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Collections Assistant Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Collections Specialist

Laurel, MD

$18.50 - $25/hr

Collections Specialist Are you a detail-oriented Collections Specialist looking for an opportunity ... Process and reconcile customer payments and assist with accounts receivable reporting.

New

Collections Specialist

Laurel, MD · On-site

$17 - $22/hr

Collections Specialist Are you a detail-oriented Collections Specialist looking for an opportunity ... Process and reconcile customer payments and assist with accounts receivable reporting.

New

Apply Early

Collections Specialist

Laurel, MD · On-site

$17 - $22/hr

Collections Specialist Are you a detail-oriented Collections Specialist looking for an opportunity ... Process and reconcile customer payments and assist with accounts receivable reporting.

... special collections management for a federal agency located in Beltsville, Maryland. The Archivist will assist in the arrangement, description, preservation, and access of archival materials ...

Archivist

Beltsville, MD · On-site

$60K - $72K/yr

... special collections management for a federal agency located in Beltsville, Maryland. The Archivist will assist in the arrangement, description, preservation, and access of archival materials ...

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Collections Assistant information

See Washington salary details

$11

$22

$34

How much do collections assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for collections assistant in Washington is $22.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.22 and $26.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by a Collections Assistant, and how can they be addressed?

Collections Assistants often encounter challenges such as managing a large volume of artifacts, maintaining accurate records, and ensuring proper handling procedures. Attention to detail is crucial, as even minor mistakes can lead to misplacement or damage of items. Collaborating closely with curators, conservators, and registrars helps ensure smooth operations. Staying organized and proactively communicating with team members are effective strategies to overcome these challenges.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Collections Assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Collections Assistant, you need attention to detail, organizational skills, and a background in library science, museum studies, or a related field. Familiarity with collection management systems, cataloging software, and database tools is typically required. Strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities help you interact effectively with colleagues and handle delicate or valuable materials responsibly. These skills ensure accurate record-keeping, preservation of collections, and smooth daily operations in museums or libraries.

What is the difference between Collections Assistant vs Accounts Receivable Clerk?

AspectCollections AssistantAccounts Receivable Clerk
Primary RoleFocuses on contacting clients to collect overdue paymentsManages invoicing, payment processing, and recording transactions
Required SkillsCommunication, negotiation, debt collectionData entry, accounting software, attention to detail
Work EnvironmentOffice setting, often in finance or credit departmentsOffice environment, finance or accounting teams
Common Industry UsageFinance, credit control, collections departmentsAccounting, finance, billing departments

While both roles are involved in financial processes, a Collections Assistant primarily focuses on recovering overdue payments through client contact, whereas an Accounts Receivable Clerk handles invoicing, recording payments, and maintaining financial records. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What are Collections Assistants?

Collections Assistants are professionals who help manage, organize, and care for collections within museums, galleries, libraries, or archives. Their duties typically include cataloging new items, maintaining records, preparing objects for exhibition or storage, and assisting with inventory checks. They often work closely with curators and conservators to ensure the proper handling and preservation of valuable or historical items. This role may also involve helping with research requests and supporting public access to collections.
What are the most commonly searched types of Collections jobs in Washington? The most popular types of Collections jobs in Washington are:
What are popular job titles related to Collections Assistant jobs in Washington? For Collections Assistant jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Collections Assistant jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Collections Assistant jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Collections Assistant jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Collections Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Collections Assistant job openings in Washington as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, and 29% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $47,198 per year, or $22.7 per hour.

$20/hr

Part-time

Retirement

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Assistant Collections Manager
Part-Time
General Description:
The Assistant Collections Manager (ACM) is a part-time, non-exempt position that shares with the other Assistant Collections Managers, the responsibility for the cleaning and monitoring of George Washington’s Mansion and the Donald W. Reynolds Museum and Education Center outside of public hours. These responsibilities include the general cleaning of exhibition spaces and the specialized handling of collections objects, many of which belonged to George Washington and his family. The ACM also assists in maintaining collection documentation and assists members of the collections department with special projects, such as object inventories, exhibition installation, and movement of the collections. This position reports directly to the Collections Manager.
Compensation:
Starting compensation for this position is $20.00/hour.
Expected Hours:
This position is 3 weekdays and 1 weekend day/week, 8 hours/day.

Essential Duties:
  • Responsible for the daily morning cleaning and monitoring of the Mansion and North and South Dependencies and the occasional cleaning of other outbuildings.
  • General Cleaning
  • Vacuums traffic areas; Rotates shutters according to schedule.
  • Specialized Dusting/Vacuuming
  • Dusts a variety of types of historically significant artifacts, including metals, ceramics, furniture, textiles, and other fragile object types, using methods approved by the conservation profession. Carefully handles and moves objects in the course of dusting.
  • After a training period, assists with monitoring the environmental conditions in display and storage areas and records environmental readings through the use of hygrothermographs and HOBOs.
  • Assists with ongoing maintenance of a pest management program in the exhibition areas. Monitors pest traps and reports potential problems.
  • Assists collections staff with collections management activities such as maintenance of accession and loan files, the accession of artifacts, proper documentation of incoming and outgoing objects, inventories, object numbering, and object re-housing projects.
  • Assists collections staff in the movement of objects, both on the estate and off-site. Serves as an approved object courier for incoming and outgoing loans of artifacts. Under the Collection Manager’s supervision and according to department procedures, carefully handles and packs artifacts for transit.
  • Researches and enters collection object information into collections management database system.
  • Supports collections staff during the installation and deinstallation of on-site and traveling exhibitions and object rotations in the Museum and Mansion.
  • Works closely with interpretation and security staff to monitor the safety of objects displayed in the Mansion, Museum, and Outbuildings. Reports damage, according to departmental policies, to the Conservator and files report with Collections Manager. Serves as an active member of the collections department emergency response team.
  • Serves as a liaison with the marketing department during film and photo shoots in the Mansion and other exhibition areas where objects are displayed. Ensures the safety of collections objects and structural components of the interior of the Mansion during filming and photography.
  • Works with Operations and Maintenance staff and outside contractors when work needs to be performed in the vicinity of collections objects.
  • Carries out additional duties as assigned.
Qualifications and Education Requirements:
  • Master’s degree or equivalent experience in Museum Studies, Conservation or a related field.
  • Prior museum experience highly preferred, especially in the dusting and handling of fragile, valuable objects. Must be able to successfully complete MVLA training on the care and handling of historic artifacts.
  • Knowledge of methods of historical research, museum practices, and basic collections care.
  • Strong computer and records management skills, including word processing and database management.
  • Good organizational and communication skills and ability to work in coordination with a number of other departments.
  • Excellent hand skills and attention to detail in order to perform precise and detailed duties, like sewing and labeling. Legible handwriting is required.
  • Experience with hand tools, power tools, pallet jacks and various other equipment preferred.
  • Ability to meet tight deadlines and to work weekends, holidays, and overtime as assigned.
  • Willingness and ability to travel locally, nationally, and potentially internationally including possessing a current, valid driver’s license.
  • Dependability, reliability, and punctuality are of the utmost importance.
  • Ability to follow directions and complete assignments successfully.
Work Environment:
This position is primarily based in a museum or collections environment, with occasional work in storage areas, conservation labs, or exhibit spaces. The environment is generally quiet, climate-controlled, and requires attention to detail and security. Occasional travel or off-site work may occur for exhibit installation, loans, or research.

Physical Requirements:
Must be able to handle delicate artifacts and artworks with care, often requiring fine motor skills and close visual focus. The role may require standing, walking, crawling, or bending for extended periods during exhibition preparation, as well as lifting and carrying objects up to 30 pounds. Occasional use of ladders or lifts for exhibit installation may be needed.
Benefits:
  • 403(b) Retirement plan with employer matching
  • Employee recognition at 5 years of service
  • Monthly employee events
  • Employee referral program
  • Flexible work schedule
  • On-site Library
  • Discount on Public Event Tickets
  • Discount in the Mount Vernon Shops
  • Discount at the Mount Vernon Inn and Food Court Pavilion
  • Free parking
Mount Vernon is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we are committed to building and retaining a team that represents a variety of skills, experiences and perspectives. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, performance, and qualifications without regard to race, religion or belief, national or ethnic origin, gender/sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital or domestic partnership status, veteran and military status, family or parental status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law. Mount Vernon will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.