• Researches American history as it relates to American music, music history and the American music industry through objects and collections, as well as the connections between America’s diverse populations and their role in the development of America’s arts and entertainments with an emphasis on Latinx or African American musicians and musical traditions.
• Collects and manages large and diverse collections which provide the basis for interpreting American history through the material cultures of different peoples, times, regions and groups and within the context of the broader society.
• Researches American history primarily through objects and collections as well as traditional primary and secondary written and printed sources of documentation.
• Develops and maintains scholarly contacts, gives invited lectures, presents papers at professional meetings, and develops and participates in public and other educational programs.
• Plans and develops exhibition concepts for showcase and similar exhibitions or as part of a larger exhibition team.

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.

Qualification requirements must be met within 30 days of the job announcement closing date.

For information on qualification requirements, see Qualification Standards Handbook for General Schedule Positions viewable on the web at http://www.opm.gov/qualifications.

Qualifications

You qualify for this position if you possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 level in the Federal Service or comparable pay band system. 

For this position specialized experience is defined as experience researching, collecting or exhibiting the material culture of American music, such as musical instruments, recordings, costumes, manuscripts and scores, in historical context. 

In addition to the meeting the Basic Requirements listed below in Education, in order to qualify for this position you MUST possess the following Selective Factor:

Selective Factor: 

Skill working at a scholarly level in the fields of American history, American studies, ethnic studies, musicology or ethnomusicology as it relates to American music with a research focus and expertise on at least one of the following areas: popular or vernacular music, including jazz, or any range of Latinx or African American musicians or musical traditions.

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.

PLEASE NOTE:

• APPLICANTS MAY BE REQUIRED TO SUBMIT A WRITING SAMPLE IF SELECTED FOR AN INTERVIEW. DETAILS WILL BE FORWARDED TO THOSE SELECTED CANDIDATES.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Your resume will be used to evaluate your experience, education, and/or training that address the competencies below:

1. Knowledge of American Music History and Culture to collect and research objects and collections.
2. Knowledge of research methodology and techniques.
3. Ability to communicate in writing with scholars and lay audiences.
4. Ability to verbally communicate with scholars and lay audiences.
5. Knowledge to develop physical and virtual exhibitions and public programs.

Applicants who meet or exceed minimum qualifications will be assigned to one of three category groups based on job-related criteria:

Best Category - Meets the minimum qualification requirements and excels in most of the job related competencies above.

Better Category - Meets the minimum qualification requirements and satisfies most of the job related competencies above.

Good Category - Meets the minimum qualification requirements, but does not satisfy most of the job related competencies above to a substantive degree.

This category rating process does not add veterans' preference points or apply the "rule of three", but protects the rights of veterans by placing them ahead of non-preference eligibles within each category. A selecting official may make selections from the highest quality category (Best Category) provided no preference eligible in that category is passed over to select a non-preference eligible in that category unless the requirements of 5 U.S.C. 3317(b) or 3318(b) are satisfied. Preference eligibles who meet minimum qualification requirements and who have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10 percent must be listed in the highest quality category, except when the position being filled is scientific or professional at the GS-9 grade level or higher. Applicants who have not submitted a resume in the USAjobs system and/or have not answered all of the vacancy questions will not be considered for this position.

Important Note: The review of your resume will determine your final rating and should provide sufficient information regarding how your education and experience relate to this position, including the major duties and qualifications criteria listed.