Supervisory Chief Conservator (Chief Conservator)
Other Agencies and Independent Organizations - Smithsonian Institution
•
Washington, District of Columbia
Company
Other Agencies and Independent Organizations - Smithsonian Institution
Location
Washington, District of Columbia
Type
Full Time
Job Description
Summary
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 conservation laboratory of the Hirshorn Museum and Sculpture Garden (HMSG), Smithsonian Institution (SI).
Duties
The Supervisory Chief Conservator (Chief Conservator) supervises and manages a professional team of conservators leading a full range of conservation actions as well as technical analyses of art objects. This position is also responsible for the comprehensive administration of the conservation laboratory where they plan, direct, and coordinate conservation activities of the laboratory.Â
In this position, you will:
Perform a full range of technical examinations of works of art to identify their structure and components, their condition, and any appropriate treatment.Â
Establish procedures for the examination, handling and movement of objects in preparation for loan or exhibition.Â
Develop and propose annual budgets for the labs, oversees procurement and contract work in the lab.
Review and approve the activities of the professional, para-professional, and technical while distributing work among staff and revising priorities as necessary.
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
Qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement.
For information on qualification requirements, see Qualification Standards Handbook for General Schedule Positions on OPM website.
Qualifications
Experience: You qualify for this position if you have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 level in the Federal Service. For this position, specialized experience is defined as experience examining and treating artworks using accepted conservation methods for restoration and preservation of objects including use of diagnostic tools, monitoring environmental conditions and understanding of potential hazards; advising on standards and procedures for safe handling, storage, and display of art objects; and preparing educational information on conservation for lectures, tours, and label text.
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, 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.
Education
There are no basic education requirements for this position.Â
Additional information
This position is not 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.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
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/
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Date Posted
12/26/2025
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