This position is in the Design Department under the direct supervision of the Head of the Exhibits shop. The incumbent constructs and installs temporary exhibitions and permanent collection galleries. The incumbent works with various types of woods, plastics, acrylic and other materials to fabricate and install high quality partitioning and exhibition components, keeping in mind special conservation needs while meeting stringent deadlines.
Although a specific length of time and experience is not required for most trade and labor occupations, you must show through experience and training that you possess the quality level of knowledge and skill necessary to perform the duties of the position at the level for which you are applying. Qualification requirements emphasis is on quality of experience, not necessarily the length of time. Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the job elements and screen out listed below. This job has a screen-out element which will be used to determine minimum eligibility for this job. Applicants who do not receive a minimum of two points on the screen-out element(s) will be found ineligible. SCREEN-OUT ELEMENT: Your qualifications will first be evaluated against the prescribed screen out element, which usually appears as question 1 in the on-line questionnaire. Those applicants who appear to possess at least the minimal acceptable qualification requirement are considered for further rating; those who do not are rated ineligible and are eliminated. The potential eligibles are then rated against the remainder of the Job Elements: 1. Ability to Do the Work of the Position Without More Than Normal Supervision 2. Technical Practices 3. Ability to Interpret Instructions, Specifications, etc. 4. Ability to Use and Maintain Hand Tools 5. Knowledge of Materials Other Relevant Eligibility Criteria: Requires work indoors and outdoors in all-weather types. Requires dexterity sufficient to design elements accurately and operate tools safely. Requires ability to walk. Requires safe use of dangerous equipment. Requires work in loud and dusty spaces. Requires ability to stand for long periods of time. Requires work on scaffolds and at heights up to 40’ off the floor. Must be able to lift and carry items weighing up to 50 pounds, without assistance. Requires extended exposure to eye, skin, nose and lung irritation from glue, bonding chemicals, and vapors. Must be able to nail and saw lumber. Requires availability for occasional duty time outside of normal work hours. Note: Applicants who are referred to the hiring office for selection consideration may be required to submit writing and/or work samples as part of the interview/selection process. If the hiring office decides to request a writing and/or work sample as part of its selection process, the vacancy contact will reach out to you by email to: (1) inform you of this requirement; and (2) provide further instructions. OPM Qualifications Standard: Applicants must meet the requirements of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Job Qualification Handbook for Trades and Labor Occupations. Additional qualification information can be found at: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/federal-wage-system-qualifications/#url=WG-4600 You must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement. "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.
As the Special Materials Crafter (Carpenter), you will: Work from small scale construction plans of all parts of National Gallery buildings and outdoor spaces, exhibitions, and permanent collection spaces to prepare finished installations, construction partitioning and ceilings (using wood or metal studs and plywood), panels, cases and any other element as determined. Consult with and makes recommendations to the supervisor, designer and/or production coordinator for changes and improvements as necessary, when changes affect the original concept. Determine sound and efficient construction methods to be used in the fabrication of installations and their components utilizing a variety of special techniques. Be responsible for cutting, machining, forming, cementing, cleaning, glazing with wax, polishing, repairing chemical cemented vitrine joints, removing scratches, finishing, and annealing acrylic in various thicknesses and sizes to achieve final product. Exercise ability to solve special problems of installations as well as structural and security problems concerning works of art. Be responsible for efficiently and effectively using unusual and specially ordered materials where possible error would result in great monetary and time loss. Interpret scale detail AutoCAD, Sketchup and/or hand drawings; read and understand construction blueprints; and analyze and change construction details as necessary, with prior consultation and approval. Accurately replicate existing architectural moldings and construct historical moldings needed for installations using molder/shapers, table and band saws and routers. Determine the type of material, such as wood, metal, plastic, or glass required to fabricate cases, panels, graphics and other complex exhibition components. Estimate and determine quantity of materials to be ordered, time required for scheduling fabrication and installation of exhibition components and plans accordingly to accomplish the project.