The Interpretive Programs Office (IPO) has the responsibility for the exhibition and interpretive programs of the Library as well as for traveling exhibitions and the loan of Library materials to other organizations for their exhibitions and interpretive programs, both domestically and internationally.
Fabricates conventional exhibit items/structures based on detailed specifications. Utilizes knowledge of various materials and techniques that fulfill design and conservation requirements for artifact and object display. Works from design blueprints, sketches, and verbal descriptions. Produces graphic elements. These elements include text and label items, and title panels. Produces or fabricates surfaces on which graphic work is applied (acrylic panels, painted panels, bevel-edged boards). Constructs and/or assists in the construction of exhibition cabinets, casework, pedestals, wall panels, signage panels, mounts, fitted book cradles, brackets, and supports to precise measurements and design that vary in their complexity. Uses knowledge of and ability to use a range of shop machinery and tools including table saws, band saws, drill presses, frame miter machines, panel saws, sanders, and heat-forming equipment. Cuts and assembles mats, frames, and glass or plexiglas coverings for flat materials. Hangs framed materials. Installs exhibition cabinets, casework, pedestals, wall panels, signage panels, mounts, fitted book cradles, brackets, supports, signage panels, and fragile and valuable artifacts.
Performs all phases of surface finishing or applications based on prescribed specifications. Applies finishing materials and uses solvents and adhesives. The finishing materials applied include roller-applied paint, spray paint, brush-on finishes, laminates and textiles. Applies labels, photographs, and artifacts on plaques, panels, walls, bases, pedestals, or in display cases.
Performs routine exhibit maintenance and/or coordinates exhibit maintenance activities. Makes daily checks of the Library's exhibition spaces. Makes adjustments as necessary such as the replacement of lamps and brochures. Reports major problems to the Team Leader and recommends solutions to the problems identified. Determines required tasks based on established maintenance procedures and guidelines provided by supervisor.
Performs regular maintenance, such as cleaning, repairing, and upgrading existing exhibits. Uses tools to perform light construction work and performs repairs.
Assists the Registrar in the packing and crating activities of the Traveling Exhibits Program and the loan program of the Library of Congress. Fabricates and packs a wide variety of sturdy, specialized shipping containers to house traveling exhibits and the Library's books and artifacts for movement around the country and abroad.
Maintains a variety of equipment based on defined procedures. Assesses physical functioning of and determines the necessity for preventive and/or corrective maintenance. Evaluates need for and, when required, procures updated equipment. Operates equipment and trains in its operation.
Maintains personal contacts and cooperative work relationships with conservation specialists, IPO registrars and designers in order to provide or exchange information about the proper handling of Library materials.
Modifies special crates and packages for shipping items as specified by IPO Registrars. Uses most modem successful packaging methods and materials in placement of objects for maximum protection. Most of these objects are extremely fragile, one-of-a-kind, and/or of high cultural and monetary value.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENT:
Duties for this position require the incumbent to stand for long periods, lift and carry heavy objects and items weighing up to 45 pounds above head, recurring bending, reaching and stretching.
A required pre-placement physical and then a recurring physical examination every three (3) years is required to perform the work of the position. After an offer of employment has been made and before commencement of duties, the selectee MUST be physically qualified by the Library’s Health Office.
Library of Congress employees are prohibited from using illegal drugs, including marijuana. The Library is part of the Federal Government and abides by federal law, so regardless of individual state or District of Columbia laws, marijuana use is illegal, considered criminal activity, and can affect your employment at the Library. In addition, past or current drug use and activities (e.g., selling or distributing) may deem you ineligible for employment.
Applicants must have had progressively responsible experience and training sufficient in scope and quality to furnish them with an acceptable level of the following knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of the position without more than normal supervision.
Ability to handle a variety of valuable and sometimes fragile objects using approved museum/conservation techniques.**
Knowledge of the techniques and materials used in the fabrication and installation of exhibit components for museum-quality exhibitions.**
Ability to manage a diverse workload and to work simultaneously on exhibitions and projects with numerous deadlines.**
Skill in the use and maintenance of tools and machinery and a variety of building and archival materials for the production of exhibit components.
Ability to interact collaboratively with others to provide liaison services.
Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing.
Undergraduate and Graduate Education: Major study - illustrative design, commercial art, fine arts, industrial design, architecture, drafting, interior design, or other fields related to the position.
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
General Experience (for GS-5 positions): Experience that demonstrated the skills and creativity needed to use the tools or equipment associated with the work. Because talent and creative ability are vital to successful work performance, samples of work or other suitable evidence of technical competence may be required. Unpaid experience that is pertinent should be credited based upon its relevance to the work of the particular position to be filled.
Examples of qualifying general experience include: design and construction of exhibits, posters, photographic displays, signs, or displays of art or technical equipment; preparation or mounting of museum specimens; wood carving, sculpting, illustrating, interior or industrial design; or the use of tools and techniques related to carpentry, plastics, sheet metal, electrical or electronics work, machining, painting, molding, or in making machines, apparatus, and instruments.
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 work in the appropriate field, e.g., design, modelmaking, art, taxidermy, or restoration.
You must submit a legible copy of your college/university transcripts to your online application. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable at the time of application. Official transcripts will be required if selected. Failure to submit the required legible documentation at the time of application will result in disqualification of your application.
Foreign Education – Education completed outside the U.S. must be deemed equivalent to conventional/accredited U.S. education programs to be acceptable for Federal employment. If your college/university is outside the U.S., your transcripts must be accompanied by a report from a credential evaluation service that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or the Association of International Credentials Evaluators (AICE). Failure to submit a foreign education evaluation report will result in disqualification of your application.
Although it is the Library's policy to afford the maximum pay benefit to employees when setting rates of pay, a new appointee who has had no previous Federal service will generally be paid at step one of the grade.
The Library of Congress is an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities, and persons with disabilities who meet eligibility requirements are strongly encouraged to apply.
Applicants must submit a complete application package that is received by the closing date of this announcement.
Appointment/retention is subject to a favorable evaluation of an appropriate personnel security/suitability investigation. For more information, please see:Vetting Process
This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please email ADA@loc.gov. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
Applicants with disabilities may be considered under special hiring procedures and must submit an appropriate certificate of eligibility when applying for this position. The proof or disability/certification may be issued by the State Vocational Rehabilitation Office, Disability Services or Career Services office of the applicant’s college or university, or the Department of Veterans Affairs. The letter must verify that the applicant has a severe disability and must be dated within three years of the date of the application. Certification from health care providers are not accepted. For more information contact the Library's Office of EEO/Diversity Programs at 202-707-6024 or email spp@loc.gov. FAILURE TO SUBMIT YOUR CERTIFICATION WILL CAUSE YOUR APPLICATION TO NOT BE CONSIDERED UNDER THE SELECTIVE PLACEMENT PROGRAM.
The Library of Congress is the national library of the United States and is part of the Legislative Branch of the Federal government. As such, all positions are in the excepted service.
The Library reserves the right to fill a lesser or greater number of vacancies indicated during the life of this vacancy announcement.
Initial permanent appointments to the Library of Congress require completion of a one-year probationary period. Probationary periods served at other Federal agencies do not count toward this requirement.
The Library of Congress may offer repayment for all or part of federally insured student loans. However, not all service units within the Library of Congress participates in the repayment of federally insured student loans. Therefore, determination to repay a federally insured student loan is subject to approval by the appropriate service unit.
Are you a veteran? Please indicate the type of veterans' preference you are claiming in your application materials and/or applicant profile and provide the appropriate supporting documentation to validate your claim. Those applying for 5-point preference must submit Member Copy 4 of your DD 214. Those applying for 10-point preference must fill out an SF-15 (click here for the form) and provide the required documentation listed on the back of the form. If required supporting documentation is not attached, Veterans' Preference will not be considered in the application process.
Benefits
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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.