Exhibits Specialist

Final date to receive applications: 12 January 2026

Department:
National Museum of American History

Location:

Washington, DC

Compensation: $57,736 - $75,059 / year

OPEN DATE:
January 5, 20276

CLOSING DATE:
January 12, 2026

POSITION TYPE:
Trust Fund

APPOINTMENT TYPE:
Temporary, not to exceed 4 years

SCHEDULE:

Full Time

DUTY

LOCATION:

Washington, DC

Position sensitivity and risk:
Non-Sensitive/Low-Risk

Who May Apply:
Open to all qualified applicants

This position is being recruited at the grade 7 with promotion potential up to grade 11. The incumbent may be non-competitively promoted to the next grade level upon satisfactory completion of qualifications/performance and at the management’s discretion. Meeting these requirements does not entitle the incumbent to advancement.

Trust Fund positions are unique to the Smithsonian. They are paid for from a variety of sources, including the Smithsonian endowment, revenue from our business activities, donations, grants and contracts. Trust employees are not part of the civil service, nor does trust fund employment lead to Federal status. The salary ranges for trust positions are generally the same as for federal positions and in many cases trust and federal employees work side by side.

Trust employees have their own benefit program, which may include Health, Dental & Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Transit/Commuter Benefits, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, Annual and Sick Leave, Family Friendly Leave, 403b Retirement Plan, Discounts for Smithsonian Memberships, Museum Stores and Restaurants, Credit Union, Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center (Child Care), Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care).

• Pass Pre-employment Background Check and Subsequent Background Investigation for position designated.
• Complete a Probationary Period.
• Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer.
• The position is open to all candidates eligible to work in the United States. Proof of eligibility to work in U.S. is not required to apply.
• Applicants must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement.

This position is located in Exhibits Production, Office of Building Renovations and Exhibition Services, National Museum of American History (NMAH), Smithsonian Institution (SI). NMAH is a national museum for the study and exhibition of American history and culture.

The NMAH, Exhibits Production is seeking multiple candidates to fill multiple vacancies in various departments (fabrication, graphics and exhibits service). The purpose of these Exhibits Specialist positions is to contribute to the planning and execution of the construction of specialized and complex exhibition components and structures, and directly supporting the finished look of all museum exhibitions and public spaces.

The work requires lifting, bending, stooping, and stretching for extended periods of time. The position requires the incumbent to have the manual dexterity to efficiently operate all hand and power tools and all graphic production equipment. Work requires regular work in an industrial shop environment, with associated risks and conditions. It involves moderate risks or discomforts such as working with power tools, skin and eye irritants or hazardous substances.

Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. unassisted. On an infrequent and non-regular and recurring basis, the incumbent may be required to climb ladders and scaffolds and balance to work in a variety of positions and may be required to work within confined spaces and at heights.

• Performs routine fabrication methods and techniques to support the development and production of exhibition projects that include elements such as structurally and architecturally accurate casework, components, artifact mounts, graphics, and lighting.
• Interprets and analyzes design specifications and details and recommends fabrication methods that are appropriate for projects, and the display of artifacts or art works.
• Creates digital images or text for graphic panels, posters, signs, labels, decals,…