Visual Information Specialist
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 Department of Exhibits and Park Management (EPM), Division of Exhibits, of the National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI). More than one selection may be made from this announcement.
Major duties
The Visual Information Specialist is responsible for setting aesthetic standards for the Zoo's new and renovated exhibitions and will serve under the supervision of the Director of Exhibits. In this position, you will: Lead the design, production, and installation of NZP exhibits, ensuring all spatial and visual elements align with NZP architecture, collections, and Smithsonian standards. Develop innovative interpretive and spatial designs that balance originality with practicality, cost efficiency, ease of production and maintenance, and appropriate aesthetics. Collaborate with exhibition team members to develop interpretive concepts and design solutions. Manage contracted design services and external vendors to ensure projects meet quality standards, adhere to budgets, and are delivered on schedule.
What you need to qualify
Basic Qualifications Undergraduate and Graduate Education: Major study -- commercial art, fine arts, art history, industrial design, architecture, drafting, interior design, photography, visual communication, or other fields related to the position. Some positions may also require subject-matter knowledge of medicine, science, or technical equipment. Advanced training in a vocational school, technical institute, or art institute above the high school level in one of the fields listed above is creditable as general experience on a month-for-month basis. OR Specialized Experience (for positions above GS-5): Experience in the actual type of work for which application is made. Unpaid experience is creditable, provided the work done was of a quality level and demonstrated the ability required for the position. This includes planning the preparation and use of photographs, illustrations, drawings, and other artwork, charts, diagrams, dioramas, maps, slides, overlays, and other kinds of visual material for use in communicating information through visual means. 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-11 level in the Federal Service. For this position, specialized experience is defined as managing the full lifecycle of exhibition and educational design projects, from concept development through production and installation, while establishing aesthetic standards for new and renovated Zoo exhibits. 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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