Head of Object Conservation

Head of Object Conservation

Department: Other Agencies and Independent Organizations

Location(s): Washington, District of Columbia

Salary Range: $169279 - $197200 Per Year

Job Summary: The National Gallery of Art welcomes all people to explore art, creativity, and our shared humanity. Millions of people come through our doors each year, with even more online, making us one of the most visited art museums in the world. Our renowned collection includes over 160,000 works of art, from the ancient world to today. Admission to the West and East Buildings, Sculpture Garden, special exhibitions, and public programs is always free.

Major Duties:

• This position is located in the National Gallery of Art's Conservation Department, which preserves the museum's collection through specialized treatment, scientific research, and environmental monitoring. The Head of Object Conservation provides administrative and technical oversight of staff and programs within this specialized conservation unit. Duties for this position include. Oversees the operation and administration of the Object Conservation Department, implementing strategic goals and managing administrative activities that support the preservation of the Gallery's collections. Initiates and conducts complex conservation examinations and treatments on significant objects within the National Gallery's collection. Develops and applies appropriate treatment methods and techniques to ensure conservation procedures reflect current best practices and advances in conservation science, maintaining a leadership role in the field of art conservation. Supervises object conservation staff, including contractors, interns, and fellows, assigning work based on staff availability, capabilities, and specialized qualifications. Prepares examination reports and treatment proposals for conservation treatment and ensures that the department maintains high standards of documentation using Gallery departmental systems and collection databases. Conducts and publishes innovative research and supports outreach and educational programs related to the field of art conservation.

Qualifications: Specialized Experience Statement: Candidates must possess at least one year of specialized experience, equivalent in responsibility to the GS-14 level in the Federal service or private sector; supervising conservators or conservation scientists at a museum or cultural institution. Education cannot be substituted for experience for this position. OPM Qualifications Standard: Associated Group standard: Position Classification Standard for Museum Specialist and Technician Series, GS-1016 You must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement. 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.

How to Apply: To apply and be considered for this position, you must complete all required questionnaires, assessments and submit all required documentation as specified in the How to Apply and Required Documents section. The application process is as follows: Click on the "Apply Online" button on the upper right side of the page. You must have a USAJOBS account and be logged in. You must have a completed resume no more than 2 pages. (You may use the Resume Builder in USAJOBS) You must respond to all applicant assessment questions, carefully following all instructions provided. You will be able to upload additional supporting documentation, which may include, but not limited to transcripts, notification of personnel actions (SF-50), certifications and verification of veterans status (SF-15, DD-214) This position is also being advertised under Merit procedures using announcement NGA-26-086-Merit. The complete application package, including any additional supporting documents required for this position is due in the National Gallery of Art Personnel Office on the closing date of the announcement by 11:59 PM Eastern Time. NOTE: Applicants who cannot apply on-line must request a hard copy application packet from the Agency Contact listed in the vacancy announcement. Resumes and/or supporting documentation alone will not be considered without the inclusion of a hard copy application packet. The complete package is due no later than 5:30 PM Eastern Time on the closing date of this announcement. The National Gallery of Art receives many applications for each job. Each application is reviewed carefully which may take a few weeks. You may also check your application status by logging into www.usajobs.gov and selecting the tab "My USAJOBS".

Application Deadline: 2026-04-01