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Federal museum position performing collection care, artifact preservation, exhibit support, and visitor services at Smithsonian museums, national parks, and federal cultural institutions.
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 |
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-1016
Individual Occupational Requirements for GS-1016:
General Experience (GS-4 and below): Experience using the tools, techniques, procedures, or methods related to the operation of a museum or similar collection, or to the handling, storage, care, protection, or recordkeeping of such a collection.
Specialized Experience (GS-5 and above): Experience related to the operation or management of a museum or similar collection of valuable objects including collections management, registration, cataloging, research, preservation, restoration, or conservation work.
Related Education Fields: Qualifying coursework encompasses art, history, museum studies, scientific subjects, and field-specific disciplines including aeronautics, anthropology, geology, natural science, technology, biology, or zoology.
Experience and Education Requirements by Grade Level:
| Grade | General Experience | Specialized Experience | Education |
|---|---|---|---|
| GS-1 | None | None | None |
| GS-2 | 3 months | None | High school diploma/equivalent |
| GS-3 | 6 months | None | 1 year above high school in any field of study |
| GS-4 | 1 year | None | 2 years above high school with 6 semester hours of related courses |
| GS-5 | None | 1 year at GS-4 level | 4 years above high school leading to a bachelor's degree with major study or 24 semester hours in a related field |
| GS-7 | None | 1 year at GS-5 level | 1 full academic year of related graduate level education or superior academic achievement |
| GS-9 | None | 1 year at GS-7 level | 2 full academic years of progressively higher level graduate education or master's or equivalent graduate degree |
| GS-11+ | None | 1 year at next lower grade | None |
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal museum specialist and technician 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-1016
Yeomen are responsible for administrative tasks and record-keeping, skills that are useful for maintaining museum documentation and supporting visitor services.
💡 Tip: Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
Skill in handling, storing, and documenting museum objects.
Ability to assist with exhibit installation and maintenance.
Skill in cataloging and maintaining collection records.
Knowledge of basic preservation and conservation techniques.
Ability to assist with educational programs and tours.
Skill in assisting with collections research.
Proficiency in collections management databases.
Ability to interact with visitors and answer questions.
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
GS-1016 Museum Specialists and Technicians care for collections, support exhibitions, assist with preservation, provide visitor services, and maintain documentation at Smithsonian museums, national parks, and federal cultural institutions. They support curators with hands-on collection work.
GS-1016 positions range from GS-5 ($34,454) at entry to GS-11 ($63,163-$82,108) for senior specialists. Most positions are GS-7 to GS-9 ($42,679-$67,865). Lead specialists reach GS-9/11. Add locality pay of 15-40%.
At GS-5, you need a bachelor's degree in museum studies, history, or related field OR equivalent experience. Higher grades require specialized collections care experience. Knowledge of artifact handling, documentation systems, and preservation techniques is essential.
Yes. Military museum, heritage center, or supply/inventory management experience qualifies. If you handled historical artifacts, maintained documentation, or supported public programs, that experience translates. Your attention to detail and organizational skills are valued.
Entry at GS-5/7 with progression to GS-9/11. Many use this as a stepping stone to Museum Curator (GS-1015) with additional education. Smithsonian and NPS offer strong specialist career paths. Specialization in registrar work, conservation, or education enhances advancement.
Search USAJOBS for 'Museum Specialist' or 'Museum Technician.' Smithsonian, NPS, and military museums are major employers. Emphasize your collections experience, database proficiency, and attention to detail. Veterans with museum or inventory management backgrounds have applicable experience.
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.