Exhibits Specialist (Graphics)

Smithsonian Institution•Washington, DC

14h

About The Position

The Exhibits Specialist (Graphics) works in Design and Production, Project Management and Planning at the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC), part of the Smithsonian Institution. The role provides expertise in planning and executing specialized and complex exhibition components and structures, supporting the finished appearance of museum exhibitions and public spaces. The specialist assists exhibit designers and fabricators with selecting graphic media and production processes that suit design aesthetics and object and artifact conservation needs. The work includes producing, applying, mounting, and installing graphic elements on plaques, panels, walls, bases, pedestals, and display cases. The position uses graphic production equipment and computer-generated graphics and production techniques, along with graphic design software applications.

Requirements

Major study in illustrative design, commercial art, fine arts, industrial design, architecture, drafting, interior design, or another field related to the position, or qualifying advanced training in a vocational school, technical institute, or art institute above the high-school level.
For GS-09, one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-07 level in the Federal Service, or qualifying education, or a combination of education and experience.
Specialized experience includes assisting exhibit designers or fabricators with graphic media selection; preparing graphic files for print production from scale drawings, sketches, or verbal instructions; producing exhibit graphic elements using equipment such as flatbed printers, roll-to-roll printers, vinyl cutters, and laminators; and assisting with installation of graphical components for a museum or similar cultural institution.
Ability to perform moderately heavy physical work, including lifting and carrying objects up to 50 pounds, working in confined spaces, and lifting, bending, stooping, and stretching for extended periods.
Ability to operate hand and power tools and graphic production equipment, climb ladders and scaffolds, work near eye irritants and hazardous substances, and wear personal protective equipment.
Pass a pre-employment background investigation.
Maintain a bank account for direct deposit or electronic transfer.
Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with Selective Service.

Responsibilities

Assist exhibit designers and fabricators in selecting graphic media and production processes appropriate to design aesthetics and object and artifact conservation needs.
Apply labels, line art, halftones, color separations, photographs, graphic reproductions, facsimiles, and prepared graphics to or in plaques, panels, walls, bases, pedestals, and display cases.
Silkscreen labels, line art, halftones, and color separations using a variety of paints and inks.
Produce finished graphic projects using computer-generated graphics and processes.
Work with graphic file production techniques and graphic design software applications.
Prepare graphic mount substrates and other materials as needed.
Mount graphics and photographs on plaques, panels, or walls.