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). More than one selection may be made from this announcement.
Basic Qualifications: Undergraduate and Graduate Education: Major study — commercial art, fine arts, art history, industrial design, architecture, drafting, interior design, photography, visual communication, or other fields related to the position. Some positions may also require subject-matter knowledge of medicine, science, or technical equipment. 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. In addition to the basic qualification requirement 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 producing, installing, and maintaining exhibition graphics and diverse designs; operating assorted design equipment’s and software’s to produce design packages and materials; and managing project deliverables for various internal and/or external vendors. 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: 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 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.
As a Visual Information Specialist, you will serve as graphic designer, with specific responsibility for the design and production of a variety of visual materials for exhibitions, including labels, didactics, and brochures, under the supervision of the Supervisory Graphic Designer. In this position, you will: Execute imaginative designs that are original, practical, affordable, easy to maintain, and which visually communicate concepts to visitors of varied backgrounds. Design exhibition graphics including title walls, brochures, labels, and text panels. Maintain current, state-of-the-art technical knowledge of all production aspects of exhibit and print related graphics and production techniques, materials, processes, resources, consultants, and industry developments. Operate and maintain graphic design support equipment such as MacOS computers, scanners, large format printers, vinyl sign plotter/cutter, and other peripherals.