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Federal position designing, fabricating, and installing exhibits for museums, visitor centers, and public displays at federal agencies, national parks, and government facilities.
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.
Official OPM qualification standards for GS-1010
Individual Occupational Requirements:
Education:
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):
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.
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal exhibits specialist position
Read the OPM qualification standards above to understand the education and experience requirements for your target 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).
Collect your DD-214, SF-50 (if applicable), transcripts, certifications, and any training records that demonstrate your qualifications.
Create a detailed federal resume (2-5 pages) that addresses every qualification requirement. Include hours worked per week, supervisor contact info, and specific accomplishments.
Search for open positions, carefully answer all assessment questions, and submit your application before the closing date.
Military jobs that transition to GS-1010
Army Multimedia Illustrators are skilled in creating visual content, which aligns well with designing and fabricating exhibits.
Marine Corps Combat Illustrators are adept at creating visual content under various conditions, aligning with exhibit design and fabrication.
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.
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.
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
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.
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%.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.