Other Agencies and Independent Organizations

Museum Specialist (Art)(Registrar for the Collection)

Washington, District of Columbia Full time

Museum Specialist (Art)(Registrar for the Collection)

Department: Other Agencies and Independent Organizations

Location(s): Washington, District of Columbia

Salary Range: $121785 - $158322 Per Year

Job Summary: The National Gallery of Art welcomes all people to explore art, creativity, and our shared humanity. Nearly four million people come through our doors each year—with millions more online—making us one of the most visited art museums in the world. Our renowned collection includes nearly 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 Office of Registrar at the National Gallery of Art the office is responsible for maintaining and updating records on all works of art owned by or entrusted to the care of the Gallery, and for the location, condition, safety and movement of those works of art. The Registrar for the Collection: Coordinates annual inventory; oversees movement of artwork internally and externally; accessions all objects acquired; updates electronic records for collection. manages art movements for the Board of Trustees and Collection Committee meetings and for the collection as a whole; liaises with vendors to ensure safe transportation of artwork; prepares and maintains condition reports. Works closely with the collection database manager to define inventory criteria to ascertain accuracy of the process. Makes transportation arrangements for the collections, following established guidelines for best practices. Organizes all aspects of incoming and outgoing movement of works of art being considered for gift, purchase or study. Plans for couriers entrusted with non-Gallery objects, including hotel, per diem and transportation, working with fine art shippers and agents when appropriate. Plans and prepares for the collection and return of long-term loans to the Gallery, following established procedures, with lenders, agents, brokers and transportation carriers.

Qualifications: Experience Specialized Experience Statement: Candidates must possess at least one year of specialized experience, equivalent in responsibility to the GS-12 level in the Federal service: Coordinating the collection and dispersal of works of art; Monitoring the location, condition, safety and movement of works of art internally & externally; Administering deposits and partial/promised gifts of works of art; AND Organizing all aspects of incoming and outgoing shipments of works of art. Education cannot be substituted for experience for this position. OPM Qualifications Standard: Individual Occupational Requirements: Museum Specialist and Technician Series 1016 Associated Group standard: There is no Group Coverage Qualification Standard for this series. Use the Individual Occupational Requirements described below. Merit promotion applicants must meet the time-in-grade requirement as defined in 5 CFR 300, Subpart F. One year at the GS-12 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-13 level. 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. Note: Applicants who are referred to the hiring office for selection consideration may be required to submit writing and/or work samples as part of the interview/selection process. If the hiring office decides to request a writing and/or work sample as part of its selection process, the vacancy contact will reach out to you by email to: (1) inform you of this requirement; and (2) provide further instructions.

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 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. (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) 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: 2026-03-27