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 This position is located in the Exhibit Department, under the Planning, Exhibits and Facilities (PE & F) Department directorate of the National Zoological and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI). 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. OR Specialized Experience (for positions above GS-5): 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 planning the preparation and use of photographs, illustrations, drawings, and other artwork, charts, diagrams, dioramas, maps, slides, overlays, and other kinds of visual material for use in communicating information through visual means. 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-12 level in the Federal Service. For this position, specialized experience is defined as the oversight, planning, programming, design, and management of facilities, exhibits, gardens, horticultural displays, and animal care support areas. Your resume must be no more than two (2) pages and should clearly demonstrate how your experience aligns with the responsibilities and specialized experience required for this position. Do not copy language directly from the vacancy announcement, as you will be deemed ineligible for consideration. Instead, provide detailed, descriptive information about your actual experience. 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.
The Supervisory Visual Information Specialist (SVIS) reports to the Associate Director, NZCBI Planning and Facilities and serves as the head of the Exhibits Department. In this position, you will: Provide guidance on decisions related to aesthetically maintaining the entire campus environment, including galleries, exhibit areas, public-facing animal spaces, and both indoor and outdoor areas. Prepare cost estimates, budgets, and expenditure plans for general space planning and design projects. Supervise staff in collaboration with managers, curators, scriptwriters, educators, fabricators, and audiovisual developers to define and maintain aesthetic standards for exhibits. Provide strategic oversight of all contract design activities and act as the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR), ensuring alignment with organizational goals and compliance standards.