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 Smithsonian Institution Exhibits (SIE), Office of Under Secretary for Museums & Culture at the Smithsonian Institution (SI).
Basic Qualifications: This position has individual occupation requirements of: Undergraduate and Graduate Education: Major study -- illustrative design, commercial art, fine arts, industrial design, architecture, drafting, interior design, or other fields related to the position. Advanced training in a vocational school, technical institute, or art institute above the high school level in one of the fields listed above is creditable as general experience on a month-for-month basis. A copy (unofficial) of your transcripts is required at the time of application if you are meeting the basic qualifications by education. or Experience in the actual type of work for which application is made. Unpaid experience is creditable, provided the work done was of a quality level and demonstrated the ability required for the position. This includes work in the appropriate field, e.g., design, modelmaking, art, taxidermy, or restoration. In addition to the basic requirements above: Experience: You qualify for this position if you have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-07 level in the Federal Service. For this position, specialized experience is defined as utilizing CAD (Computer Aided Design) software for the creation of detailed, precise drawings and specifications outlining the exact dimensions and construction details of exhibit components through the fabrication, mount making, and installation phases. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Part-time and/or unpaid experience related to this position will be considered to determine the total number of years and months of experience. Be sure to note the number of paid or unpaid hours worked each week. Or Education: GS-09 master's or equivalent graduate degree, or 2 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.B. or J.D., if related such as illustrative design, commercial art, fine arts, industrial design, architecture, drafting, interior design, or other fields related to the position. Or a Combination: Education and experience may be combined to meet the basic qualifications. For a full explanation of this option please see the Qualification Standards. Special Instructions for Foreign Education: If you are qualifying by education and/or you have education completed in a foreign college/university described above, it is your responsibility to provide transcripts and proof of U.S. accreditation for foreign study. For instructions on where to fax these documents, see the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.
Exhibits Specialist (Fabrication Detailing) will assist with the creation of detailed, precise drawings and specifications using CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software, outlining the exact dimensions and construction details of museum exhibit components, ensuring accurate fabrication and installation of exhibits while adhering to museum standards for object preservation and display. In this position, you will: Work closely with exhibit designer to understand the creative vision and functional intent behind each component of an exhibit to translate the design concepts into drawings. Create highly detailed shop drawings that guide fabrication through production. Prepare and produce finished exhibit components. Operation of equipment employing CAM programs for CNC routers, laser cutters, or milling machines; defining tool paths, cutting depths, feed rates, and tooling setups to optimize accuracy and material usage; and simulating operations to verify output before production begins. Collaborate with exhibit designers, museum specialists and other personnel to select appropriate materials for exhibit components, considering factors including but not limited to durability, environmental impact, compatibility with museum collection objects, resolving fabrication challenges, and maintaining project budget and timeline. Ensure all fabrication details adhere to museum guidelines for object handling, environmental controls, accessibility, and safety regulations. Performs calculations to determine structural integrity and load capacities of exhibit components, ensuring safe installation and use. Creates detailed drawings for prototypes to test design concepts before final fabrication.