Exhibits Specialist

Company: Smithsonian Institution
Location: Washington
Posted on: April 25, 2025

Job Description:

Exhibits SpecialistApplication Deadline: 29 April 2025Department: Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture GardenEmployment Type: TemporaryLocation: Washington, DCCompensation: $57,164 / yearDescriptionOPEN DATE: April 22, 2025CLOSING DATE: April 29, 2025POSITION TYPE: Trust FundAPPOINTMENT TYPE: Temporary - 1 year termSCHEDULE: IntermittentDUTY LOCATION: Washington, DCPosition sensitivity and risk: Non-sensitive (NS)/Low RiskOpen to all qualified applicantsTrust Fund positions are unique to the Smithsonian. They are paid for from a variety of sources, including the Smithsonian endowment, revenue from our business activities, donations, grants and contracts. Trust employees are not part of the civil service, nor does trust fund employment lead to Federal status. The salary ranges for trust positions are generally the same as for federal positions and in many cases trust and federal employees work side by side. Trust employees have their own benefit program, which may include Health, Dental & Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Transit/Commuter Benefits, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, Annual and Sick Leave, Family Friendly Leave, 403b Retirement Plan, Discounts for Smithsonian Memberships, Museum Stores and Restaurants, Credit Union, Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center (Child Care), Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care).Conditions of Employment

• Pass Pre-employment Background Check and Subsequent Background Investigation for position designated.
• Complete a Probationary Period.
• Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer.
• The position is open to all candidates eligible to work in the United States. Proof of eligibility to work in U.S. is not required to apply.
• Applicants must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement.OVERVIEWHMSG is a leading voice for contemporary art and culture and provides a national platform for the art and artists of our time. We seek to share the transformative power of modern and contemporary art with audiences at all levels of awareness and understanding by creating meaningful, personal experiences in which art, artists, audiences, and ideas converge. We enhance public understanding and appreciation of contemporary art through acquisition, exhibitions, education and public programs, conservation, and extensive research. In order to fulfill its mission, HMSG develops collaborative relationships with institutions and organizations within the Smithsonian, the United States, and abroad.This position is located in the Office of Exhibits, Design and Special Projects. The department is responsible for planning, design, and installation of exhibitions in the Museum's public spaces, including the Plaza and Sculpture Garden. The department also creates architectural models, construction plans, contracts, and schedules; manages exhibition construction projects, provides design services and installation for lighting exhibitions, audio-visual installations, and multi-media site-specific installations for public areas of the museum. This position is a temporary and intermittent position, not to exceed one year; with a work schedule that varies by pay period.DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESArt Handling:
  • Incumbent works with museum staff across curatorial, collections management, and exhibits to safely transfer artworks of a variety of sizes and mediums to and from art shipping vehicles to museum storage or exhibition spaces, including outdoor spaces, using a variety of tools and equipment including four-wheel dollies and carts, pallet jacks, and forklifts.
  • Works with and takes directions from curators, artists, and exhibition designers to establish a final layout of artworks in the galleries and grounds including site specific artworks and immersive whole room installations.
  • Works on or assists with the rigging and portage of large scale and/or heavy art works under 5,000 lbs. Assists with the lifting and rigging of heavy artworks using J-bars, hydraulic sculpture lifts, gantries, and forklifts to facilitate safe transfers and/or installation of artworks throughout museum and grounds.
  • Follows proper safety procedure when working in all areas of the museum, museum grounds, and in the cabinet shop.Fabrication and Installation:
    • Incumbent participates in exhibits installations and object handling. Assists in fabricating exhibit components and/or interactive prototypes in consultation with the designers and staff, using a variety of materials including wood, metal, and synthetics.
    • Works with AV technicians, artists, and curators to install site specific video, film, and new media artworks.
    • Works with the 2D design team on the production and installation of exhibition labels and graphics as needed, including the production and installation of vinyl graphics, graphic panels, and object labels, and banners in both indoor and outdoor settings of the museum.Maintenance:
      • Incumbent cleans exhibition casework, vitrines, and components in galleries. Makes routine inspections of galleries, noting condition issues and communicating those to supervisor.
      • Contributes to the cleanliness and orderliness of work areas and equipment and helps maintain an inventory of installation tools and hardware.QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTSEducation and Experience: To qualify for this position, applicants must possess a bachelor's degree (B.A.) from an accredited four-year college or university or 1-2 years of related experience (described below); or an equivalent combination of education and experience.Experience required for this position is as follows:
        • Knowledge of and the ability to handle, pack and unpack fragile artworks of various sizes and mediums including methods and techniques commonly utilized in museum practice.
        • Knowledge of and ability to install fragile artworks of various sizes and mediums on a variety of building surfaces including specific methods and techniques utilized in museum practices.
        • Knowledge of graphic production and installation techniques commonly used in a museum.
        • Knowledge of exhibits maintenance, fire/safety procedures, security, and facilities management procedures as they pertain to the production and installation of exhibits.
        • Knowledge of the operation and conduct routine maintenance of power tools and machinery typically used in the exhibit fabrication process.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 JessupK@si.edu. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. To learn more, please review the Smithsonian's .The Smithsonian Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe that a workforce comprising a variety of educational, cultural, and experiential backgrounds support and enhance our daily work life and contribute to the richness of our exhibitions and programs. See Smithsonian EEO program information: .
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Keywords: Smithsonian Institution, Washington DC , Exhibits Specialist, Other , Washington, DC