Clarification from the agency

United States citizens and nationals

As the Museum Specialist9Art), you will:

•  Cataloguing, Research, and Acquisition Catalogue photographs entering the collection; perform required research related to the scholarly cataloguing of those works, using English and European language research sources; records cataloguing information for each work in the National Gallery's online collection management system (TMS); work with Registrar’s office to ensure their accessioning; update already existing object records as new information becomes available; ensure that artists' biographies in the database are accurate and current; perform research on artists who are new to the Gallery's collection, and create new biographical records. As assigned, assist curators in managing lists and performing research on possible acquisitions through gift and purchase. Prepare provenance forms for all incoming acquisitions and assist with preparation (managing lists, arranging matting and framing, and transporting photographs) for the four annual Board of Trustees meetings.
• Care and Management of Collection  Maintain the safe and orderly storage of all photographs, a collection of over 22,000, in the various storage spaces housing the collection. Anticipate storage and housing needs and requisition necessary materials and supplies; coordinate the labeling and permanent housing of photographs. Ensure that art storerooms are kept organized, clean, and neat and coordinate periodic maintenance of storerooms with AFM and other appropriate offices.
• Exhibition Assistance Provide scholarly research and administrative support for special exhibitions and accompanying publications primarily organized from the permanent collection.
• Public Service and Collegiality Work with a wide variety of other museum professionals, including registrar, conservation, photography services, matting and framing. Coordinate appointments for study room with the Collections Manager, retrieve and return photographs requested by visitors, participate in the supervision of visitors, and otherwise assist them while they are examining objects. As requested, responds to public inquiries about the collection of photographs at the National Gallery of Art and about the proper storage and maintenance of photographs, according to National Gallery guidelines.

Conditions of employment

• You must be a United States Citizen.
• This employer participates in the e-Verify program.
• Males must abide by Selective Service registration requirements.
• See "Other Information" section regarding Selective Service requirements.

Your resume serves as the basis for qualification determinations and must highlight your most relevant and significant work experience and education (if applicable) as it relates to this job opportunity. 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). Your resume must include the dates of all qualifying experience (from month/year to month/year) and the number of hours worked/volunteered per week.

Qualifications

Candidates must meet the Qualification Standards Handbook requirements for the GS-1016-9. A qualified candidate's online application and resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 in the Federal service. Specialized experience is at least one year of experience performing photograph collection management work in an art museum with training in collection management, art historical research, and art handling operations in addition to experience assisting in organizing photograph exhibitions.

Your application and resume must demonstrate that you possess the following knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs). Do not provide a separate narrative written statement. Rather, you must show in your résumé how your past work experience demonstrates that you possess the KSAs identified below. If asked to do so, cite specific examples of employment or experience contained in your resume and describe how this experience has prepared you to successfully perform the duties of this position. DO NOT write "see resume" in your application!

Those applicants who meet the minimum qualification requirements will be evaluated against these factors to determine the best-qualified candidates.

1. General knowledge of art history and more specialized knowledge in the history and techniques of photographs, as evidenced by training, degrees, research, or other experience. 
2. Knowledge of advanced methods of art historical research, bibliography, and cataloguing as evidenced by training, degrees, research, or other experience.
3. Knowledge and experience with online collection management databases, and the ability to master The Museum System (TMS) used at the Gallery, as evidenced by training, degrees, research, or other experience.
4. Reading knowledge of at least one foreign language: French, Italian, or Spanish.
5. Knowledge of and ability to perform proper collections management procedures, including safe movement, handling, and storage techniques for photographs; ability to handle works of art with extreme care and to maintain constant regard for their fragility, as evidenced by training and/or work experience.
6. Ability to multi-task, prioritize, and execute work efficiently to meet deadlines.
7. Strong organizational skills. Ability to meet deadlines, work independently, and to accomplish tasks in an effective and timely way with close attention to accuracy and detail.
8. Ability to communicate patiently and effectively in written and oral form with fellow staff members, professional colleagues, members of the general public, knowledgeable collectors, and other contacts.  Ability to deal comfortably and tactfully with people from all walks of life and to work independently as well as part of a team.

 "Experience" refers to paid and unpaid experience. Examples of qualifying unpaid experience may include: volunteer work done through National Service programs (such as Peace Corps and AmeriCorps); as well as work for other community-based philanthropic and social organizations. 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.

Time-in-Grade: Current Federal employees must meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of this announcement to receive consideration under merit promotion procedures.

CTAP/ICTAP candidates: To be considered "well qualified" you must meet all of the requirements as described in this section.

You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

How you will be evaluated

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

Your application will be evaluated and rated under the Category Rating and Selection procedures. The quality categories are defined as "Best Qualified", "Well Qualified", and "Qualified".

Based on your responses to the job-specific self-assessment questions, eligible candidates are placed for selection consideration into one of three pre-defined quality categories as described below:

Best Qualified Category - In addition to meeting minimum qualifications for the position, candidates must fully demonstrate proficiency in all major aspects of the position.

Well Qualified Category - In addition to meeting minimum qualifications, candidates must demonstrate proficiency in some, but not all of the major aspects of the position.

Qualified Category - In addition to meeting minimum qualifications, applicants must demonstrate a basic level of knowledge, skill and ability of the position.

If you are eligible for career transition assistance plans such as ICTAP or CTAP, you must meet the definition of "well qualified" which is defined as having a score of 85 or better.

Application of Veterans Preference: The Category Rating Method 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 pre-defined quality category. Preference eligibles who meet minimum qualification requirements and who have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10 percent (i.e., CPS and CP) must be listed in the highest quality category, except when the position being filled is scientific or professional at the GS-09 grade level or higher.

If your resume is incomplete or does not support the responses you provided in your online questionnaire, or if you fail to submit all required documentation before the vacancy closes, you may be rated 'ineligible', 'not qualified', or your score may be adjusted accordingly.