Museum Specialist (Aeronautics)

About the role

The Museum Specialist (Aeronautics) is a skilled member of the preservation/restoration team; and is responsible for protecting the National Collection of Aeronautics and Space Artifacts through proper and authentic preservation and restoration techniques.

Responsibilities

• Perform tasks of a highly technical nature in support of NASM’s preservation/restoration program, primarily but not exclusively, preparing the large artifacts in the aeronautics and space history collections for movements to and from exhibit and/or artifact storage.
• Determine which supplies, special equipment and tools are required for each specific project. Selects and uses appropriate cleaning solvents, paint removers and corrosion removal chemicals that will not adversely affect the artifacts to which they are applied.
• Maintain a clear, concise and detailed report of each restoration project, often with daily entries.
• Determine necessary tasks to ensure the preservation of complete aircraft and space craft that have been subjected to outdoor exposure, and storage environments that have been less than museum standards.
• Design and constructs forms, jigs, cradles, dollies and slings as needed to safely handle the artifacts during the restoration process and in preparation for the movement of the artifacts to be rigged into locations for exhibit.
• Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer.

Requirements

• Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered with Selective Service.
• Work involves lifting, stooping, climbing and working in awkward positions.
• Must be able to lift objects weighing up to 40 lbs. without assistance.
• Work requires substantial walking, standing, bending and reaching.
• Requires contact with lead paint, asbestos or other hazardous materials.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen.

Qualifications

• Basic Qualifications: GS-9 Experience or Education.
• Specialized Experience: Application of conservation, preservation or restoration techniques to technical, industrial, and/or transportation machinery or aerospace equipment; Documentation of project progress or completion summary; Reading and understanding manuals and technical data related to this field; Movement and rigging of aircraft, spacecraft, and/or aerospace artifacts.
• GS-11 Experience: Application of conservation, preservation or restoration techniques to industrial, and/or aerospace equipment; Performing projects on an independent level, including resource planning (such as materials and time estimates); Movement and rigging of aircraft, spacecraft, and aerospace artifacts.