Exhibits Specialist
Federal position designing, fabricating, and installing exhibits for museums, visitor centers, and public displays at federal agencies, national parks, and government facilities.
💰GS-1010 Salary Information
2025 Base Pay (before locality adjustment)
| Grade | Step 1 | Step 2 | Step 3 | Step 4 | Step 5 | Step 6 | Step 7 | Step 8 | Step 9 | Step 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-5 | $34,454 | $35,603 | $36,752 | $37,901 | $39,050 | $40,199 | $41,348 | $42,497 | $43,646 | $44,786 |
| GS-7 | $42,679 | $44,102 | $45,525 | $46,948 | $48,371 | $49,794 | $51,217 | $52,640 | $54,063 | $55,486 |
| GS-9 | $52,205 | $53,945 | $55,685 | $57,425 | $59,165 | $60,905 | $62,645 | $64,385 | $66,125 | $67,865 |
| GS-11 | $63,163 | $65,268 | $67,373 | $69,478 | $71,583 | $73,688 | $75,793 | $77,898 | $80,003 | $82,108 |
| GS-12 | $75,706 | $78,229 | $80,752 | $83,275 | $85,798 | $88,321 | $90,844 | $93,367 | $95,890 | $98,422 |
Note: These are 2025 base pay rates. Most federal employees receive locality pay adjustments of 15-40%+ depending on location.
Qualification Requirements
Official OPM qualification standards for GS-1010
Group Coverage Qualification Standard for Administrative and Management Positions
Individual Occupational Requirements:
Education:
- Bachelor's degree in museum studies, art, design, or related field
- Coursework in exhibit design, fabrication, or museum practices
OR
Experience: Experience in designing, fabricating, or installing exhibits in museums, visitor centers, or similar environments.
Education and Experience Requirements (Group Standard):
This is a two-grade interval series. Positions follow the GS-5, GS-7, GS-9, GS-11, GS-12 progression pattern.
| Grade | Education | Experience | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| GS-5 | Bachelor's degree in any field from accredited college/university | 3 years progressively responsible experience, 1 year equivalent to GS-4 | Equivalent combinations qualifying |
| GS-7 | 1 full year graduate education OR Superior Academic Achievement | 1 year specialized experience equivalent to GS-5 | Combinations of graduate education and experience |
| GS-9 | 2 years graduate education or master's degree | 1 year specialized experience equivalent to GS-7 | Combinations of graduate education (excess of GS-7 requirement) and experience |
| GS-11 | 3 years graduate education or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree | 1 year specialized experience equivalent to GS-9 | Combinations of graduate education (excess of GS-9 requirement) and experience |
| GS-12+ | Not applicable | 1 year specialized experience equivalent to next lower grade | N/A |
Superior Academic Achievement (for GS-7):
- Upper third of graduating class in college/university or major subdivision
- GPA of 3.0 or higher out of 4.0 as recorded on official transcript, OR 3.5 or higher in major field
- Election to membership in national scholastic honor society
Graduate Education: One year of full-time graduate education is the number of credit hours the school determines represents 1 year of full-time study. If unavailable, 18 semester hours satisfies the 1-year requirement.
Specialized Experience: Experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position.
🎖️Tips for Veterans
- ✓Translate military experience: Map duties to civilian terminology.
- ✓Highlight training: Include courses and certifications.
- ✓Veterans preference: Claim your 5 or 10-point preference.
- ✓Experience substitution: Military experience may substitute for education.
📝How to Qualify for GS-1010
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal exhibits specialist position
- 1
Review Qualification Requirements
Read the OPM qualification standards above to understand the education and experience requirements for your target grade level.
- 2
Determine Your Grade Level
Match your years of experience and education to the appropriate GS grade. Generally: GS-5 (entry), GS-7/9 (junior), GS-11/12 (journey), GS-13+ (senior).
- 3
Gather Documentation
Collect your DD-214, SF-50 (if applicable), transcripts, certifications, and any training records that demonstrate your qualifications.
- 4
Build Your Federal Resume
Create a detailed federal resume (2-5 pages) that addresses every qualification requirement. Include hours worked per week, supervisor contact info, and specific accomplishments.
- 5
Apply on USAJOBS
Search for open positions, carefully answer all assessment questions, and submit your application before the closing date.
🎖️Military to Federal Crosswalk
Military jobs that transition to GS-1010
Multimedia Illustrator
Army Multimedia Illustrators are skilled in creating visual content, which aligns well with designing and fabricating exhibits.
Combat Illustrator
Marine Corps Combat Illustrators are adept at creating visual content under various conditions, aligning with exhibit design and fabrication.
Mass Communication Specialist
Navy Mass Communication Specialists have experience in visual storytelling and project management, useful for exhibit design and coordination.
💡 Tip:Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
📋Typical Duties
- •Design exhibits
- •Fabricate exhibit components
- •Install exhibits
- •Maintain exhibits
- •Coordinate with curators
- •Manage exhibit projects
🎯Key Competencies
Ability to design effective and engaging exhibits.
Knowledge of exhibit construction materials and techniques.
Skill in installing and maintaining exhibits safely.
Ability to translate content into visual presentations.
Skill in managing exhibit projects and timelines.
Ability to work with curators, educators, and designers.
Proficiency in design software and fabrication tools.
Understanding of artifact handling and preservation requirements.
🔑Resume Keywords
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
Quick Links
Grade Levels
❓Frequently Asked Questions about GS-1010
What is an Exhibits Specialist?
GS-1010 Exhibits Specialists design, fabricate, and install exhibits for museums, visitor centers, and public displays. They translate content into visual presentations, work with curators, and manage exhibit projects at Smithsonian, National Park Service, and federal cultural facilities.
How much does a federal Exhibits Specialist make?
GS-1010 positions range from GS-5 ($34,454) at entry to GS-12 ($75,706-$98,422) for senior designers and project managers. Most positions are GS-7 to GS-11 ($42,679-$82,108). Add locality pay of 15-40%.
What are the requirements for GS-1010 positions?
At GS-5, you need a bachelor's degree in design or related field OR equivalent experience. Higher grades require specialized exhibit design and fabrication experience. Portfolio demonstrating design and fabrication skills typically required. CAD and design software proficiency essential.
Can military experience substitute for education in GS-1010?
Yes. Military experience in graphic design, fabrication, woodworking, or display construction qualifies. If you built displays, created visual presentations, or worked on base museums or heritage centers, that experience translates. Your hands-on fabrication skills are valuable.
What is the career progression for Exhibits Specialists?
Entry at GS-5/7 with progression to GS-9/11. Senior exhibit designers and project managers reach GS-11/12. Smithsonian and National Park Service offer the strongest exhibit career paths. Specialization in digital/interactive exhibits or large-scale fabrication enhances advancement.
How do I apply for GS-1010 jobs on USAJOBS?
Search USAJOBS for 'Exhibits Specialist' or 'Exhibit Designer.' Smithsonian and NPS are primary employers. Highlight your design portfolio, fabrication experience, and project management skills. Veterans with design or construction backgrounds have applicable experience.
Ready to Apply for GS-1010?
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.