Job Description

Supervisory Museum Specialist (Geology - FossiLab Manager) IS-1016-12

Application Deadline: 20 May 2026

Department: National Museum of Natural History

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Washington, DC

Compensation: $102,415 - $133,142 / year

OPEN DATE: May 6, 2026 CLOSING DATE: May 20, 2026 POSITION TYPE: Trust FundAPPOINTMENT TYPE: Indefinite SCHEDULE: Full Time DUTY LOCATION: Washington, DC

Position sensitivity and risk: Non-Sensitive Low 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.

Come join a dedicated and creative team at an exceptional time for the Smithsonian, an institution with a bold vision for the future: to build a better tomorrow for all. The Smithsonian Institution is the world’s largest museum, education, and research complex. The National Museum of Natural History (NMNH) is part of the Smithsonian’s unique complex and is one of the most visited museums in the United States. Its mission is to promote understanding of the natural world and our place in it. NMNH has a collection of 148 million specimens and artifacts. Each one reflects a moment in space and time and in these moments, we find Earth’s story.

The National Museum of Natural History is seeking an experienced candidate to fill the Supervisory Museum Specialist (Geology) position.

This position will lead the Department of Paleobiology Preparation Labs (PPL), including supervision of the fossil preparator team and fossil preparation volunteers. Manages the primary workspaces of this team, the behind-the-scenes Prep lab and the exhibition preparation laboratory FossiLab (FL) within the Deep Time Fossil Hall. The position provides world-class technical support to all aspects of fossil preparation including efficient operations and ensuring that all specimens are prepared at the highest professional standards. The position coordinates fossil preparation in support of research and collections stewardship and provides scientific expertise to support the Museum’s mission. This position supervises the work of Museum Specialist (Fossil Preparator) positions at the GS-09 target GS-11 level as well as volunteers, fellows, affiliates, and interns.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Recruits and supervises the work of Museum Specialist (Fossil Preparator) positions at the GS-09 target 11 level as well as volunteers, fellows, affiliates, and interns. Oversees and evaluates the preparation activities and use of lab spaces by other department staff and visiting researchers who report directly to the Chair or other supervisors.
• Oversees the preparation of fossil specimens for study, exhibition, and incorporation into the National collections using a variety of manual and mechanical tools and equipment and chemical preparation techniques; molding and casting of fossils; and other departmental needs.
• Directs operations and maintenance of the fossil preparation spaces. Manages budgets and supplies in coordination with department leadership.
• Recruits, selects and manages a diverse volunteer corps of up to 60 individuals to satisfy the needs of the Department of Paleobiology.
• In consultation with the Department Chair and Lead Collection Manager, supports collections stewardship. Directs, manages, and participates in the repair and conservation of fossils; the preparation of specimens for collections management activities including loans, digitization, storage improvement, and shipping.
• Directs preparation needs for specimens involved with fieldwork, complex acquisitions, exhibition, cleaning and repair of fossils on display. Organizes logistics and personnel for PPL staff; caring for field equipment and supplies; gathering and recording specimen data and helping in documentation.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Education and Experience: To qualify for this position, applicants must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level.
Experience required for this position is as follows:

• In depth knowledge of the broad variance of physical properties and value of fossil materials studied in academic research situations of paleobotany, vertebrate and invertebrate paleobiology, geology, biology, anatomy, and fossil preparation, conservation and storage, and the necessary skills in applying this knowledge to carry out assignments and procedures in a museum setting.
• Knowledge of fossil preparation, preservation, or conservation techniques, which may include specialized housing, stabilization, field preparation techniques, routine and specialized cleaning and preparation techniques, and field recording practices.
• Ability to oversee visitors, volunteer preparators, avocational paleontologists, students, and colleagues from NMNH and other institutions to provide information on research, fossil preparation, and collections.
• Knowledge of collection management procedures and policies as they apply to area of specialization including loans, permits, curation, identification, conservation, and associated records.

Join us in "Inspiring Generations through Knowledge and Discovery."

To Apply:
Applications should include a cover letter and resume with 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.

Unofficial school transcripts (undergraduate and graduate) must be submitted with your application package by the closing date of the announcement. If selected for the position, you must provide official transcripts before appointment.

Applicants who wish to qualify based on education completed outside the United States. Education completed outside the U.S. 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.

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 will not be paid.

The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact NMNHStaffing@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: Individuals with Disabilities | Smithsonian Institution ( https://www.si.edu/oeo/individuals-disabilities).

The Smithsonian Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer To review The Smithsonian's EEO program information, please click the following: Office of Equal Opportunity | Smithsonian Institution ( https://www.si.edu/oeo) https://www.si.edu/oeesd