Supervisory Conservator

Summary

The Smithsonian Institution is the world's largest museum, education, and research complex, with 21 museums and the National Zoo. This position is located within the Conservation Department, Office of Collections, Division of Public History, National Museum of American History (NMAH). NMAH is home to more than 1.8 million objects and more than three shelf-miles of archival collections, preserving and sharing the greatest single collection of American history in the world.

Duties

• The Supervisory Conservator supervises and manages a professional team of conservators who hold expertise in areas such as paper, objects, costumes, and textiles. The Supervisory Conservator is responsible for the comprehensive administration of the conservation laboratories. In this position, you will: Perform a full range of technical examinations of objects to identify their structure and components; determine their condition as well as the appropriate conservation treatment procedures to be performed; and recommend appropriate preventative conservation measures. Perform management and supervisory responsibilities by developing performance plans, identifying opportunities for employee growth and development, and cultivating skills that support the stabilization, care, and display of museum objects. Design and implement the conservation program, recommending policies for collections care based on accepted museum and collection management standards. Develop and propose annual budgets for the conservation laboratories and oversee procurement activities and contract administration in support of laboratory operations.

Qualifications

Experience: You qualify for this position if you have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 level in the Federal Service. For this position, specialized experience is defined as the coordination and organization of multiple conservation projects in a museum or cultural institution; performing conservation analysis and treatment on a wide variety of historic objects; and overseeing the work of others including setting priorities, setting schedules, and assigning and reviewing work. 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.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment Position duties require physical exertion, including prolonged standing, repetitive movement, manual dexterity, and precise, tremor free work under a microscope. Work involves hazardous laboratory materials and requires the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and compliance with safety training and protocols. 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.

How to apply

Click on the "Apply Online" button on the upper right side of the page. Please Note: You must apply for this position online through the 'Apply Online' button and submit required supplemental documents (if they are relevant to you). Your resume must be no more than two (2) pages. You may submit required documents by uploading them online during the application process. The complete application package, including any required documents, is due in the Smithsonian Office of Human Resources on the closing date of the announcement by 11:59 PM Eastern Time. If you are unable to apply online, paper applications may be accepted with prior approval of the Contact Person listed below.