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Smithsonian Institution

Museum Specialist

Landover, MD · On-site +1

$70K - $111K/yr

Summary The Smithsonian Institution is the world's largest museum, education, and research complex, with 21 museums and the National Zoo. This position is in the National Museum of African American ...

SIRIS LLC

Museum Specialist

Greensboro, NC · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

Previously supported cultural projects (e.g., GSA, NPS, Smithsonian Institute) specifically including; * Have a solid understanding of museum best practices, including handling, documentation, and ...

SIRIS LLC

Museum Specialist

Greensboro, NC

$70K - $90K/yr

Previously supported cultural projects (e.g., GSA, NPS, Smithsonian Institute) specifically including; * Have a solid understanding of museum best practices, including handling, documentation, and ...

SIRIS

Museum Specialist

Greensboro, NC · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

Previously supported cultural projects (e.g., GSA, NPS, Smithsonian Institute) specifically including; * Have a solid understanding of museum best practices, including handling, documentation, and ...

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How much do smithsonian museum jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for smithsonian museum in the United States is $15.33, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $15.14 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is it hard to get a job at the Smithsonian?

Getting a job at the Smithsonian Museum can be competitive due to high applicant volume and specific qualification requirements. Candidates often need relevant education, experience, and sometimes security clearances, with positions varying in difficulty based on the role and level of expertise required.

What is a Smithsonian Museum job?

A Smithsonian Museum job refers to a position within the Smithsonian Institution, the world's largest museum, education, and research complex. Jobs range from curators and researchers to educators, conservators, and administrative staff. Employees work to preserve history, conduct research, and engage the public through exhibitions and educational programs. Opportunities exist across various museums, research centers, and cultural institutions under the Smithsonian umbrella.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Smithsonian Museum position, and why are they important?

To thrive in a Smithsonian Museum role, candidates typically need expertise in museum studies, history, art, science, or a related field, often supported by a relevant degree or professional experience. Familiarity with collection management systems, digital cataloguing tools, and sometimes specialized certifications in conservation or education is advantageous. Strong interpersonal communication, public speaking, and organizational skills are vital for engaging visitors and collaborating with colleagues. These abilities are essential for ensuring successful operations, public programming, and preservation of the museum’s collections.

Are Smithsonian jobs federal jobs?

Yes, Smithsonian jobs are federal jobs because the Smithsonian Institution is a federal agency funded by the U.S. government. Employees typically receive federal benefits and follow government employment policies. These positions often require compliance with federal hiring standards and security clearances.

What are the typical responsibilities of a professional working at the Smithsonian Museum?

Professionals at the Smithsonian Museum may handle a wide range of responsibilities, including curating exhibits, conducting research, managing collections, developing educational programs, or guiding visitors. Depending on the specific position, you might work closely with educators, conservators, or other museum staff to create engaging experiences for diverse audiences. Teamwork is essential, as many projects require collaboration across departments to maintain the highest standards for stewardship and public engagement. This dynamic environment offers opportunities to deepen your expertise while making a meaningful impact on public appreciation of history, art, and culture.

Is it hard to get hired at a museum?

Getting hired at a museum like the Smithsonian can be competitive, as they often seek candidates with relevant education, experience, and skills in areas such as curation, education, or administration. Strong qualifications, a good understanding of museum operations, and sometimes specialized certifications can improve chances of employment.

How much do you get paid at the Smithsonian museum?

Salaries for positions at the Smithsonian Museum vary depending on the role, experience, and location, but entry-level positions typically start around $15 to $20 per hour, with higher-level roles paying significantly more. Employees may also receive benefits such as health insurance and paid leave, and some roles require specialized skills or certifications.
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Museum Specialist IS-1016-12

Museum Specialist IS-1016-12

Smithsonian Institution

Washington, DC

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 13 days ago

Smithsonian Institution rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 23 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

1st of 26 rated museums

Job description

OPEN DATE: May 29, 2026                
CLOSING DATE: June 29, 2026               
POSITION TYPE: Trust Fund
APPOINTMENT TYPE: Indefinite   
SCHEDULE: Full Time
DUTY LOCATION: Washington, DC 

Position sensitivity and risk:
Non-Sensitive / Moderate Risk
Open to all qualified applicants

What are Trust Fund Positions?
Trust Fund positions are unique to the Smithsonian. They are paid for from a variety of sources, including the Smithsonian endowment, revenue from our business activities, donations, grants and contracts. Trust employees are not part of the civil service, nor does trust fund employment lead to Federal status. The salary ranges for trust positions are generally the same as for federal positions and in many cases trust and federal employees work side by side. Trust employees have their own benefit program, which may include Health, Dental & Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Transit/Commuter Benefits, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, Annual and Sick Leave, Family Friendly Leave, 403b Retirement Plan, Discounts for Smithsonian Memberships, Museum Stores and Restaurants, Credit Union, Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center (Child Care), Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care). 
 
Conditions of Employment
  • Pass Pre-employment Background Check and Subsequent Background Investigation for position designated.
  • Complete a Probationary Period.
  • Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer.
  • The position is open to all candidates eligible to work in the United States.  Proof of eligibility to work in U.S. is not required to apply.
  • Applicants must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement. 
The Smithsonian's National Museum of Asian Art opened in 1923 as America's first national art museum and the first Asian art museum in the United States. It now stewards on of the world's most important collections of Asian art, with works dating from antiquity to the present. The museum also hosts an unparalleled collection of 19th- and early 20th-century American art.
Through an ambitious program of collecting, conservation, exhibitions, programming and research, both onsite and online, the museum serves as a global and national resource for understanding the arts and cultures of Asia and their interaction with America, past and present. By presenting the arts and cultures of Asia in their extraordinary richness, the museum furthers cross-cultural understanding and aims to exemplify foundational ideals of curiosity, creativity and respect.
Located on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., the museum is free and open 364 days a year (closed Dec. 25). The Smithsonian is the world's largest museum, education and research complex and welcomes millions of visitors yearly. For more information about the National Museum of Asian Art, visit asia.si.edu.
The Opportunity
This position serves as an Objects Conservator within the Department of Conservation and Scientific Research with the responsibility to independently plan, coordinate and execute conservation examination, treatment, documentation, and preventative conservation activities in support of the National Museum of Asian Art (NMAA) exhibitions, loans, acquisitions, and long-term collections stewardship priorities. The role functions as a principal technical advisor to curators, registrars, collections management, exhibition staff, and other stakeholders regarding the safe handling, packing, transport, storage, display, and environmental requirements of objects and develops recommendations that mitigate risk and ensure compliance with museum and Smithsonian standards. The incumbent is supervised by the Welch Head, Department of Conservation and Scientific Research. 
The incumbent, under the supervision of the Welch Head of Conservation and Scientific Research, performs the following:
Conservation
Develop and carry out routine to complex conservation treatments on a variety of collection objects in every state of condition, including highly complex and delicate procedures on fragile and irreplaceable objects. 
Conservation work involves gathering contextual information, identifying and analyzing conservation needs, developing treatment recommendations, procedures, and implementation.
Examines objects to identify composition, method of manufacture, authenticity, and condition; evidence of previous repair, and the nature and extent of treatment needed for the preservation.
Responsible for exercising initiative and good judgement in seeking, interpreting, adapting guidelines to best fit conservation treatment and collections care stewardship in a deadline oriented, changing environment that demands flexibility, social awareness and diplomacy. 
Responsible for applying preventive conservation principles as they relate to the care and stewardship of NMAA's collection, executing conservation treatment when required, conducting materials testing and workshops on conservation and collections care.
Prepare and analyze samples, interpret scientific analyses, and collaborate with internal and external conservators and scientific research staff.
Prepare written records on the examination of objects, including reports, comprehensive technical documentation, treatment records, and photographs.
Undertakes research to develop and adapt new methods and techniques to address unique or unforeseen preservation challenges.
Collections and Exhibition Support
Collaborate with exhibition conservator, curatorial, collections management, and exhibition teams to ensure safe handling, storage, display, and transport of objects. 
Assess objects for loans and exhibitions, prepare condition reports, and recommend environmental and handling requirements, as well as advises on materials used for transporting and storing objects. 
Provide conservation guidance for exhibition planning including coordinating and performing conservation treatments for objects related to exhibitions, loans, and acquisitions. 
Serves as expert advising on materials, packing, transport, and environmental controls for collections and as a courier ensuring the safe transport and installation of objects.
Examines collections to assess condition and suitability for loan or exhibition, and performs or coordinates conservation treatments with staff, partner institutions, or external conservators and contractors.
Contribute to collections care planning, including storage improvements and long-term stewardship initiatives. 
Identifies long-term object storage projects and performs periodic surveys of NMAA collections to determine if storage or environmental conditions need to be modified.
Advises collections managers and other staff on the care of the collections, including preventive conservation strategies such as proper handling, storage, and environment.
Participate in internships and fellowships, including reviewing applications, mentoring participants, and evaluating outcomes. 
To qualify for this position you must have one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 level in the Federal service or comparable experience outside the Federal government.
Specialized experience is defined as:
Experience conducting conservation examinations, treatment, and documentation of museum objects.
Knowledge of museum conservation standards, ethics, and methodologies.
Experience advising on object handling, storage, exhibition, and transport.
Demonstrated ability to apply scientific principles (chemistry, physics, or materials science) to conservation challenges.
Experience preparing technical reports and maintaining detailed conservation records.
Ability to collaborate effectively with curators, collections staff, and other stakeholders.
Knowledge, skills, and abilities:
Knowledge of conservation ethics, principles, and professional standards.
Knowledge of analytical and laboratory techniques used in conservation science.
Ability to develop and implement conservation treatment plans for a wide range of materials.
Ability to assess risks and recommend preservation strategies for exhibitions and loans.
Strong written communication skills for technical reporting and documentation.
Ability to communicate complex conservation concepts to diverse audiences.
Ability to manage multiple projects and adapt to changing priorities.
Additional information
Work involves concurrent conservation activities in a dynamic, deadline driven environment.
Objects vary widely in material, structure, condition, and cultural context, requiring adaptable and sensitive approaches.
Work directly impacts the preservation, accessibility, and research value of the museum's collections.
 
Education completed outside the United States must be deemed equivalent to higher education programs of U.S. Institutions by an organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials. This documentation is the responsibility of the applicant and should be included as part of your application package.
 
Any false statement in your application may result in rejection of your application and may also result in termination after employment begins.
  
Join us in "Inspiring Generations through Knowledge and Discovery."
 
Resumes should include a description of your paid and non-paid work experience that is related to this job; starting and ending dates of job (month and year); and average number of hours worked per week.  
What To Expect Next: Once the vacancy announcement closes, a review of your resume will be compared against the qualification and experience requirements related to this job. After review of applicant resumes is complete, qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager.
 
Relocation expenses are not paid.
The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact nmaa-hr@si.edu. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.  To learn more, please review the Smithsonian's Accommodation Procedures. 
 
The Smithsonian Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer. To review The Smithsonian's EEO program information, please click the following: https://www.si.edu/oeo   

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