STAFF CURATOR (MUSEUM MANAGEMENT) Job in Richmond, VA

Vacancy No. DE-12649812-25-CLW Department Immediate Office of the Chief of Naval Operations
Salary $62,579.00 to $98,426.00 Grade 9 to 11
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 12/26/2024 Close Date 12/30/2024
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Richmond, VA


Summary

You will serve as a Staff Curator (Museum Management) in the Conservation Branch, Collections Division of NAVAL HISTORY AND HERITAGE COMMAND.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

U.S. Citizens

Duties

  • At the GS-9 Level you will perform developmental duties, as assigned.
  • At the GS-11 (Full Performance Level) you will perform the duties below:
  • You will perform work conserving, preserving, storing, accounting for, shipping of historic properties in the Navy's Heritage Asset collections.
  • You will interact with the NHHC Enterprise conservators, museum curators, and exhibit specialists to identify special concerns or needs to ensure conserved artifacts are displayed properly to avoid damage.
  • You will perform a variety of routine and special technical duties in connection with the conservation, physical maintenance, preservation, and inventory of the collections.
  • You will serve as a subject matter expert for organic and inorganic artifacts in the collection.
  • You will prepare reports, documenting the conditions of artifacts, treatment options, and methods of preservation/conservation.
  • You will use various methods to examine objects including non-destructive testing.
  • You will adhere to the professional Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice of the American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works.
  • You will answer technical and general inquiries on historical properties in the collection undergoing conservation and preservation procedures.
  • You will participate in outreach and in tours of the laboratory.
  • You will prepare and deliver presentations and lectures on artifact conservation procedures.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • Must be a US Citizen.
  • Must be determined suitable for federal employment.
  • Must participate in the direct deposit pay program.
  • New employees to the Department of the Navy will be required to successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit e-verify.gov
  • Within the Department of Defense (DoD), the appointment of retired military members within 180 days immediately following retirement date to a civilian position is subject to the provisions of 5 United States Code 3326.
  • Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service.
  • You will be required to obtain and maintain an interim and/or final security clearance prior to entrance on duty. Failure to obtain and maintain the required level of clearance may result in the withdrawal of a job offer or removal.
  • You will be required to successfully complete a pre-appointment physical examination.
  • You will be required to wear personal protective equipment such as helmets, gloves, coveralls, glasses, goggles, respirators and safety shoes continuously for the duration of the work shift.
  • You may be required to maintain proper grooming standards in order to use protective clothing.
  • You must be comfortable working with materials to include fabrics, leather, metals, paper, rubber, plastics, and wood.
  • You will be required to work with handling, storage, and disposal of Hazardous Materials in accordance with federal regulations.

Qualifications

There is a Basic Requirement to hold a GS-1015 position the Federal Service. Details can be found in the "Education" section of this announcement.

There is a Selective Placement Factor for this position which must be met in addition to the Basic Requirement for the Series and the Specialized Experience and/or Education. The Selective Placement Factor is Experience working in a professional conservation laboratory setting including familiarity with laboratory safety and appropriate handling of chemicals. Your resume must clearly demonstrate such experience. Examples of such experience may include - working in a professional or university conservation/art conservation laboratory using laboratory chemicals to conserve historic artifacts/objects.

GS-11: In addition to the Basic Requirements and Selective Placement Factor for this position, your resume must also demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-09) or pay band in the federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector performing work involving conserving, preserving, storing, accounting for, and shipping of historic properties while adhering to the professional Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice of the American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works, while performing the following;
  • Examining artifacts for the planning and implementing of safe and approved conservation treatments;
  • Documenting the condition of artifacts, treatment options, and methods of reservation/conservation;
  • Handling an array of artifacts inorganic and organic materials including wood, leather, and/or textiles during the verification of artifact records;
  • Storing, cleaning, photographing, and marking of artifacts prior to conservation treatments;
  • Researching databases, accession records, technical publications, books, and manuscripts to aid in answering questions about artifact historical validity, identification, and provenance in the collection;
  • Conducting standard chemical and physical testing in a laboratory setting to determine an artifact's age, composition, original appearance, level of treatment/restoration, appropriate preservation method, and conservation storage requirements;
  • Assisting in laboratory activities while complying with handling and safety protocols for Hazardous Material.
GS-09: In addition to the Basic Requirements and Selective Placement Factor for this position, your resume must also demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-07) or pay band in the federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector performing work involving conserving, preserving, storing, accounting for, and/or shipping of historic properties while adhering to the professional Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice of the American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works, while performing the following;
  • Assisting in examining artifacts for support the planning and implementing of safe and approved conservation treatments;
  • Documenting the condition of artifacts, treatment options, and methods of reservation/conservation selected as directed by senior personnel;
  • Handling an array of artifacts and organic materials including wood, leather, and/or textiles to assist in the verification of artifact records;
  • Assisting in storing, cleaning, photographing, and marking of artifacts prior to conservation treatments;
  • Researching databases, accession records, technical publications, books, and/or manuscripts to aid in answering questions about artifact historical validity, identification, and provenance in the collection;
  • Assisting or working under the direction of senior personnel to conduct standard chemical and physical testing in a laboratory setting to determine an artifact's age, composition, original appearance, level of treatment/restoration, appropriate preservation method, and/or conservation storage requirements;
  • Assisting in laboratory activities while complying with handling and safety protocols for Hazardous Materials.
You may also qualifying using education to substitute for Specialized Experience. See the "Education" section of this announcement for details.

Additional qualification information can be found from the following Office of Personnel Management website:
https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/#url=List-by-Occupational-Series

https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/1000/museum-curator-series-1015/

Education

Applicants must meet the following Basic Requirements of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualifications Standards Manual: You must have:
Successfully completed a bachelor degree in museum work or in an applicable subject-matter field.https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/students/federal-occupations-by-college-major/
OR
Have a combination of education and experience with courses equivalent to a major in museum work or in an applicable subject-matter field plus appropriate experience or additional education.
OR
Have four years of experience that provided knowledge comparable to that normally acquired through the successful completion of a 4-year course of study in museum work or in an applicable subject-matter field.

You may use the following education or combination of education and experience to qualify at the GS-11 Level if you have the following:
Have successfully completed a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in museum work or in an applicable subject-matter field.https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/students/federal-occupations-by-college-major/
OR
Have successfully completed three full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. or equivalent degree in museum work or in an applicable subject-matter field.https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/students/federal-occupations-by-college-major/
OR
Have a combination of education and experience as described above that are equivalent to a major in museum work or in an applicable subject-matter field plus appropriate experience or additional education

You may use the following education or combination of education and experience to qualify at the GS-09 Level if you have the following:
Have successfully completed a masters or equivalent graduate degree in museum work or in an applicable subject-matter field.https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/students/federal-occupations-by-college-major/
OR
Have successfully completed two full years of progressively higher graduate level education leading to a masters degree in museum work or in an applicable subject-matter field.https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/students/federal-occupations-by-college-major/
OR
Have a combination of education and experience as described above with courses equivalent to a major in museum work or in an applicable subject-matter field plus appropriate experience or additional education

Additional information

This position is covered by the Department of Defense Priority Placement Program.

Additional vacancies may be filled by this announcement.

This position is eligible for part time, substantial or ad-hoc telework at the discretion of management.

A tentative offer of employment will be rescinded if the selectee fails to meet the pre-employment requirements, including failure to report to any of the scheduled appointments.

Federal annuitant information: The selection of an annuitant is subject to the Department of Defense and Department of the Navy policy on the employment of annuitants. Policy information may be found at: http://www.secnav.navy.mil/donhr/Documents/CivilianJobs/FedCivAnnuitants.pdf

ICTAP Applicants: To be considered well-qualified and exercise selection priority as an ICTAP candidate for this vacancy, displaced Federal employees must satisfy all qualification requirements for the position and receive a rating in the highly qualified category or higher. For more information about ICTAP eligibility please review the following link: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/federal-employees/career-transition/

PPP applicants will be placed at the FPL, if determined Well Qualified (WQ). To receive priority consideration, the FPL must be the same grade level or equivalent of the retained grade or the grade held immediately prior to separation.

Military Spouse Preference applicants will be placed at the highest grade for which they have applied and are determined Best Qualified (BQ). A BQ military spouse possesses knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies comparable to others who meet the competitive referral criteria for the specific position.

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

In order to qualify for this position, your resume must provide sufficient experience and/or education, knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of the specific position for which you are being considered. Your resume is the key means we have for evaluating your skills, knowledge, and abilities as they relate to this position. Therefore, we encourage you to be clear and specific when describing your experience.

When the application process is complete, we will review your resume to ensure you meet the hiring eligibility and qualification requirements listed in this announcement. You will be rated based on the information provided in your resume and responses to the Occupational Questionnaire, along with your supporting documentation to determine your ability to demonstrate the following competencies:

  • Attention to Detail
  • COLLECTIONS
  • COMPUTER LITERACY
  • Decision Making
  • Flexibility
  • Integrity/Honesty
  • Interpersonal Skills
  • Learning
  • ORAL COMMUNICATION
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Reasoning
  • RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS
  • Self-Management
  • Stress Tolerance
  • Teamwork
  • WRITTEN COMMUNICATION


You will be evaluated and rated under Category Rating selection procedures. Additional points are not added for veterans' preference; however, preference is still applied. Applicants eligible for veteran's preference will receive selection priority over non-veterans.

If you meet the qualification requirements, your application will be placed in one of three categories:

Best Qualified - Candidates in this category possess exceptional skills and experience to exceed well above the minimum requirements for announced position.
Highly Qualified - Candidates in this category possess good skills and experience above the minimum requirements for announced position.
Qualified - Candidates in this category meet the minimum experience requirements for announced position.

If selected, you may be required to provide supporting documentation.

If after reviewing your resume and supporting documentation, a determination is made that you inflated your qualifications and/or experience, your score may be adjusted to more accurately reflect your abilities or you may be found ineligible/not qualified.

Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment.

All qualifications requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (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.

Required Documents

You are required to provide documentation that supports the eligibility and qualification claims made in your resume and assessment questionnaire. You must submit the applicable documents listed here and those listed with the eligibilities you select in the announcement questionnaire with your application package. Applicants who do not provide supporting documentation that fully support their claims will not be referred to the hiring manager. Cover letter is optional.

A complete resume is required. Your resume must show relevant experience, job title, duties and accomplishments. Your resume must show complete information for each job entry to support minimum qualifications. The following information should be provided in your resume, but it is acceptable to provide elsewhere in your application package: employer's name, starting and end dates (Mo/Yr), hours per week, and pay plan, series and grade level (e.g. GS-0201-09) for relevant federal experience.TIP: A good way to ensure you include all essential information is to use the Resume Builder in USAJOBS to create your resume.

Are you claiming membership in any professional organizations, or possession of a license, certificate or credentials? Check the Conditions of Employment section above to see if any are required. If you claim membership, license, certification, or credentials, you must submit a copy of said document in your application package.

Are you using education as a substitute for some or all of the experience requirement? Is there a basic education requirement for this position? Check the Education section above to see what is allowed and what is required. Any claims you make in your resume or assessment questionnaire regarding education or degrees MUST be supported by submitting with your application official or unofficial transcripts or a list of courses, grades earned, completion dates, and quarter and semester hours earned issued from your school. While unofficial transcripts are acceptable for initial application, an official transcript will ultimately be required if you are selected for the position. You may submit a copy your degree(s) if specific coursework does not have to be verified.

Are you a veteran claiming 5-point veterans' preference or claiming sole survivorship preference? You must submit a copy of your latest DD-214 Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (any copy that shows all dates of service, as well as character of service [Honorable, General, etc.] is acceptable) OR a VA letter that shows dates of service or service connected disability AND character of service. If you have more than one DD-214 for multiple periods of active duty service, submit a copy for each period of service. If you were issued a DD-215 to amend aforementioned information on the DD-214 you must submit that too. If you are not sure of your preference eligibility, visit the Department of Labor's website: Veterans' Preference Advisor

Are you a disabled veteran or claiming 10-point veterans' preference?
If you are eligible to claim 10 point veterans preference you must submit a DD-214 Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty as described above for 5-point preference.

You must also provide the applicable supporting documentation of your disability (e.g. disability letter from the VA) as described on Standard Form-15 (SF-15). http://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/SF15.pdf.

Are you an active duty service member? Active Duty Service Members are required to submit a statement of service printed on command letterhead and signed by the command. The statement of service must provide the branch of service, rate/rank, all dates of service, the expected date of discharge and anticipated character of service (Honorable, General, etc.).

Documents submitted as part of the application package, to include supplemental documents, may be shared beyond the Human Resources Office. Some supplemental documents contain personal information such as SSN and DOB and some documents such as military orders and marriage certificates may contain personal information for someone other than you. You may sanitize these documents to remove said personal information before you submit your application. You must provide an un-sanitized version of the documents if you are selected.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply and be considered for this position, you must complete all required questionnaires, assessments, and required documentation as specified in the How to Apply and Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration. The application process is as follows:
1. Click the Apply Online button.
2. Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation.
3. Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59 PM (ET) on the announcement closing date.
4. If you are required to complete any USA Hire Assessments, you will be notified after submitting your application. The notification will be provided in your application submission screen and via email. The notification will include your unique assessment access link to the USA Hire system and the completion deadline. Additionally, in USAJOBS you can click "Track this application" to return to your assessment completion notice.
5. Access USA Hire using your unique assessment link. Access is granted through your USAJOBS login credentials.
6. Review all instructions prior to beginning your assessments. You will have the opportunity to request a testing accommodation before beginning the assessments should you have a disability covered under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended.
7. Set aside at least 3 hours to take the USA Hire assessments; however, most applicants complete the assessments in less time. If you need to stop the assessments and continue later, you can re-use your unique assessment link.
8. Your responses to the USA Hire Assessments will be reused for one year (in most cases) from the date you complete an assessment. If future applications you submit require completion of the same assessments, your responses will be automatically reused.

Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended, that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments here: https://help.usastaffing.gov/Apply/index.php?title=Reasonable_Accommodations_for_USA_Hire

For more general information, system requirements and to request assistance regarding the USA Hire Assessments, review the following resources: https://help.usastaffing.gov/Apply/index.php?title=USA_Hire_Assessments.

To update your application, including supporting documentation: During the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account, find your application record, and click Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.

To view the announcement status or your application status: Click on this: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/. Your application status page is where you can view your application status, USA Hire assessment completion status, and review your notifications sent by the hiring agency regarding your application.

You are encouraged to apply online. Applying online will allow you to review and track the status of your application.

Do not email or send hard copy resumes/applications to the Contact Information or Agency Information listed in this vacancy announcement. All resumes/applications received at the addresses listed in the Contact Information or Agency Information will be destroyed and will not be considered for this vacancy announcement.

It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that all information in their resume and documents are legible and accurate. HR will not modify answers/documents submitted by an applicant.

Agency contact information

Department of Navy EIC
Address
NAVAL HISTORY AND HERITAGE COMMAND
805 Kidder Breese St
Washington, DC 20374
US
Learn more about this agency

Next steps

When the application process is complete, your complete application (resume, assessment questionnaire, USA Hire assessments and all supporting documents) will be reviewed to determine if you meet the hiring eligibility and qualification requirements for which you requested consideration. You will be rated based on the information provided in your resume and responses to the questionnaire and USA Hire Assessment, along with your supporting documentation to determine your level of knowledge, skill, and ability related to the job requirements.

If you meet the minimum qualifications of this position, you may be presented with instructions on how to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments system. These additional online assessments must be completed within 48 hours following the close of this announcement unless you have requested Reasonable Accommodation for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments.

Generally, only best qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager. Sometimes well qualified and minimally qualified candidates are referred. Occasionally, candidates eligible for priority consideration are referred, and no other candidates are referred.

The hiring manager may choose to conduct interviews.

You will be notified of our rating and referral decision. If you are referred, you will be notified when a hiring decision is made.

NOTE: If you have any questions or need assistance, please email the DON Employment Information Center at DONEIC@us.navy.mil


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.


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