Head of Object Conservation

Full Job Description

The National Gallery of Art welcomes all people to explore art, creativity, and our shared humanity.

Millions of people come through our doors each year, with even more online, making us one of the most visited art museums in the world.

Our renowned collection includes over 160,000 works of art, from the ancient world to today.

Admission to the West and East Buildings, Sculpture Garden, special exhibitions, and public programs is always free.

Specialized Experience Statement: Candidates must possess at least one year of specialized experience, equivalent in responsibility to the GS-14 level in the Federal service or private sector; supervising conservators or conservation scientists at a museum or cultural institution.

Education cannot be substituted for experience for this position.

OPM Qualifications Standard: Individual Occupational Requirements: Museum Specialist and Technician Series 1016 Associated Group standard: There is no Group Coverage Qualification Standard for this series.

Use the Individual Occupational Requirements described below. Merit promotion applicants must meet the time-in-grade requirement as defined in 5 CFR 300, Subpart F.

One year at the GS-14 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-15 level.

You must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

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.

Note: Applicants who are referred to the hiring office for selection consideration may be required to submit writing and/or work samples as part of the interview/selection process.

If the hiring office decides to request a writing and/or work sample as part of its selection process, the vacancy contact will reach out to you by email to: (1) inform you of this requirement; and (2) provide further instructions.

Major Duties:

This position is located in the National Gallery of Art's, Conservation Department, which preserves the museum's collection through specialized treatment, scientific research, and environmental monitoring.

The Head of Object Conservation provides administrative and technical oversight of staff and programs within this specialized conservation unit. Duties for this position include.

Oversees the operation and administration of the Object Conservation Department, implementing strategic goals and managing administrative activities that support the preservation of the Gallery's collections.

Initiates and conducts complex conservation examinations and treatments on significant objects within the National Gallery's collection.

Develops and applies appropriate treatment methods and techniques to ensure conservation procedures reflect current best practices and advances in conservation science, maintaining a leadership role in the field of art conservation.

Supervises object conservation staff, including contractors, interns, and fellows, assigning work based on staff availability, capabilities, and specialized qualifications.

Prepares examination reports and treatment proposals for conservation treatment and ensures that the department maintains high standards of documentation using Gallery departmental systems and collection databases.

Conducts and publishes innovative research and supports outreach and educational programs related to the field of art conservation.