Museum Specialist (Geology)

Smithsonian Institution • Washington, DC

7d

About The Position

The Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History (NMNH) acquires, curates, and preserves natural history collections documenting the history of the planet and human interaction with the environment and one another. The Museum Specialist (Geology) provides technical assistance to the Paleo Preparation Laboratory and Fossil Lab by preparing fossil vertebrate, invertebrate, and palaeobotanical specimens for research.

The position involves preparing, repairing, and conserving fossil specimens for research, exhibition, and inclusion in the National collections. Work uses manual and mechanical tools, chemical preparation techniques, and archival media. The specialist also oversees volunteers, supports lab health and safety compliance, engages with the public, helps identify potential fossils, gives tours, and assists visiting researchers in locating specimens and collections.

The position requires regular weekend and/or holiday work and may include evenings or special events. The role is in a bargaining unit. A recruitment incentive may be authorized, subject to availability and approval; it is not guaranteed.

Requirements

• Experience related to the operation or management of a museum or similar collection of valuable objects, such as collections management, registration, cataloging, research, preservation, restoration, or conservation.
• One year of full-time experience at the GS-07 grade level in federal service or a comparable pay band system, with experience similar to the operation or management of a museum or similar collection.
• Specialized experience preparing fossil vertebrate, invertebrate, palaeobotanical, and microfossil specimens for research; imaging in 2D and 3D; fossil replication; repairing and conserving fossil collections; basic collections management; volunteer engagement; and public outreach and tours.
• Alternatively, two full academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education, or a master's or equivalent graduate degree related to the position; education and experience may also be combined to qualify.
• Applicants must meet qualification requirements, including one year of time-in-grade at the next lower grade for promotion candidates, within 30 days of the announcement closing date.
• 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

• Prepare, repair, and conserve fossil specimens for study, exhibition, and incorporation into the National collections using manual and mechanical tools, chemical preparation techniques, and archival media.
• Provide technical assistance to the Paleo Preparation Laboratory and Fossil Lab in preparing fossil vertebrate, invertebrate, and palaeobotanical specimens for research.
• Manage and oversee volunteers in a fossil preparation lab.
• Ensure lab and volunteer compliance with health and safety protocols.
• Repair and conserve collection specimens as directed.
• Speak to the public about fossil preparation projects.
• Identify potential fossil specimens.
• Provide tours.
• Locate particular specimens or collections for visiting researchers.

Benefits

• Federal Government comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, leave, life insurance, long-term care insurance, retirement program, and flexible spending accounts.
• Recruitment incentive may be authorized, subject to availability and approval; it is not guaranteed.

What This Job Offers

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