Skip to main content
U.S. flag
Back to results

Summary

The incumbent in this position serves as the Museum Specialist in the Division of Registration and Loans (PRL). The primary purpose of this position is to execute art movement projects for all works under the jurisdiction of the National Gallery with a focus on the preparation of outgoing loans to borrowing institutions. 

Overview

Help
Reviewing applications
Open & closing dates
07/21/2023 to 07/26/2023
Salary
$78,592 to - $102,166 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 11
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Washington, DC
1 vacancy
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
Yes—Per agency policy
Travel Required
Not required
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Competitive
Promotion potential
11
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Other
Drug test
No
Announcement number
NGA-23-133-MP
Control number
738434900

Duties

Help

The Museum Specialist will perform the following duties:

  • Handle movement of artworks using proper techniques and equipment: Utilize appropriate techniques and equipment (e.g., dollies, heavy lifts, rolling carts, rigging) to handle artworks of various media, whether crated or uncrated.
  • Safely transport and position artworks according to established protocols.
  • Collaborate with staff members of other institutions and contractors: Work with staff members from other institutions and external contractors during complex installations.
  • Provide clear instructions and special guidance regarding armatures, hardware, framing/reframing, and hanging systems to ensure successful and precise installations.
  • Dust, clean, and vacuum all art objects on public display and in storage areas.
  • Consult with the conservation department to ensure proper cleaning methods and preservation of artworks.
  • Collaborate with registrars, conservators, curators, and design staff to establish installation schedules for artworks.
  • Coordinate with team members to ensure timely completion of installations according to exhibition plans and requirements.
  • Prepare artworks for shipment, particularly those traveling as outgoing loans from the National Gallery's collection to borrowing institutions. This involves various tasks such as replacing backing boards, securely fitting artworks into frames, outfitting them with Plexiglas, or fitting them into vitrines.
  • Collaborate with loan registrars and the art handling loan coordinator to coordinate outgoing loans.
  • Determine the necessary packing preparations and packing schedules for artworks being loaned out to other institutions.
  • Ensure compliance with Transportation Security Administration (TSA) regulations when packing artworks for shipment by aircraft carrier.
  • Follow the required guidelines and procedures to pack artworks securely and safely.
  • Operate the National Gallery's art Sprinter or vans during extended trips to pick up or deliver works of art.
  • Assist the primary guard driver in transportation tasks.
  • Deal with unexpected and emergency situations that may arise during art transportation.
  • Make independent decisions to ensure the safety and protection of the artworks being transported.
  • Collaborate with freight forwarding and customs personnel during the unloading, handling, and loading of artworks.
  • Coordinate activities to ensure the safe and proper movement of the artworks.
  • Communicate the required handling procedures to airport personnel to ensure the safe transport of artworks.
  • Provide instructions on crate orientation and any specific requirements to ensure the artworks are handled correctly.
  • Acts as host to visiting couriers, assuring that their immediate needs are addressed to make their visit to the National Gallery pleasant and fulfilling.

Requirements

Help

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-1016-11. Candidates must possess at least one year of specialized experience, equivalent in responsibility to the federal GS-9 level, executing art movement projects for the public in the arts, culture, education, or other related fields.

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. Experience handling artworks by using proper techniques and equipment.
  2. Experience handling art work while ensuring accurate and precise execution of packing tasks, such as aligning artwork within frames, securing backing boards, and fitting Plexiglas or vitrines correctly.
  3. Experience working collaboratively and creatively with staff members from other institutions and external contractors during complex installations.
  4. Ability to demonstrate problem-solving skills in identifying and resolving any challenges or issues that may arise during the packing process. 
  5. Excellent written and oral communication skills.
  6. Ability to adhere to established protocols and guidelines to ensure safe transportation and positioning of artworks.
  7. Experience soliciting feedback and facilitating open conversations with a range of internal and external stakeholders.

Note: Applicants who are referred to the hiring office for selection consideration may be required to submit writing and/or work samples as part of the interview/selection process. If the hiring office decides to request a writing and/or work sample as part of its selection process, the vacancy contact will reach out to you by email to: (1) inform you of this requirement; and (2) provide further instructions.

 "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.

Education

Undergraduate and Graduate Education: For GS-3 positions, education may have been in any field of study. For positions at GS-4 and above, related course work is required. Related fields of study include art, history, museum studies, scientific subjects, or other courses related to the position to be filled.

Additional information

The National Gallery of Art fosters a diverse and inclusive workplace and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

• More than one selection may be made from this vacancy announcement.

• Some positions may require completion of a probationary period of up to 1 (one) year.

AN EXTERNAL SELECTED CANDIDATE MUST BE FINGERPRINTED AND RECEIVE A BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION, RESULTING IN A SATISFACTORY SUITABILITY DETERMINATION BEFORE BEING HIRED FOR THIS POSITION.

• All males born after December 31st 1959 must abide by laws regarding Selective Service registration. To learn more about this law, visit the Selective Service web page, Who Must Register. If you are not registered and don't have an approved exemption, you will not be eligible for employment with the Federal government.

EEO Policy: https://help.usajobs.gov/index.php/EEO_Policy_Statement

Reasonable Accommodation Policy: https://help.usajobs.gov/index.php/Reasonable_Accommodation_Policy_Statement

Veterans Information: https://help.usajobs.gov/index.php/Veterans_Information

Selective Service Registration: http://www.sss.gov/

How you will be evaluated

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

The National Gallery of Art uses an application tracking system to evaluate the responses you provide in the applicant assessment questionnaire to determine if you meet the minimum qualification requirements of this position. Then, the HR Office and/or Subject Matter Expert (SME) will conduct a quality review of your application and supporting documentation to determine if your qualifications meet the criteria for referral to the selecting official.

We will also verify whether you are eligible for merit promotion by reviewing your previous Federal employment to ensure you meet Time-in-Grade requirements. If you are eligible to apply to Merit Promotion announcements based on Veteran or other non-competitive statuses, we will verify your supporting documentation prior to referral.

Note: Applicants who are referred to the hiring office for selection consideration may be required to submit writing and/or work samples as part of the interview/selection process. If the hiring office decides to request a writing and/or work sample as part of its selection process, the vacancy contact will reach out to you by email to: (1) inform you of this requirement; and (2) provide further instructions.


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 evaluation rating may be adjusted accordingly.                    


You may preview questions for this vacancy.

Your session is about to expire!

Your USAJOBS session will expire due to inactivity in 8 minutes. Any unsaved data will be lost if you allow the session to expire. Click the button below to continue your session.