QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

The incumbent must combine considerable knowledge of materials, methods and tools with the advanced skills and versatility required to work as a team member in the creation and production of a broad range of exhibit elements.
The demands on the incumbent’s skill base include organizing and planning the work to be more efficient; the selection of methods and machinery for the task at hand; the selection of the type of materials to best represent the intended outcome while meeting conservation and fire; the accuracy in the execution of the work; detail and adherence to close tolerance; artistic ability; and quality such that the product is of museum quality and durable. Choices in methods and materials are usually up to the incumbent, and therefore, a thorough knowledge and understanding of materials and methods are critical.
The position requires proficiency of traditional and specialized techniques, tools, and procedures for the production of a diverse variety of exhibit components. The incumbent must have advanced technical and artistic skills in fabrication and mount making that may include computer work, woodworking, soldering, welding, metalworking, molding and casting, milling, finishing, gluing/assembly and other shop methods to produce high quality museum components.
The position requires a working knowledge of a wide variety of materials to meet design, fire safety, and conservation requirements and a proficiency with the techniques associated with those materials. Knowledge includes an understanding of conservation principles. The incumbent must have a familiarity with a wide variety of materials suited to particular exhibit, fire safety and/or conservation requirements.
The incumbent must have the ability to read and interpret formal design and architectural drawings; read shop drawings, layouts and sketches; and develop details and specifications to further articulate the method and approaches necessary to construct high quality durable elements.
The incumbent must have advanced skills in the use of tools for woodworking, finishing, metalwork, acrylic work, model-making and installing high quality exhibits for presentation and use in museums. The position requires the facility in the use of a wide variety of hand tools or shop machinery and CNC equipment. Maintenance of the equipment and adherence to all safety protocol are mandatory.
The incumbent must consistently demonstrate knowledge and practice of established safety procedures, PPE, tool guarding, and general shop safety etiquette. Routine safety training will be required.
The position requires working knowledge and experience in a variety of computer software programs such as Vectorworks, Rhino, AutoCAD, Inventor, Mastercam, Sketch Up, or like to support CAD/CAM machining of parts and components.
This position will require the incumbent to stay abreast of the current state of the art computer programming and modeling software programs and technologies. The position also requires trouble shooting and minor repairs of the equipment.
The incumbent must demonstrate effective organizational and management skills and a strong commitment to customer service. He/she understands team concepts and is able to maintain a professional attitude in dealing with a wide variety of issues and personalities. Team working skills are critical as many projects require close, prolonged work with peers.
Ability to guide lower grade exhibits specialists, interns, and volunteers.
Applicants, who wish to qualify based on education completed outside the United States, must be deemed equivalent to higher education programs of U.S. Institutions by an organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials. This documentation is the responsibility of the applicant and should be included as part of your application package.
Education completed outside the United States must be deemed equivalent to higher education programs of U.S. Institutions by an organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials. This documentation is the responsibility of the applicant and should be included as part of your application package.
Any false statement in your application may result in rejection of your application and may also result in termination after employment begins.
Join us in “Inspiring Generations through Knowledge and Discovery.”
Resumes should include a description of your paid and non-paid work experience that is related to this job; starting and ending dates of job (month and year); and average number of hours worked per week.
What To Expect Next: Once the vacancy announcement closes, a review of your resume will be compared against the qualification and experience requirements related to this job. After review of applicant resumes is complete, qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager.
Relocation expenses are not paid.
The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact [INSERT EMAIL ADDRESS FOR UNIT]. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. To learn more, please review the Smithsonian’s Accommodation Procedures (https://www.si.edu/OEO/IndividualswithDisabilities).
The Smithsonian Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer. To review The Smithsonian’s EEO program information, please click the following: https://www.si.edu/oeo

Prepares and produces finished exhibit elements:
Working from conceptual ideas, scale layouts, detailed design drawings, or files, the incumbent prepares and produces finished exhibit components. Components include models, facsimiles, dioramas, metal and acrylic mounts, exhibit cases and vitrines (using the Frank™ system), panels, platforms, and unique one-of-a-kind structures. Components need to be rugged to withstand vandalism, handling, and high trafficked areas. Traveling portable exhibits must be designed and built for ease of disassembly, packing, shipping, and reassembly by persons unfamiliar with exhibits fabrication.
The incumbent utilizes a wide variety of materials such as plastics, epoxies, adhesives, plaster, day, wood, wood, composites, laminates, metals. Using knowledge of materials and their applications, the incumbent determines the most appropriate technique and approach for each assignment, selecting the most appropriate materials while using a high degree of technical and artistic skill to accomplish the task.
Work involves working with computer applications in order to manipulate and send files to printers or plotters; operating large routers and shop machinery; matting and framing; milling wood and other construction materials; assembling components; cleaning and repairing, touching up outputted 3D prints; finishing; and installing.
The incumbent will be working with project managers, designers, curators, and other diverse museum professionals, the specialist accepts responsibility for his/her part in the production of a given project, and at many times, works in a team setting. Work may include researching and identifying proper materials; assisting in the estimating of the project; providing feedback on designs and/or drawings submitted; specifying and/or ordering supplies; directing the work of others or acting as point person during the course of a specific project; and representing the department as needed.
The incumbent may be given the responsibility of assigning tasks, evaluating progress, reporting on status of a project, and assessing a project at its completion. The incumbent alerts the supervisor to potential problems and makes recommendations concerning changes when needed to overcome difficulties during the course of work.
The incumbent operates, maintains, and/or manages equipment for exhibits production or maintenance. Tools range from small power tools to machinery and CNC equipment. The incumbent obeys all safety and environmental regulations and must demonstrate knowledge and practice of safety procedures, PPE, tool guarding, and general shop safely etiquette. Ensures shop is clean and orderly. Performs regular maintenance on equipment and keeps current on industry standards, new technologies, and changes.
The incumbent may detail the components or submitted digital files using a variety of CAD/CAM software such as Rhino, Sketch Up, AutoCAD, Inventor, or Mastercam. The incumbent may also make small maquettes or full-size prototypes to help the client, designer or colleagues to visualize and articulate the details, or to get approvals prior to building. Prototyping may include extensive reworking of the component, in close collaboration with the exhibit team (designer, curator, client, exhibit developer).
The exhibit specialist works closely with museum objects which are at times fragile and irreplaceable. Applying knowledge of conservation and object handling, the incumbent may be designing/fabricating a bracket or incase furniture to safely install and display the artifact.
Installation:
The specialist packs, ships, and installs structural exhibit components, brackets, and graphic elements based on detailed design and fabrication drawings and specifications.
Incumbent uses various leveling devices to hang artwork, panels and labels. Incumbent must be capable and certified to operate forklifts, pallet jacks, lifts, and have a valid driver’s license. Installation support may include operating a large cargo van or panel truck. Work may include handling and installation of museum artifacts and objects. Incumbent may serve as point person leading an installation team, under the guidance of the supervisor.
Work may involve the de-installation of the artifacts and components, adjusted work schedules, and off-site work/travel.