Visual Information Specialist (Exhibit Design)

Summary

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 the Exhibits Design, Exhibits Operations and Program Support, Museum Research and Scholarship, National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI), Under Secretary for Museums and Culture (USMC), Smithsonian Institute (SI). More than one selection may be made from this announcement

Duties

The Visual Information Specialist is responsible for designing 3-D exhibitions at the NMAI-DC and NMAI-NY, and to provide a variety of services in support of the overall planning, development and execution of exhibitions for the Museum. In this position, you will: Utilize a highly developed knowledge of museum design, theory, technology, methodology, and exercise responsibility for the design of exhibitions at the NMAI. Lead a multi-disciplinary design team during all project phases, from the feasibility planning to the “Big Idea” design development and project implementation or construction completion. Exercise responsibilities to write and administer a wide variety of design contracts using the NMAI and Smithsonian approved procedures. Use Vector Works Computer Aid Design (CAD) software, Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator), to create drawn packages and details for review by internal authorities and for use by fabrication shops. Develop, coordinate, and monitor the schedules, budgets, and material requirements for the design and production of assigned exhibit projects. Consult with others to create, review, and approve exhibition timetables and budgets for short- and long-term projects

Requirements

Conditions of Employment Qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement. For information on qualification requirements, see Qualification Standards Handbook for General Schedule Positions on OPM website.

Qualifications and evaluation

Applicants for this position may be evaluated in multiple stages. The first stage is an evaluation of your responses to the online multiple-choice questions that assess your experience, education, and/or training for the job related competencies below: Skill in three-dimensional exhibition design, including knowledge and proven ability in the areas of design conceptualization, design development, and structural detailing techniques, fabrication processes and materials, model making, safety, conservation and accessibility Ability to follow and adhere to SI contracting and procurement policies and procedures. Knowledge of and skill in using current and evolving computerized design technology to produce computer aided renderings and illustrations for presentations, conceptualization and design development. Knowledge of project management principles of design, and museum administration. This includes knowledge of overall museum program goals and objectives, the sequencing of key design and production events and milestones, and methods to plan, manage, and implement assigned projects goals, schedules, milestones, budgets, and spending plans Applicants who meet or exceed minimum qualifications will be assigned to one of three category groups based on job-related criteria: Best Category - Meets the minimum qualification requirements and excels in most of the job related competencies above. Better Category - Meets the minimum qualification requirements and satisfies most of the job related competencies above. Good Category - Meets the minimum qualification requirements, but does not satisfy most of the job related competencies above to a substantive degree. This category rating process does not add veterans' preference points or apply the "rule of three", but protects the rights of veterans by placing them ahead of non-preference eligibles within each category. A selecting official may make selections from the highest quality category (Best Category) provided no preference eligible in that category is passed over to select a non-preference eligible in that category unless the requirements of 5 U.S.C. 3317(b) or 3318(b) are satisfied. Preference eligibles who meet minimum qualification requirements and who have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10 percent must be listed in the highest quality category, except when the position being filled is scientific or professional at the GS-9 grade level or higher. Applicants who have not submitted a resume in the USAjobs system and/or have not answered all of the vacancy questions will not be considered for this position. Important Note: Your resume and supporting documentation will be compared to your responses to the occupational questionnaire or other assessment tool for consistency. If a determination is made that you have rated yourself higher than is supported by your resume, you will be assigned a rating commensurate to your described experience. Your resume should provide sufficient information regarding how your education and experience relate to this position, including the major duties and qualifications criteria listed. You may preview questions for this vacancy.

Education

You must meet the basic education requirements listed above.

Benefits

The Smithsonian offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, vacation and sick leave, holidays, health/life insurance, accident insurance, and excellent retirement program options. Please see Benefits at https://www.si.edu/OHR/benefits for a complete description. Flexible Spending Accounts - https://www.fsafeds.com/ Health Insurance - http://www.opm.gov/insure/health/index.asp Leave - http://www.opm.gov/oca/leave/index.asp Life Insurance - http://www.opm.gov/insure/life/index.asp Long Term Care Insurance - http://www.ltcfeds.com Retirement Program - https://www.opm.gov/retirement-services/

How to apply

Click on the "Apply Online" button on the upper right side of the page. Please Note: You must apply for this position online through the 'Apply Online' button and submit required supplemental documents (if they are relevant to you). Your resume must be no more than two (2) pages. You may submit required documents by uploading them online during the application process. The complete application package, including any required documents, is due in the Smithsonian Office of Human Resources on the closing date of the announcement by 11:59 PM Eastern Time. If you are unable to apply online, paper applications may be accepted with prior approval of the Contact Person listed below.

Required documents

Your application package should include the following documents: Resume - Your resume can be uploaded and attached to your application or created using the USA Jobs on-line resume builder. Ensure your resume contains the job title (including the occupational series and grade if it is Federal), job-related qualifications, starting and ending dates (month and year), and hours worked per week, for each employment period. It is your responsibility to ensure all information is submitted. Failure to include this information may result in disqualification for the position. For assistance with creating a resume, please click USAJOBS Help Center - How do I write a resume for a federal job? Proof of Veteran's Preference - DD214 (Member 4 Copy), if you are a veteran. Additionally, applicants claiming 10-point preference must complete Standard Form (SF) 15, Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, as well as additional documentation required by the SF-15, such as a VA letter. Unofficial school transcripts, if the position has an education requirement or if you are using education to qualify. If selected for the position, you must provide an official transcript before appointment. Proof of U.S. accreditation for foreign study, if applicable.

Additional information

This position is included in the bargaining unit. Recruitment Incentive: Recruitment incentive(s) may be authorized for this position. However, approval for incentives are contingent upon various availability. If authorized, certain incentives will require the incumbent to sign a service agreement to remain in the Federal government for a certain time period. Note: This statement does not imply nor guarantee an incentive will be offered and paid. Selections may be made for vacancies across the Smithsonian Institution (SI). By applying to this position, you agree to allow your application and other personal information to be shared with one or more SI hiring officials for employment consideration for same/similar positions within the location(s) identified in this announcement.