Head of Object Conservation

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. Responsibilities 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. Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a United States Citizen. This employer participates in the e-Verify program. Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered for Selective Service Pass Pre-employment Background Investigation Suitable for Federal employment, determined by a background investigation May be required to successfully complete a probationary period You may be required to serve a supervisory probation period Qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement. For information on qualification requirements, see Qualification Standards Handbook for General Schedule Positions viewable on OPM Website. It is your responsibility to ensure that you submit appropriate documentation prior to the closing date. Your resume serves as the basis for qualification determinations and must highlight your most relevant and significant experience as it relates to this job announcement. Be clear and specific when describing your work history since human resources cannot make assumptions regarding your experience. 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). Your resume must include the dates of all qualifying experience (from month/year to month/year) and the number of hours worked/volunteered per week. 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. Education This position does not have an education requirement. Additional Information The National Gallery of Art fosters a diverse and inclusive workplace and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. EEO Policy: This position is not included in the bargaining unit. Relocation expenses will not be paid. Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution. Reasonable Accommodation Policy: Veterans Information: Selective Service Registration: Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA): To be eligible for a VEOA appointment under Merit Promotion procedures, the veteran must be a preference eligible or a veteran separated after 3 years or more of continuous active service performed under honorable conditions. Noncompetitive Appointment Authorities: For more information on noncompetitive appointment authority eligibility requirements visit the following websites: Persons with Disabilities-Schedule A Special Hiring Authorities for Veterans Special Hiring Authority for Certain Military Spouses Other Special Appointment Authorities Reasonable Accommodation Requests: The National Gallery of Art provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. If you need an accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the contact person listed in this announcement.

Created: 2026-03-20