Clarification from the agency

More than one selection may be made from this announcement.

The incumbent performs highly skilled work in the preservation, restoration and storage of museum artifacts. Objects treated may incorporate a wide range of different materials, such as metal, wood, paint, plastic, textiles, paper, and other organic and inorganic substances. 

Will also perform the following duties: 

• Prepares work plans and administrative documents necessary to carry out a variety of conservation projects.

• Examines museum objects, such as fine and decorative arts, domestic objects, medical and scientific instruments and equipment, agricultural tools and machinery, industrial & manufacturing machines and tools, transportation related objects and vehicles, and any of the wide variety of artifacts that make up the 1.7 million objects in our collection.

• Identifies the objects current condition and the nature and extent of treatment needed for their preservation, conservation, or restoration.

• Prepares a written treatment proposal for the object which explains treatment objectives, methods and materials, and where relevant, explains possible alternative treatment procedures. 

• Advises curators, technicians, exhibit design and production staff, and others, on the conservation needs of the collections being prepared for exhibition, loan, or storage. Works independently and with others to carry out conservation work related to such projects.
• Participates in professional conferences and meetings to keep abreast of the latest developments in the field of conservation.

Conditions of employment

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

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 GS-11 position if you have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-09 level in the Federal Service or comparable pay band system. For this position Specialized experience as 1) performing conservation of three-dimensional historic objects and art in a museum or cultural institution to include coordinating and organizing conservation work related to multiple concurrent projects; 2) conducting object-level conservation surveys to determine condition and treatment needs; 3) preparing object-level conservation treatment proposals and reports; and 4) performing object-level conservation treatments.

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

How you will be evaluated

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

All applicants who meet or exceed minimum qualifications will receive a final rating within one of three category groups based on one or more stages of evaluation which measure job-related criteria:

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

• Knowledge of the theories, practices, methods, and techniques of preservation, conservation, and restoration treatments for museum artifacts applicable to a wide range of procedures for the safe conservation, exhibition, and storage of historic objects of great value and significance

• Skill in the use of the tools, equipment, and supplies commonly used in large museum conservation labs and of related processes such as photographic documentation.

• Ability to work effectively with and harmoniously with other staff, including those having different backgrounds and program goals.
  
  

• Ability to develop new and improved methods and techniques for the treatment of objects

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.

If you are found qualified for this position and meet or exceed a predefined rating threshold from your questionnaire responses, you may be contacted by email to complete or submit additional assessments such as work samples, short essays, or other appropriate assessments within approximately one week of the job announcement closing. 

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.