Museum Specialist (Aeronautics)

Summary 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 and Space Museums, Collections Archives Logistics Associate directorate, Collections department, Preservation & Restoration section. More than one selection may be made from this announcement. Responsibilities The Museum Specialist (Aeronautics) is a skilled member of the preservation/restoration team; and is responsible for protecting the National Collection of Aeronautics and Space Artifacts through proper and authentic preservation and restoration techniques. In this position, you will: Perform tasks of a highly technical nature in support of NASM’s preservation/restoration program, primarily but not exclusively, preparing the large artifacts in the aeronautics and space history collections for movements to and from exhibit and/or artifact storage. Determine which supplies, special equipment and tools are required for each specific project. Selects and uses appropriate cleaning solvents, paint removers and corrosion removal chemicals that will not adversely affect the artifacts to which they are applied. Maintain a clear, concise and detailed report of each restoration project, often with daily entries. Determine necessary tasks to ensure the preservation of complete aircraft and space craft that have been subjected to outdoor exposure, and storage environments that have been less than museum standards. Design and constructs forms, jigs, cradles, dollies and slings as needed to safely handle the artifacts during the restoration process and in preparation for the movement of the artifacts to be rigged into locations for exhibit. 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. Work involves lifting, stooping, climbing and working in awkward positions. Must be able to lift objects weighing up to 40 lbs. without assistance. Work requires substantial walking, standing, bending and reaching. Requires contact with lead paint, asbestos or other hazardous materials. Must be a U.S. Citizen 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 OPM website. Qualifications Basic Qualifications GS-9 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: 1) Application of conservation, preservation or restoration techniques to technical, industrial, and/or transportation machinery or aerospace equipment;2) Documentation of project progress or completion summary; 3) Ability to read and understand manuals and technical data related to this field; 4) Movement and rigging of aircraft, spacecraft, and/or aerospace artifacts. OR Education: Two full academic years of progressively higher level graduate education Or Master'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 1) Application of conservation, preservation or restoration techniques to industrial, and/or aerospace equipment; 2) Performing projects on an independent level, including resource planning (such as materials and time estimates; 3) Movement and rigging of aircraft, spacecraft, and aerospace artifacts. 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 Education can be substituted in lieu of specialized experience ONLY at the GS-9 grade level. Additional Information This position is included in the bargaining unit. Current or Former Political Appointees: Beginning January 1, 2010, agencies must seek prior approval from OPM before they can appoint a current or recent political appointee to a competitive or non-political excepted service position at any level under the provisions of title 5, United States Code. If you are currently or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, or Non-career SES employee in the executive branch, you MUST disclose that to the Office of Human Resources. Submit a copy of your applicable SF-50, along with a statement that provides the following information regarding your most recent political appointment: Position title; Type of appointment (Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES, or Presidential Appointee); Agency; and, Beginning and ending dates of appointment. 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.