Position at National Museum of the American Indian

Conservator
GS-1001-11
Salary: $39,060-$50,780 per annum
National Museum of the American Indian
Office of Cultural Resources Conservation
(CR8-12)
97MS-1188

Duty Location: Bronx, NY

Area of Consideration:  All candidates may apply including
individuals with a disability who are eligible under a special
appointing authority.  If a competitive list of eligibles is
requested, the applications of nonstatus candidates who meet the
minimum qualifications for the position will be referred to the
Delegated Examining Unit (DEU) for consideration.  Status candidates
who wish to be rated under both merit promotion and OPM's
competitive procedures must submit two complete applications.  If
only one application is received, it will be considered under the
merit promotion program.

Note:   This position is located initially at the Research Branch of
NMAI in the Bronx, NY but is scheduled to move October 1, 1998 to
the Washington, DC area with a duty station at the Cultural
Resources Center in Suitland, MD.

Duties: Incumbent reports to the Head of Conservation, NMAI.  During
initial period of hire, acts as project supervisor in the survey,
stabilization and preparation of the collections for the move from
the Research Branch to the Cultural Resources Center.  Supervises
conservation technicians in survey and stabilization of collections
for the move.  As an object conservator, the incumbent is
responsible primarily for conserving a variety of objects--organic
and inorganic--both archaeological and ethnographic--with an
emphasis on organic ethnographic objects.  This includes but is not
limited to materials such as bark cloth, leather, basketry, bone,
skin, hide, feathers, shell, wood, textiles, metals, beads, ceramics
and stone.  Examines and documents objects, proposes conservation
methodology and treatment, carries out conservation treatment such
as cleaning, stabilization, repairs and restoration, and documents
treatment procedures.  Independently designs and carries out the
treatment procedures for restoration or preservation of objects in
the NMAI collection.  Prepares objects for exhibitions and loans,
performs chemical and physical tests , makes measure of temperature,
humidity, light level or other parameters affecting conservation and
maintains records.  Responds to inquiries and requests for
assistance from NMAI staff, general public, researchers, colleagues
and students.  Consults with Native communities with regard to need
for special handling and treatment of objects.

Qualifications: Candidates must possess 3 full years of
progressively higher level graduate education or Ph.D. or equivalent
doctoral degree or 1 year of specialized experience which was at
least equivalent to the GS-9 level.  Specialized experience is
defined as experience which has equipped the candidate with the
particular knowledge, skills and abilities to perform successfully
the duties of the position and which is typically in or related to
the work of the position to be filled.

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

1.  Knowledge at a professional level of conservation principles,
    concepts, methodology, ethics, issues and practices.

2.  Knowledge of material science and technology and organic and
    inorganic chemistry.

3.  Ability to use x-radiography, chemical tests and microscopic
    examination.

Quality Ranking Factors:  (These factors will be used to determine
who are the highest qualified candidates among those who meet the
selective factors.)

1.  Skill in gathering information, identifying and analyzing
    conservation issues, developing treatment recommendations,
    design and fabrication of special mounts and treating a variety
    of objects.

2.  Skill designing and carrying out treatment procedures for
    restoration or preservation of objects in a museum collection.

3.  Skill in stabilizing and preparing objects for a move or
    exhibitions and loans.

4.  Knowledge of Native American cultural practices and the need for
    special handling and treatment of objects.

Note:  Relocation expenses may be paid at the discretion of the Smithsonian

How to Apply:

1.  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 (OF-612), or any other
application form you choose, including an SF-171, Application for
Federal Employment. See page 3 for further instructions. (Note: If
you use an SF-171, do not answer questions 38-47. Job finalists will
be asked to complete a Declaration for Federal Employment to
determine their suitability for Federal employment and to authorize
a background investigation.)

2.  Clearly describe in your resume or application your work
experience, education and/or training as it relates to this vacancy.
It is very important that you fully address how your work experience
and education/training meet both the specialized experience
requirement and the selective factors. This information will be used
to determine whether or not you are qualified for this vacancy.
Selective factors establish qualifications to be eligible to compete
for the position. Quality Ranking Factors are not mandatory but are
used to determine who are the highest qualified candidates among
those eligible to compete for the position. Therefore, it is to your
benefit to provide a full description of your experience and
education/training relative to the job requirements of this vacancy.

3.  Current Federal employees should submit a copy of their most
recent annual performance appraisal.

4.  The attached Background Survey Questionnaire should be completed
by all candidates, except Smithsonian Institution employees and
returned with the application. This is used for gathering
statistical data and will not be a part of the application.

Applications must be submitted to one of the addresses below and
must be postmarked by the closing date.

Send your application to: OR Bring your application to:

    Smithsonian Institution
    955 L'Enfant Plaza, SW.
    Office of Human Resources
    Employment Office
    Branch 1
    Suite 2100
    P.O. Box 23762
    Washington, DC
    Washington, DC  20026-3762
    (Hours:  M-F, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

To obtain information on the Federal hiring process, hear about
other Smithsonian vacancies, or request vacancy announcements, an
Optional Application for Federal Employment (OF-612), or an SF-171,
call our automated Jobline at 202-287-3102 (24 hours, 7 days a
week).

For further information please call 202-287-2468 (voice) or (202)
287-3498 (TTY).

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                  Conservation DistList Instance 11:46
               Distributed: Wednesday, November 19, 1997
                       Message Id: cdl-11-46-020
                                  ***