Museum Specialist IS-1016-12

Application Deadline: 29 June 2026

Department: National Museum of Asian Art

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Washington, DC

Reporting To: Welch Head of Conservation and Scientific Research

Compensation: $102,415 - $133,142 / year

Description

OPEN DATE: May 29, 2026

CLOSING DATE: June 29, 2026

POSITION TYPE: Trust Fund

APPOINTMENT TYPE: Indefinite

SCHEDULE: Full Time

DUTY LOCATION: Washington, DC

Position sensitivity and risk:
Non-Sensitive / Moderate Risk

Open to all qualified applicants

The OpportunityThis position serves as an Objects Conservator within the Department of Conservation and Scientific Research with the responsibility to independently plan, coordinate and execute conservation examination, treatment, documentation, and preventative conservation activities in support of the National Museum of Asian Art (NMAA) exhibitions, loans, acquisitions, and long-term collections stewardship priorities. The role functions as a principal technical advisor to curators, registrars, collections management, exhibition staff, and other stakeholders regarding the safe handling, packing, transport, storage, display, and environmental requirements of objects and develops recommendations that mitigate risk and ensure compliance with museum and Smithsonian standards. The incumbent is supervised by the Welch Head, Department of Conservation and Scientific Research.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The incumbent, under the supervision of the Welch Head of Conservation and Scientific Research, performs the following:

Conservation
• Develop and carry out routine to complex conservation treatments on a variety of collection objects in every state of condition, including highly complex and delicate procedures on fragile and irreplaceable objects.
• Conservation work involves gathering contextual information, identifying and analyzing conservation needs, developing treatment recommendations, procedures, and implementation.
• Examines objects to identify composition, method of manufacture, authenticity, and condition; evidence of previous repair, and the nature and extent of treatment needed for the preservation.
• Responsible for exercising initiative and good judgement in seeking, interpreting, adapting guidelines to best fit conservation treatment and collections care stewardship in a deadline oriented, changing environment that demands flexibility, social awareness and diplomacy.
• Responsible for applying preventive conservation principles as they relate to the care and stewardship of NMAA's collection, executing conservation treatment when required, conducting materials testing and workshops on conservation and collections care.
• Prepare and analyze samples, interpret scientific analyses, and collaborate with internal and external conservators and scientific research staff.
• Prepare written records on the examination of objects, including reports, comprehensive technical documentation, treatment records, and photographs.
• Undertakes research to develop and adapt new methods and techniques to address unique or unforeseen preservation challenges.

Collections and Exhibition Support
• Collaborate with exhibition conservator, curatorial, collections management, and exhibition teams to ensure safe handling, storage, display, and transport of objects.
• Assess objects for loans and exhibitions, prepare condition reports, and recommend environmental and handling requirements, as well as advises on materials used for transporting and storing objects.
• Provide conservation guidance for exhibition planning including coordinating and performing conservation treatments for objects related to exhibitions, loans, and acquisitions.
• Serves as expert advising on materials, packing, transport, and environmental controls for collections and as a courier ensuring the safe transport and installation of objects.
• Examines collections to assess condition and suitability for loan or exhibition, and performs or coordinates conservation treatments with staff, partner institutions, or external conservators and contractors.
• Contribute to collections care planning, including storage improvements and long-term stewardship initiatives.
• Identifies long-term object storage projects and performs periodic surveys of NMAA collections to determine if storage or environmental conditions need to be modified.
• Advises collections managers and other staff on the care of the collections, including preventive conservation strategies such as proper handling, storage, and environment.
• Participate in internships and fellowships, including reviewing applications, mentoring participants, and evaluating outcomes.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

To qualify for this position you must have one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 level in the Federal service or comparable experience outside the Federal government.

Specialized experience is defined as:
• Experience conducting conservation examinations, treatment, and documentation of museum objects.
• Knowledge of museum conservation standards, ethics, and methodologies.
• Experience advising on object handling, storage, exhibition, and transport.
• Demonstrated ability to apply scientific principles (chemistry, physics, or materials science) to conservation challenges.
• Experience preparing technical reports and maintaining detailed conservation records.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with curators, collections staff, and other stakeholders.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities:
• Knowledge of conservation ethics, principles, and professional standards.
• Knowledge of analytical and laboratory techniques used in conservation science.
• Ability to develop and implement conservation treatment plans for a wide range of materials.
• Ability to assess risks and recommend preservation strategies for exhibitions and loans.
• Strong written communication skills for technical reporting and documentation.
• Ability to communicate complex conservation concepts to diverse audiences.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and adapt to changing priorities.

Additional information
• Work involves concurrent conservation activities in a dynamic, deadline driven environment.
• Objects vary widely in material, structure, condition, and cultural context, requiring adaptable and sensitive approaches.
• Work directly impacts the preservation, accessibility, and research value of the museum's collections.

Education completed outside the United States must be deemed equivalent to higher education programs of U.S. Institutions by an organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials. This documentation is the responsibility of the applicant and should be included as part of your application package.

Any false statement in your application may result in rejection of your application and may also result in termination after employment begins.

Join us in "Inspiring Generations through Knowledge and Discovery."

Resumes should include a description of your paid and non-paid work experience that is related to this job; starting and ending dates of job (month and year); and average number of hours worked per week.

What To Expect Next: Once the vacancy announcement closes, a review of your resume will be compared against the qualification and experience requirements related to this job. After review of applicant resumes is complete, qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager.

Relocation expenses are not paid.