positions may require subject-matter knowledge of medicine, science, or technical equipment.
• Specialized Experience: planning and using photographs, illustrations, drawings, and other artwork for visual communication.

Responsibilities

• Assist with designing an exhibition and help in project management to draft, arrange, and order exhibition projects.
• Develop visual materials for communication through visual means.

Skills

Exhibit design

Project management

Education

Commercial art

Fine arts

Art history

Industrial design

Architecture

Drafting

Interior design

Photography

Visual communication

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 Exhibits Design, Exhibits Operations and Program Support, Museum Research and Scholarship, National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI), Under Secretary for Museums and Culture (USMC), Smithsonian Institute (SI).

More than one selection may be made from this announcement

Undergraduate and Graduate Education: Major study -- commercial art, fine arts, art history, industrial design, architecture, drafting, interior design, photography, visual communication, or other fields related to the position. Some positions may also require subject-matter knowledge of medicine, science, or technical equipment.

Advanced training in a vocational school, technical institute, or art institute above the high school level in one of the fields listed above is creditable as general experience on a month-for-month basis.

OR

Specialized Experience (for positions above GS-5): Experience in the actual type of work for which application is made. Unpaid experience is creditable, provided the work done was of a quality level and demonstrated the ability required for the position. This includes planning the preparation and use of photographs, illustrations, drawings, and other artwork, charts, diagrams, dioramas, maps, slides, overlays, and other kinds of visual material for use in communicating information through visual means.

In addition to the basic qualification requirement above:

Experience: You qualify for this position if you have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 level in the Federal Service.For this position, specialized experience is defined as assisting with designing an exhibition, and helping in project management to draft, arrange, and order exhibition projects in all stages of exhibits development from design to ongoing maintenance.

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.