Federal

Art Handler

National Gallery of Art Β· Other Agencies and Independent Organizations
πŸ“ Washington, District of Columbia GS-09/11 $70,623 - $111,087/yr
Posted: Apr 3, 2026 Deadline: Apr 10, 2026 (Closes in 3 days days left)

About This Position

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.

Qualifications

GS-09: Candidates must possess at least one year of specialized experience, equivalent in responsibility to the GS-07 level in the Federal service or private sector, moving and installing art, executing proper art packing, installation, and storage techniques and acting as a courier of art to and from an art museum. AND 2 full academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education or master's or equivalent graduate degree related to the position OR A Combination of Education and Experience (NOTE: please see OPM Group Standard for Administrative and Management positions, combining education and experience section. GS-11: Candidates must possess at least one year of specialized experience, equivalent in responsibility to the GS-09 level in the Federal service or private sector, evaluating multiple options and developing the best solutions to unusual, complex, or sensitive problems related to packing and movement of works of art at a large museum.

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 above.

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.

Major Duties

The Office of Registrar at the National Gallery of Art is responsible for maintaining and updating records on all works of art owned by or entrusted to the care of the Gallery for the location, condition, safety and movement of those works of art. Duties for this position include; Oversees the movement of works of art, ensures working conditions meet safety requirements, and coordinates movement, installation or packing schedules with various departments. Determines work schedules to meet deadlines, reviews work in progress and provides training as necessary.

Properly installs works of art in all media utilizing proper installation techniques and incorporating proper aesthetic considerations under the direction of supervisors, conservators, design staff and curators. Works closely with registrars and conservators to determine best method for packing art. Makes packing and storage recommendations for new acquisitions.

Develops and customizes packing systems to accommodate objects of unique sizes and shapes. Leads other art handlers or contractors in the safe handling of objects, instructing them on specific tasks and job assignments.

Conditions of Employment

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.

Education

This position does have an education requirement. Education must be obtained from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Foreign education must be reviewed by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For special instructions pertaining to foreign education and a list of organizations that can evaluate foreign education, see the Department of Education website.

How You Will Be Evaluated

Your resume will be used to evaluate your experience, education, and/or training that address the competencies below: Knowledge of specialized packing methods for a wide range of art mediaβ€”including paintings, sculptures, and works on paper and the materials appropriate for safe wrapping and transit. Knowledge in relevant leadership, safety, and art-handling principles Skill with applying advanced museum standards for packing and in operating art handling equipment and tools safely and efficiently Skill in safely moving, packing and unpacking, and installing works of art. Knowledge and understanding of courier protocols, museum transport procedures, and the responsibilities of representing the Gallery during transit Category Rating: Qualified candidates will be assigned to one of the three quality categories: The quality categories are defined as: Qualified, Well Qualified, or Best Qualified.

Qualified Category = Does not exceed the basic qualifications requirements described in the "Qualifications" section of this announcement. Well Qualified Category = Meets the basic qualifications requirements described in the "Qualifications" section of this announcement and demonstrates proficiency in the Critical Competencies defined below. (This category must be met to be considered under ICTAP procedures) Best Qualified Category = Meets the basic qualifications requirements described in the "Qualifications" section of this announcement and excels in the Critical Competencies defined below. The category assignment is a measure of the degree in which your background matches the competencies required for this position.

Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on an assessment may also result in your removal from consideration. The Category Rating Process does not add veterans' preference points or apply the "rule of many," but protects the rights of veterans by placing them ahead of non-preference eligibles within each category.

Preference eligibles who meet the minimum qualification requirements and have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10 percent or higher will be listed in the highest quality category (except in the case of scientific or professional positions at the GS-09 level or higher). A Subject Matter Expert (SME) will conduct a quality review of your application and supporting documentation to determine if your qualifications meet the criteria for referral to the selecting official.

You may preview questions for this vacancy.

Additional Information

The National Gallery of Art fosters a diverse and inclusive workplace and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. EEO Policy: https://help.usajobs.gov/equal-employment-opportunity More than one selection may be made from this vacancy announcement.

This position is 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: https://help.usajobs.gov/reasonable-accommodation Veterans Information: https://help.usajobs.gov/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/veterans Selective Service Registration: http://www.sss.gov/ 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.

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 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) 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".

Required Documents

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes: Your Resume (no more than 2 pages) showing the applicant's name, email address, work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment, and duties performed to include pay plan, series, and grade level for relevant federal experience.

Your resume must show complete information for each job entry to support minimum qualifications. Do not include the following types of information in your resume: Classified or government sensitive information Social Security Number (SSN) Photos of yourself Personal information, such as age, gender, religious affiliation, etc. Encrypted and digitally signed documents Other supporting documents: Cover Letter, optional Most recent Performance Appraisal, optional Veterans' Preference documentation, if applicable (e.g.

DD-214 Member Copy 4 showing type of discharge/character of service; Current Active Duty members must submit a certification of expected discharge or release from active duty under honorable conditions dated within 120 days; SF-15 Form and related documentation; VA letter.) If you are a veteran and you are claiming 5-point veterans' preference, you must submit a copy of your DD-214 or other proof of eligibility. If you are a veteran and you are claiming 10-point veterans' preference, you must also submit an SF-15, "Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference" plus the proof required by that form. For more information on veterans' preference click here.

Failure to submit any of the above-mentioned required documents may result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the salary for the Art Handler position at National Gallery of Art?
The salary range for this position is $70,623 - $111,087/yr. This is a GS-09/11 position on the General Schedule pay scale. Actual pay may vary based on locality adjustments.
Where is the Art Handler job located?
This position is located in Washington, District of Columbia. This is an on-site position.
What qualifications do I need?
GS-09: Candidates must possess at least one year of specialized experience, equivalent in responsibility to the GS-07 level in the Federal service or private sector, moving and installing art, executing proper art packing, installation, and storage techniques and acting as a courier of art to and from an art museum. AND 2 full academic years of ...
How do I apply for this position?
Apply through USAJobs.gov by clicking the 'Apply on USAJobs' button. You'll need a USAJobs account, a federal-style resume, and supporting documents. The deadline is Apr 10, 2026.
Is a security clearance required?
No security clearance is required for this position.
What does GS-09/11 mean?
GS-09/11 refers to the General Schedule grade level. Higher grades require more experience and offer higher pay. Visit our GS Pay Scale page for full salary tables by grade and locality.
What benefits do federal employees receive?
Federal employees receive comprehensive benefits including health insurance (FEHB), retirement through FERS, Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching, paid annual and sick leave, paid parental leave, life insurance, and student loan repayment programs.