Exhibits Specialist (Graphics)

Smithsonian Institution • Washington, DC

21h • Onsite

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), within the Smithsonian Institution. The position provides expertise in planning and executing the construction of specialized and complex exhibition components and structures, and supports the finished appearance of museum exhibitions and public spaces.

The specialist assists exhibit designers and fabricators with selecting graphic media and production processes that fit the design aesthetics and meet object and artifact conservation needs. The role prepares and produces graphic elements for exhibits, using graphic production equipment, computer-generated graphics, and graphic design software. It also includes preparing substrates, mounting graphics and photographs, and applying graphics to a range of exhibit surfaces and structures.

The position requires physical work, including lifting and carrying objects weighing up to 50 pounds, working in confined spaces, operating hand and power tools and graphic production equipment, and climbing ladders and scaffolds. The employee may work near eye irritants and hazardous substances and must wear personal protective equipment.

Requirements

• 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 with equipment such as flatbed printers, roll-to-roll printers, vinyl cutters, and laminators; and assisting with installation of exhibit graphic components for a museum or similar cultural institution.
• Qualifying education includes undergraduate or graduate study in illustrative design, commercial art, fine arts, industrial design, architecture, drafting, interior design, or a related field. Advanced vocational, technical, or art institute training above high school in a listed field may be credited as general experience.
• For the GS-09 education substitution, two full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's or equivalent degree related to the position may substitute for the experience requirement.
• Promotion candidates must meet one year of time-in-grade at the next lower grade level; qualification requirements must be met within 30 days of the announcement closing date.
• Physical ability to perform moderately heavy work, including lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds; working in confined spaces; lifting, bending, stooping, and stretching for extended periods; operating hand and power tools and graphic production equipment; climbing ladders and scaffolds; and working near eye irritants and hazardous substances while wearing PPE.
• Participate in the Smithsonian Institution's hearing and respiratory monitoring programs.
• 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 appropriate graphic media and production processes to suit 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 related 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.

Benefits

• Federal Government comprehensive benefits package, including flexible spending accounts, health insurance, leave, life insurance, long-term care insurance, and a retirement program.
• Recruitment incentives may be authorized, subject to availability and approval; some incentives may require a service agreement.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level