Position at Freer Gallery

Exhibition Conservator
Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery

Announcement Number: 06MR-6066
GS-1001-11-12; Salary:  $54,272 - $84,559 per year
Opening Date: March 16, 2006
Closing Date: April 27, 2006

Duties: This position is located in the Department of Conservation
and Scientific Research, Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler
Gallery, Smithsonian Institution.  The Galleries are devoted to the
research, acquisition, exhibition, care, and management of the
collections of Asian art in each museum and American art in the
Freer Gallery.  The incumbent functions as the exhibitions
conservator for the galleries, working with various departments on
conservation matters relevant to gallery exhibitions and loaned
works of art, including exhibition planning for long-term projects
and the preparation of exhibition budget proposals.  Makes condition
assessments of objects for exhibition or loan purposes; writes
condition reports; evaluates exhibition materials and environmental
conditions for collections on exhibit or loan, and in transit, and
assures that they are monitored and maintained so that conservation
requirements are met.  Collaborates with the staff responsible for
the installation, transportation, or storage of objects, to ensure
that objects are handled, exhibited, and stored in a manner that is
safe for the objects.  Coordinates with the conservators to insure
the objects are treated and installed to meet exhibition deadlines.
Performs conservation treatments in the incumbent's area of
specialty.  Examines objects to identify composition, method of
manufacture, authenticity and condition, evidence of previous
repair, and the nature and extent of treatment needed.  May remove
samples from objects for analysis or technical study.  Performs
x-radiography by both conventional and specialized techniques.
Prepares written records on the examination of objects, including
reports, radiographs and photographs and includes sketches and
illustrations as needed.   Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:  Applicants must have one year of specialized
experience equivalent to the next lower grade level. Specialized
experience is defined as experience which has equipped the applicant
with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to perform
successfully the duties of the position, and which is typically in
related to the work of the position as described above.  At the
GS-11 level, applicants may also qualify if they possess a Ph.D. or
equivalent doctoral degree, or three (3) full years of progressively
higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree.  A
combination of qualifying education and experience may be used to
meet the qualification requirements.

In addition to the qualifications described above, applicants will
be further evaluated by Selective and Quality Ranking Factors.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to specifically address the
factors described below.

Selective Factors:
(Applicants must meet all of these mandatory requirements in order
to be considered qualified to compete for a position.)

    1.  Knowledge of the techniques, materials, and methodologies
        related to the conservation of art objects.

    2.  Knowledge of the practical and theoretical aspects of
        preservation, including environmental control, disaster
        control, collections maintenance, conservation, and
        preservation research and documentation as it relates to
        exhibits.

Quality Ranking Factors:
(These factors are not mandatory to be considered for a position,
but will be used to determine which candidates are the highest
qualified among those who meet the selective factors.)

    1.  Knowledge of conservation principles and treatments for
        three-dimensional works of art.

    2.  Knowledge of materials science and chemistry as related to
        the preservation and conservation of three-dimensional
        objects, textiles, or paper.

    3.  Ability to prepare written reports, documentation, and other
        technical materials and correspondence.

How to Apply: The Smithsonian Institution does not require a
standard application form, but we need certain information to
evaluate your qualifications.  You may apply using a resume, the
Optional Application for Federal Employment, or any other written
application form you choose, including an SF-171, Application for
Federal Employment.  Current Federal employees should submit a copy
of their most recent annual performance appraisal and a copy of most
recent complete SF-50.

For more information, to request vacancy announcements, an Optional
Application for Federal Employment (OF-612), or an SF-171, see
<URL:http://www.si.edu/ohr> or <URL:http://www.usajobs.opm.gov>, or
call our automated Jobline on 202-287-3102 (accessible 24 hours, 7
days a week), 202-275-1102 (voice), or 202-275-1110 (TTY).

Applications must be received by the closing date and may be
submitted in the following ways:

Mail:

    Smithsonian Institution
    Office of Human Resources
    PO Box 50638
    Washington DC 20091
    Fax: 202-275-1114

Hand Deliver or FEDEX:

    750 Ninth Street NW.
    Suite 6100
    Washington DC 20560


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 19:44
                 Distributed: Thursday, March 16, 2006
                       Message Id: cdl-19-44-023
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