Position at Freer Gallery

Objects Conservator
Freer Gallery of Art and the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery

Position: The Freer Gallery of Art and the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery
seek an Objects Conservator for a Federal position at the GS 9 or 11
level.  Salary range: $33,650 - $52,927 per year (Promotion
potential to GS-12 if filled at the lower level.)

Duties: The incumbent serves as an objects conservator in the
Department of Conservation and Scientific Research and performs a
variety of duties that support the conservation, research, and
exhibition activities of the Freer Gallery of Art and the Arthur M.
Sackler Gallery, the national museum of Asian art.  The incumbent
examines and conserves works of art in the galleries' collections,
which are composed of a wide range of materials including ceramics,
glass, lacquer, metals, stone, and wood. Prepares object condition
reports; takes object samples which are used for research, study,
and determining appropriate conservation treatments; and develops
conservation treatment proposals.  Implements treatment plans which
may include cleaning, repairing, and restoring objects.  Conducts
tests of object materials using established scientific methods such
as x-radiography, microscopic examination, and physical and chemical
tests.  Prepares written documentation, reports, and other materials
related to conservation activities.  Advises gallery specialists on
technical matters regarding the conservation, storage, display, and
handling of objects.  Monitors environmental conditions in storage
and exhibition areas.

Qualifications:  At the GS-9 level, applicants must have 1 year of
specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-7 level or have
successfully completed 2 full years of progressively higher level
graduate education or have a Master's or equivalent graduate degree.
At the GS-11 level, applicants must have 1 year of specialized
experience equivalent to at least the GS-9 level or have
successfully completed 3 full years of   progressively higher level
graduate education or have a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree.
Specialized experience is experience that has equipped the applicant
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.  Equivalent
combinations of education and experience may be qualifying.
Applicants are asked to address the selective and quality ranking
factors listed below.

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

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

    2.  Ability to conduct technical research related to the study
        and  conservation of works of art.

    3.  Ability to write technical and non-technical materials
        intended for a variety of audiences.

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 a SF-171,
        Application for Federal Employment. See page 3 of this
        announcement for further instructions. (NOTE:  If you use a
        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 the
        specialized experience requirement and the selective and
        quality ranking 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 form is
        used to gather statistical data and will not be a part of
        the application.

Applications must be submitted to the address below and must be
postmarked by the closing date. Send your application to:

    Freer Gallery of Art and the Arthur M.
    Sackler Gallery
    Smithsonian Institution
    P.O. Box 23768
    Washington, DC 20026-3768

To obtain information on the Federal hiring process, to hear about
other Smithsonian vacancies, or to request vacancy announcements, an
Optional Application for Federal Employment (OF-612), or a SF-171,
Application for Federal Employment, call the Smithsonian automated
Job line at 202-287-3102 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) or
202-287-3498 (TTY).  Call (202) 357- 4880, ext. 444, to leave a
voice message with the Freer and Sackler galleries.

                                  ***
                  Conservation DistList Instance 12:72
                   Distributed: Monday, March 8, 1999
                       Message Id: cdl-12-72-014
                                  ***