Museum Specialist (Geology/Fossil Lab).

Duties

The Museum Specialist (Geology) position provides technical assistance in departmental research through the preparation of fossil vertebrate, invertebrate, and paleobotanical specimens for research purposes.

In This Position, You Will

• Work with curators on multiple projects using various preparation techniques with fossil vertebrate, invertebrate and paleobotanical specimens for research.
• Prepare fossil specimens for study, exhibition, and incorporation into the national collections, utilizing manual and mechanical tools, chemical preparation techniques and archival media.
• Manage and oversee a diverse volunteer corps in a fossil preparation lab.
• Repair and conserve the collection specimens as directed.
• Speak to the public about fossil preparation projects, identify potential fossil specimens, provide tours, locate particular specimens or collections for visiting researchers.
  
  

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• Pass Pre-employment Background Investigation
• May need to complete a Probationary Period
• Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer
• Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered with Selective Service.
  
  

Conditions of Employment

• This position covers five days per week, including approximately 1 weekend day per two-week pay period working in FossiLab.
• Must be able to safely and repeatedly lift and carry 30 pounds independently and lift 50 pounds with another person.
• May be required to climb ladders.
• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• May be required to be fitted with a respirator.
• Use of a forklift, or scissor lift may be required.
• May be required to obtain, and maintain, appropriate license/certification.
  
  

Qualification requirements, including one year time-in-grade at the next lower grade level for promotion candidates, must be met within 30 days of the job announcement closing date. See the 'Required Documents' section for additional information.

For information on qualification requirements, see Qualification Standards Handbook for General Schedule Positions viewable on

Qualifications

Experience related to the operation or management of a museum or similar collection of valuable objects. Examples of qualifying specialized experience include collections management, registration, cataloging, research, preservation, restoration, or conservation of collections of museum material, or other experience related to the position to be filled. Most positions require particular subject-matter specialization, e.g., aeronautics, anthropology, art, geology, history, natural science, technology, biology, or zoology.

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 that is similar to the operation or management of a museum or similar collection of valuable objects. For this position, specialized experience is defined as providing technical assistance within a paleobiology department through the preparation of fossil vertebrate, invertebrate, and palaeobotanical specimens for research; imaging, including photography, potential CT scanning and digital prep and replication of fossils; repairing and conserving fossil collections; performing curatorial duties; and with public outreach.

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. Related fields of study include history, museum studies, scientific subjects, or other courses related to the position to be filled.

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.

Unofficial school transcripts (undergraduate and graduate) MUST be submitted within your application package by the closing date of the vacancy announcement. Please see the required documents section for special instructions on how to submit the required proof of U.S. accreditation for foreign education.

Education

Please See Under Qualifications Tab.

Additional information

This position is included in the bargaining unit.

Current or Former Political Appointees: Beginning January 1, 2010, agencies must seek prior approval from OPM before they can appoint a current or recent political appointee to a competitive or non-political excepted service position at any level under the provisions of title 5, United States Code. If you are currently or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, or Non-career SES employee in the executive branch, you MUST disclose that to the Office of Human Resources. Submit a copy of your applicable SF-50, along with a statement that provides the following information regarding your most recent political appointment:

• Position title;
• Type of appointment (Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES, or Presidential Appointee);
• Agency; and,
• Beginning and ending dates of appointment.
  
  

Recruitment Incentive: Recruitment incentive(s) may be authorized for this position. However, approval for incentives are contingent upon various availability. If authorized, certain incentives will require the incumbent to sign a service agreement to remain in the Federal government for a certain time period.

Note: This statement does not imply nor guarantee an incentive will be offered and paid.

Selections may be made for vacancies across the Smithsonian Institution (SI). By applying to this position, you agree to allow your application and other personal information to be shared with one or more SI hiring officials for employment consideration for same/similar positions within the location(s) identified in this announcement.

Veterans Employment Opportunities Act (VEOA): If you are applying for a VEOA appointment, you must be a veteran and must be honorably separated and either a preference eligible or have substantially completed 3 or more years of active service. ("Active Service" under this law means active duty in a uniformed service and includes full-time training duty, annual training duty, full-time National Guard duty, and attendance, while in the active service, at a school designated as a service school by law or by the Secretary concerned.) A veteran who is released under honorable conditions shortly before completing a 3-year tour is also eligible.

Noncompetitive Appointment Authorities: The following links contain information on the eligibility requirements to be considered under a noncompetitive appointing authority:

• The Federal Government offers a comprehensive benefits package.
  
  

Please see Benefits at

Flexible Spending Accounts -

Health Insurance -

Leave -

Life Insurance -

Long Term Care Insurance -

Retirement Program -

Salary : $68,405 - $88,926