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 Exhibits, Design, and Special Projects department, Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden (HMSG), Office of the Under Secretary of Museum and Culture (OUSMC), Smithsonian Institution (SI).
Basic Qualifications: 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 of your (unofficial) 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 qualification requirement above: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 level in the Federal Service or similar. For this position, specialized experience is defined as collaborating with exhibit designers, curators, and collections staff to integrate audio, visual, and lighting network components into the museum exhibits; programming and maintaining network infrastructures to bolster interactive exhibits and multimedia displays, configuring audio, video, and lighting systems to align with specific exhibit needs; and serving as a property custodian 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: Three full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree related to this position may be substituted to meet the experience requirements. Education Requirements: 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. 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. 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.
The Exhibits Specialist (Audio Visual and Lighting Network) focuses on Audio, Visual, and Lighting (AVL) and their components and associated networks. As a key team leader and the Contracting Officer’s Technical Representative (COTR), the Exhibits Specialist will actively design and implement AVL systems. This entails configuring and monitoring multiple sophisticated network infrastructures to bolster interactive exhibits, multimedia displays, and advanced lighting controls. In addition, this role encompasses programming and configuring audio, video, and lighting systems to align with specific exhibit needs, ensuring these installations are innovative and reflective of the museum’s educational and cultural objectives. In this position, you will: Collaborate with exhibit designers, curators, and conservators to seamlessly integrate exhibit technology network components into museums and museum exhibitions. Diagnose and resolve technical issues, ensuring audiovisual networks’ continuous and flawless operation across exhibits. Conduct regular maintenance and manage the oversight of audiovisual equipment to prolong its functionality and ensure optimal performance. Oversee and meticulously track the inventory of exhibit technology equipment from procurement to deployment, ensuring the resources are utilized efficiently and effectively throughout the design, installation, and production phases.