Supervisory Museum Specialist

Smithsonian Institution•Chantilly, VA

About The Position

The Supervisory Museum Specialist works in the National Air and Space Museum’s Preservation Restoration Unit and directs restoration and preservation efforts for NASM/Research Collections and Curatorial Affairs. The role applies technical knowledge of aircraft and spacecraft preservation to determine appropriate restoration methods for wood, fabric, metal, and modern materials. The position supervises staff and projects, including scheduling and assigning work, monitoring safety and compliance, reviewing work for quality and timeliness, and handling personnel responsibilities such as interviewing, selection, training, and performance management. The specialist also addresses operational issues, adjusts schedules for emergencies or unplanned work, and coordinates with curatorial staff, other supervisors, and senior managers.

Requirements

At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level in the Federal Service.
Specialized experience leading maintenance, preservation, or restoration projects involving large aviation, space, or industrial objects.
Experience leading teams performing conservation, preservation, or restoration treatments on aerospace objects.
Experience overseeing project resources, including funds, materials, and time.
Experience maintaining detailed artifact condition and treatment records using word-processing software and databases in accordance with collections management standards.
Pass a pre-employment background investigation.
Maintain a bank account for direct deposit or electronic transfer.
Must be able to lift 50 pounds.
May be required to complete a probationary period, including a supervisory probationary period.
Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with Selective Service.
Must meet qualification requirements by the announcement closing date.

Responsibilities

Direct and supervise restoration and preservation efforts for NASM/Research Collections and Curatorial Affairs.
Apply technical understanding of aircraft and spacecraft preservation and determine appropriate restoration techniques for wood, fabric, metal, and modern materials.
Schedule training, communicate safety procedure updates, and monitor staff work for compliance.
Develop work schedules and assign tasks according to approved project schedules and staff skills.
Review work in progress and completed assignments to ensure deadlines, accuracy, and timeliness.
Conduct interviews and selections, train staff, manage performance, and oversee personnel actions.
Review the completeness and thoroughness of work; counsel employees on work-related problems; adjudicate complaints when appropriate; and answer technical inquiries.
Resolve operational problems in consultation with supervisory staff and senior managers, adjusting schedules for complex, unplanned, and emergency projects.
Consult with curatorial staff to account for changing deadlines and technical needs.