Summary The Smithsonian Institution is the world’s largest museum, education, and research complex, with 21 museums and the National Zoo shaping the future by preserving heritage, discovering new knowledge, and sharing our resources with the world. The National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) is a national museum for the study and exhibition of African American history and culture. Duties The Assistant Registrar generates and maintains records pertaining to the Museum's permanent collection and facilitates the interaction of people with the collection through the activities of loans, exhibits and research.
In this position, you will:
- Maintain documents and information regarding the artifact collection that are not more appropriately housed in the Museum’s Archives or curator’s files.
- Manage domestic and international loans to and from the museum, and ensure the accountability of all NMAAHC collection objects under loan contract. Negotiate terms of loans, create, and sign loan contracts on behalf of the museum. Monitor compliance with contract terms and requirements.
- Assist in the selection and implementation of cost-effective changes to the computer system to meet the needs of the staff and public. Assist in long and short range computerization planning.
- Provide object information and documentation relating to the proposed accession to the Collections Committee and Director to assist them in their decision to follow through with or deny the accession.
- Prescribe special packing materials and handling requirements in order to reduce the imminent risks of moving museum objects. Identify and select contract fine arts handlers and ensures the shipping logistics are made.
Qualifications
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 or comparable pay band system. For this position specialized experience is defined as cataloging, controlling and documenting museum artifacts or objects; negotiating the terms of loans; managing and documenting the loan process; packing and shipping of museum objects; and utilizing a collections management system to catalog and track museum objects.
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.
Time-in-Grade Requirements: Under competitive merit promotion procedures, any individual who is currently holding, or who has held within the previous 52 weeks, a General Schedule position under a non-temporary appointment in the competitive or excepted service, must meet "time-in-grade" requirements (have served 52 weeks at the the next lower grade of the grade for which you are applying).
For information on qualification requirements, see Qualification Standards Handbook for General Schedule Positions viewable on OPM Website.
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.
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
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 OPM Website. How you will be evaluated Your application will be evaluated first for the basic qualifications described above. The applications that meet the basic qualifications will be evaluated further against the following criteria:
- Knowledge of the principles and practices of museum registration and the Museum’s Collections Policies, including the current ethical, legal, and technological issues relating to the collections’ care and documentation.
- Ability to coordinate and document all phases of the museum loan process.
- Skill in use of computerized collection information management systems.
- Ability to communicate in writing.
- Knowledge of special packing materials, handling and insurance requirements in order to reduce risks of moving museum objects
Important Note:
Your resume and supporting documentation will be compared to your responses to the occupational questionnaire or other assessment tool for consistency. If a determination is made that you have rated yourself higher than is supported by your resume, you will be assigned a rating commensurate to your described experience. Your resume should provide detailed information regarding how your education and experience relate to this position, including the major duties and qualifications criteria listed.
You may preview questions for this vacancy.
Benefits
The Smithsonian offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, vacation and sick leave, holidays, health/life insurance, accident insurance, and excellent retirement program options.
Please see Benefits at https://www.si.edu/OHR/benefits for a complete description.
Flexible Spending Accounts - https://www.fsafeds.com/ Health Insurance - http://www.opm.gov/insure/health/index.asp Leave - http://www.opm.gov/oca/leave/index.asp Life Insurance - http://www.opm.gov/insure/life/index.asp Long Term Care Insurance - http://www.ltcfeds.com Retirement Program - https://www.opm.gov/retirement-services/ How to apply Click on the "Apply Online" button on the upper right side of the page.
Please Note:
- You must apply for this position online through the 'Apply Online' button and submit required supplemental documents (if they are relevant to you).
- Your resume must be no more than two (2) pages.
- You may submit required documents by uploading them online during the application process.
- The complete application package, including any required documents, is due in the Smithsonian Office of Human Resources on the closing date of the announcement by 11:59 PM Eastern Time.
- If you are unable to apply online, paper applications may be accepted with prior approval of the Contact Person listed below.
Other information This position is included in the bargaining unit.
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.