Museum Specialist (Offsite)

Job Overview

The Museum Specialist (Offsite) plays a vital role in supporting the National Museum of American History's (NMAH) offsite collections program. This position is central to ensuring the preservation, proper accountability, and accessibility of the museum's stored collections.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify suitable storage spaces and implement appropriate techniques, materials, and tools to safely move, house, and protect objects.
• Rearrange collections strategically to maximize use of space following established collection management protocols and priorities.
• Manage the preparation of objects for shipment, which includes constructing custom containers and supports to guarantee secure and safe transit.
• Collect, document, verify, and update collection data to maintain comprehensive manual and digital records of offsite holdings.
• Take charge of the security and safety of designated storage areas and their contents, executing environmental monitoring as required and reporting any discrepancies.
• Handle, store, and preserve objects—some potentially containing hazardous materials—in strict adherence to safety and handling guidelines.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Applicants must have career or career-conditional status or be eligible for such status.
• Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with the Selective Service.
• Candidates must meet all qualification criteria, including one year time-in-grade at the next lower grade if applying for promotion, within 30 days after the job announcement closes.
• Specialized experience of at least one year equivalent to GS-07 level in the federal government is required, involving collections management in a historical museum or cultural institution, database management related to collections, and research supporting collections and exhibits.
• Alternatively, two full academic years of progressively higher graduate education, or a master's or equivalent graduate degree relevant to the role, may qualify an applicant.
• A combination of education and experience is also acceptable to meet qualifications.
• Applicants with foreign education must provide transcripts and proof of U.S. accreditation.
• Note: This position has no strict education qualification requirement.

Additional Information

• This role is part of the bargaining unit.
• Recruitment incentives may be offered depending on availability and require a service agreement.
• Applications may be considered for vacancies across the Smithsonian Institution.
• Candidates should be dedicated to enhancing federal government efficiency and committed to upholding U.S. laws and the Constitution.
• The Smithsonian offers a competitive benefits package including vacation, sick leave, holidays, health and life insurance options, accident insurance, long-term care insurance, retirement plans, and flexible spending accounts.