Museum Specialist (General)
What you'd do
The Smithsonian Institution is the world's largest museum, education, and research complex, with 21 museums and the National Zoo. This position is located in the Office of the Registrar, National Portrait Gallery (NPG), Under Secretary for Museums and Culture, Smithsonian Institution (SI).
Major duties
The Museum Specialist (General) is responsible for the administration, integrity, and effective use of the museum's Collection Information System (CIS), The Museum System (TMS), working collaboratively with museum staff, the Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO), and external vendors to ensure reliable system operation, consistent data standards, and effective user support. In this position, you will: Plan, coordinate, and carry out activities required for the effective operation, maintenance, and continued development of The Museum System (TMS); create and maintain standard reports and templates. Establish and reinforce data entry standards, monitors data entry, and periodically review and revise existing data in The Museum System (TMS). Train staff and associated contributors on the use of The Museum System (TMS); develop and maintain user documentation.
What you need to qualify
Basic Qualifications: Experience related to the operation or management of a museum or similar collection of valuable objects. Examples of qualifying specialized experience include collections management, registration, cataloging, research, preservation, restoration, or conservation of collections of museum material, or other experience related to the position to be filled. Most positions require a particular subject-matter specialization, e.g., aeronautics, anthropology, art, geology, history, natural science, technology, biology, or zoology. In addition to the basic qualification requirement above: Experience: You qualify for this position if you have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-09 level in the Federal Service. For this position, specialized experience is defined as demonstrated experience as an advanced user of The Museum System (TMS), with in-depth knowledge of relational databases, fine art cataloging terminology, and the use of Structured Query Language (SQL) to review and update data and generate Crystal Reports. Your resume must be no more than two (2) pages and should clearly demonstrate how your experience aligns with the responsibilities and specialized experience required for this position. Do not copy language directly from the vacancy announcement, as you will be deemed ineligible for consideration. Instead, provide detailed, descriptive information about your actual experience. 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. Part-time and/or unpaid experience related to this position will be considered to determine the total number of years and months of experience. Be sure to note the number of paid or unpaid hours worked each week.
Before you apply
Federal applications are different: your resume should be 3–5 pages and mirror the language of this announcement. Read our federal resume guide first — it's the #1 reason qualified people get screened out.
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