About this role
Job SummaryThe Smithsonian Institution is the world's largest museum, education, and research complex, with 21 museums and the National Zoo. The National Museum of Natural History (NMNH) is a bureau of the Smithsonian Institution responsible for the acquisition, curation, and preservation of collections of objects and specimens of natural history, which tells the history of the planet and a record of human interaction with the environment. More than one selection may be made from this announcement.
QualificationsExperience: 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 experience in conservation theories, practices, and treatment methods applicable to the scientific examination, restoration and preservation of museum artifacts of natural science and/or anthropological collections; and in the practice in one area of preventive conservation (e.g. disaster management, environmental monitoring, surveys and assessments, shipping, exhibit and storage strategies, digital documentation). 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. Or Education: Three full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree related to the position may be substituted to meet the experience requirements. 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.
Major DutiesThe Assistant Conservator will support the care of NMNH's biological, geological, and anthropological collections in a variety of preservation formats. In this position, you will: Assist in the implementation of conservation services across NMNH and assists the Museum Conservator in planning and coordinating conservation activities. Prepare written collection and/or facility or exhibit surveys, technical examination reports, and treatment proposals with sketches, analytical reports, digital images, and radiographs. Perform skilled conservation work in the examination, documentation, preservation, and restoration of specimens and objects in the collection. Provide exhibition conservation support, guidance, and assistance to the Office of Exhibits and relevant departmental staff. Contribute to all aspects of preventive conservation program to generate and disseminate pertinent information to relevant stakeholders.RequirementsConditions of Employment Qualification requirements, including one year time-in-grade at the next lower grade level for promotion candidates, must be met within 30 days of the job announcement closing date. See the 'Required Documents' section for additional information. For information on qualification requirements, see Qualification Standards Handbook for General Schedule Positions viewable on OPM Website.