Supervisory Museum Specialist

$102,415

Chantilly, VirginiaFull-timePosted Oct 19, 2026

Against the Chantilly typical range

Job description

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 the National Air and Space Museums (NASM), Preservation Restoration Unit. NASM collects, preserves, studies, and exhibits artifacts, archival materials and works of art related to the history, culture and science of aviation and spaceflight and the study of the universe.

The Supervisory Museum Specialist is responsible for supervising and directing restoration and preservation efforts on behalf of the NASM/Research Collections and Curatorial Affairs. In this position, you will: Apply technical understanding of aircraft and spacecraft preservation; and determines appropriate restoration techniques for treating wood, fabric, metal, and all types of modern materials.

Routinely schedules training or communicates safety procedures updates to subordinates and routinely monitors work activities ensuring compliance. Develop work schedules and assigns tasks based on an approved project schedule, taking into account the individual and team skills of the staff. Reviews work in progress to ensure that assigned deadlines are met or adjusted and that completed work meets stated objectives of accuracy and timeliness.

Perform all the major aspects of a supervisor which include interviews, selections, training, performance management and managing personnel actions. Reviews the completeness and thoroughness of work assignments; counsels employees on problems related to work responsibilities; adjudicates complaints where applicable and necessary; and responds to technical inquiries from subordinates to facilitate the completion of work.

Resolve operational problems as encountered, with the consultation of other supervisory staff and senior managers, as appropriate and adjusts schedules to accommodate complex unplanned and emergency projects. Consult frequently with curatorial staff to ensure that shifts in deadlines and technical needs are considered.

Resolves operational problems while consulting with senior managers, supervisory staff, and subordinates as appropriate.

GS-12 Experience: You qualify for this position if you have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 level in the Federal Service. For this position, specialized experience is defined as leading maintenance, preservation, and/or restoration projects of large aviation, space, or industrial objects to include: Leading teams that perform artifact treatments that range from conserving, preserving and/or restoring aerospace objects.

Overseeing project resources, such as funds, materials, and time. Maintains detailed artifact condition and treatment records using word processing software and databases in accordance with collections management standards. 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, Ameri.

Corps) 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.

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Description copied from Smithsonian Institution's careers page. Read the full posting before you apply.

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