Visual Information Specialist (Exhibit Design).

Smithsonian Institution; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

The Smithsonian Institution seeks a Visual Information Specialist to design 3-D exhibitions at the National Museum of the American Indian in DC and NY. You will lead a multidisciplinary design team from feasibility through construction, coordinating schedules, budgets, and production with fabrication shops.

Proficiency in Vector Works CAD and Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator) is essential to create detailed exhibition packages for internal review and fabrication partners.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate and Graduate Education in design-related fields (commercial art, fine arts, art history, industrial design, architecture, drafting, interior design, photography, visual communication, or related fields).
• Specialized experience (GS-11 level) in assisting with exhibition design and project management across all stages of exhibit development.
• Ability to write and administer design contracts using Smithsonian/NMAI approved procedures.
• Experience designing exhibitions and coordinating schedules, budgets, and material requirements for exhibits.

Responsibilities

• Lead a multi-disciplinary design team through all project phases from feasibility to construction completion.
• Design exhibitions using Vector Works CAD and Adobe Creative Suite.
• Develop, coordinate, and monitor schedules, budgets, and material requirements for exhibit projects.

Education

Undergraduate/Graduate education in design-related fields

Tools

Vector Works

InDesign

Photoshop

Illustrator

Job description

Duties

The Visual Information Specialist is responsible for designing 3-D exhibitions at the NMAI-DC and NMAI-NY, and to provide a variety of services in support of the overall planning, development and execution of exhibitions for the Museum.

In This Position, You Will

• Utilize a highly developed knowledge of museum design, theory, technology, methodology, and exercise responsibility for the design of exhibitions at the NMAI. Lead a multi-disciplinary design team during all project phases, from the feasibility planning to the “Big Idea” design development and project implementation or construction completion.
• Exercise responsibilities to write and administer a wide variety of design contracts using the NMAI and Smithsonian approved procedures.
• Use Vector Works Computer Aid Design (CAD) software, Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator), to create drawn packages and details for review by internal authorities and for use by fabrication shops.
• Develop, coordinate, and monitor the schedules, budgets, and material requirements for the design and production of assigned exhibit projects. Consult with others to create, review, and approve exhibition timetables and budgets for short- and long-term projects

Requirements

Conditions of employment

• Pass Pre-employment Background Investigation
• May need to complete a Probationary Period
• Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer
• Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered with Selective Service.

Conditions of Employment

Qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement.

For information on qualification requirements, see Qualification Standards Handbook for General Schedule Positions on

Qualifications

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.

Education

You must meet the basic education requirements listed above.

Additional information

This position is included in the bargaining unit.

Recruitment Incentive:

Recruitment incentive(s) may be authorized for this position. However, approval for incentives are contingent upon various availability. If authorized, certain incentives will require the incumbent to sign a service agreement to remain in the Federal government for a certain time period.

Note:

This statement does not imply nor guarantee an incentive will be offered and paid.

Selections may be made for vacancies across the Smithsonian Institution (SI). By applying to this position, you agree to allow your application and other personal information to be shared with one or more SI hiring officials for employment consideration for same/similar positions within the location(s) identified in this announcement.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

The Smithsonian offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, vacation and sick leave, holidays, health/life insurance, accident insurance, and excellent retirement program options.

Please see Benefits at

• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Health Insurance
• Leave
• Life Insurance
• Long Term Care Insurance
• Retirement Program