Clarification from the agency

This position is open to all U.S. Citizens or U.S. Nationals . Note: Federal employees with permanent status or individuals eligible for special appointing authorities may also apply to Job Announcement # 25A-MP-313056-MPA-SIE More than one selection may be made from this announcement.

The Exhibits Specialist (Fabrication Detailing) will assist with the creation of detailed, precise drawings and specifications using CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software, outlining the exact dimensions and construction details of museum exhibit components, ensuring accurate fabrication and installation of exhibits while adhering to museum standards for object preservation and display.

In this position, you will:

1. Work closely with exhibit designer to understand the creative vision and functional intent behind each component of an exhibit to translate the design concepts into drawings.
2. Create highly detailed shop drawings that guide fabrication through production.
3. Prepare and produce finished exhibit components.
4. Operation of equipment employing CAM programs for CNC routers, laser cutters, or milling machines; defining tool paths, cutting depths, feed rates, and tooling setups to optimize accuracy and material usage; and simulating operations to verify output before production begins.
5. Collaborate with exhibit designers, museum specialists and other personnel to select appropriate materials for exhibit components, considering factors including but not limited to durability, environmental impact, compatibility with museum collection objects, resolving fabrication challenges, and maintaining project budget and timeline.
6. Ensure all fabrication details adhere to museum guidelines for object handling, environmental controls, accessibility, and safety regulations. Performs calculations to determine structural integrity and load capacities of exhibit components, ensuring safe installation and use. Creates detailed drawings for prototypes to test design concepts before final fabrication.

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.

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:

This position has individual occupation requirements of: Undergraduate and Graduate Education: Major study -- illustrative design, commercial art, fine arts, industrial design, architecture, drafting, interior design, or other fields related to the position.

Advanced training in a vocational school, technical institute, or art institute above the high school level in one of the fields listed above is creditable as general experience on a month-for-month basis. A copy (unofficial) of your transcripts is required at the time of application if you are meeting the basic qualifications by education.

or

Experience in the actual type of work for which application is made. Unpaid experience is creditable, provided the work done was of a quality level and demonstrated the ability required for the position. This includes work in the appropriate field, e.g., design, modelmaking, art, taxidermy, or restoration. 

In addition to the basic requirements above:

Experience: Grade 09 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 utilizing CAD (Computer Aided Design) software for the creation of detailed, precise drawings and specifications outlining the exact dimensions and construction details of exhibit components through the fabrication, mount making, and installation phases.

Experience: Grade 11 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 utilizing CAD (Computer Aided Design) software for the creation of detailed, precise drawings and specifications outlining the exact dimensions and construction details of exhibit components through the fabrication, mount making and installation phases, managing time and resources for each project.

Your resume must be no more than two (2) pages and should clearly demonstrate how your experience aligns with the responsibilities and specialized experience required for this position. Do not copy language directly from the vacancy announcement, as you will be deemed ineligible for consideration. Instead, provide detailed, descriptive information about your actual experience.

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.

Or Education: 

GS-09 master's or equivalent graduate degree, or 2 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.B. or J.D., if related such as illustrative design, commercial art, fine arts, industrial design, architecture, drafting, interior design, or other fields related to the position.  

GS-11 Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.M., if related such as illustrative design, commercial art, fine arts, industrial design, architecture, drafting, interior design, or other fields 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.

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:

• Ability to proactively communicate with designers, fabricators, and museum staff ensuring a comprehensive understanding of all project requirements throughout each phase of the exhibit development process.
• Knowledge of the principles and application of CAD/CAM software including 2D and 3D modeling, drafting, tool pathing, and detailing for developing precise technical drawings and specifications.
• Knowledge of fabrication and installation processes to ensure exhibit components are practical, functional, and properly implemented.
• Ability to operate and maintain a wide range of exhibit production tools, ensuring safety and compliance within museum standards.
• Knowledge of various fabrication materials including the selection and use of the appropriate tools and machinery.
• Ability to manage time and resources, accurately estimating the scope and duration of assigned tasks, while consistently meeting deadlines without compromising quality.

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.