Exhibit Specialist (Fabrication)

The Smithsonian Institution is the world’s largest museum, education, and research complex, with 21 museums and the National Zoo.  This position is located in Smithsonian Institution Exhibits (SIE), Smithsonian Institution in Landover, Maryland. The incumbent will perform a full range of production and related tasks in the preparation and installation of museum exhibitions of a complex nature, each with unique challenges including specialized techniques and unique materials. 

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

The Exhibits Specialist (Fabrication) is responsible for the creation, fabrication, and installation of three-dimensional exhibit components such as dioramas, models, mounts, 3D Prints and milled components replicating various artifacts and objects using a diversity of materials and a significant use of CAD/CAM technology in the production of parts and components.

In this position, you will:

• Work from conceptual ideas, scale layouts, detailed design drawings, or files, the incumbent prepares and produces finished exhibit components.
• Utilize a wide variety of materials such as plastics, epoxies, adhesives, plaster, clay, wood, wood, composites, laminates, metals. Using knowledge of materials and their applications, the incumbent determines the most appropriate technique and approach for each assignment, selecting the most appropriate materials while using a high degree of technical and artistic skill to accomplish the task.
• Work with project managers, designers, curators, and other diverse museum professionals, the specialist accepts responsibility for his/her part in the production of a given project, and at many times, works in a team setting.
• Research and identify proper materials; assisting in the estimating of the project; providing feedback on designs and/or drawings submitted; specifying and/or ordering supplies; directing the work of others or acting as point person during the course of a specific project; and representing the department as needed.
• Detail the components or submitted digital files using a variety of computer 3D scanning/manipulation software or CAD/CAM software. 

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 of your (unofficial) 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: 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 executing complex museum exhibit projects through pre-production, fabrication, and installation phases; mentoring, overseeing, and integrating CAD/CAM software and techniques into the fabrication process workflow.

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:

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.