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Museum Collection Assistant Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

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Museum Collection Assistant information

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$11

$22

$34

How much do museum collection assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for museum collection assistant in Seattle, WA is $22.80, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.32 and $26.25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of a Museum Collection Assistant?

As a Museum Collection Assistant, your daily tasks may include cataloging new acquisitions, updating and maintaining collection records, assisting with condition reports, and preparing objects for exhibition or storage. You may also help with packing and shipping objects, supporting inventory audits, and collaborating closely with curators, conservators, and registrars to ensure each item is handled appropriately. The role often involves a combination of behind-the-scenes work in storage areas as well as occasional public-facing duties during exhibitions or events. Being detail-oriented and organized is essential, as accuracy in documentation and care directly impacts the preservation of valuable artifacts.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Museum Collection Assistant position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Museum Collection Assistant, you need a solid background in art history or museum studies, attention to detail, and experience in collections care or inventory management. Familiarity with collection management software (such as TMS or PastPerfect), as well as knowledge of proper object handling, documentation, and sometimes certification in collections care is valuable. Strong organizational skills, effective communication, and a collaborative approach are important soft skills. These qualifications ensure the safe preservation of collections, accurate record-keeping, and smooth coordination within museum teams.

What is a Museum Collection Assistant job?

A Museum Collection Assistant helps manage and preserve a museum's collection by cataloging, organizing, and maintaining artifacts. They assist with research, documentation, and storage to ensure items are properly cared for. Additionally, they may help with exhibition preparation and loan coordination. This role requires attention to detail, knowledge of preservation techniques, and familiarity with museum databases.

What are the most commonly searched types of Museum Collection jobs in Seattle, WA? The most popular types of Museum Collection jobs in Seattle, WA are:
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Museum Collection Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Museum Collection Assistant job openings in Seattle, WA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 67% In-person, and 33% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $47,424 per year, or $22.8 per hour.
Assistant Conservator, Easel Paintings

Assistant Conservator, Easel Paintings

Seattle Art Museum

Seattle, WA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

ABOUT THE ROLE
 
The Assistant Conservator will assist with the conservation of Old Master, Modern and Contemporary easel paintings in the Seattle Art Museum (SAM) collection.
 
 
ABOUT SAM 
 
As SAM heads into its second century, we are boldly reimagining what we can and should be. Our goal is to be a model for the future of museums - a bold, dynamic hub of creativity, belonging, and cultural leadership, shaping the future of art and community. Embracing new ways of engaging communities and seeking innovative partnerships - all while keeping art and community at the center of what we do. This ambitious effort represents a transformative shift and radically redefining how art museums operate. This is a pivotal moment for SAM, and we are seeking great talent to join us on our journey. Working at SAM is not just a job-it's a chance to be part of a vibrant, creative community.
 
 
RESPONSIBILITIES 
  • Carry out conservation programs, including preservation, conservation, and restoration of works of art across all Seattle Art Museum sites, with a primary focus on paintings
  • Carry out all facets of examination, documentation, research, treatment, and long-term preservation of paintings in the museum's permanent collection
  • Accurately track and generate documentation of projects to be archived in the museum's collection database
  • Assist in preservation planning for the paintings portion of the collection
  • Assist in preservation planning and emergency preparedness and response as needed
  • Efficiently project manage treatment of works of art throughout the conservation process
  • If requested, serve as courier for at-risk works of art traveling to other institutions, carry out treatments, surveys, inspections and consultations as necessary
  • Research paintings from the museum collections and participate in sharing outcomes of research with the public and colleagues internally and externally. When appropriate present findings in lectures, displays and publications
  • Facilitate access to collections, supporting the museum's outgoing loan activities and exhibition schedule by preparing works of art for loan and display
  • Assist with supervision of conservation interns
  • Interact with a broad range of people, including museum visitors and the general public, donors, students, scholars and lenders, concerning conservation and preservation matters
  • Maintain the highest standards of museum practice through continued education, personal research, and active dialog with colleagues at other museums
  • Answer phone and mail inquiries about the collections preserved at SAM
  • Contribute to an institutional focus of delivering exceptional, welcoming, and inclusive customer service-creating positive, meaningful experiences for all visitors, every time
  • Participate in institutional learning opportunities to grow our collective understanding and integration of antiracism, cultural competency, and equity values into SAM's work
 
 
WE ARE LOOKING FOR 
Required Qualifications 
  • Master's degree or post-graduate diploma in Conservation, or equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Three years' experience in paintings conservation and preventive conservation, and evidence of strong bench skills
  • Knowledge of environmental requirements and controls for handling, storage, exhibition, and transportation of artwork
  • Ability to use hand and power tools and other equipment required in the conservation and transportation of artwork
  • Knowledge of materials used to make works of art and the chemical and physical processes of their deterioration
  • Knowledge of procedures relating to examination and preventive and corrective treatment of art objects, ability to remove unwanted material from delicate surfaces, perform structural repairs, match colors, and execute in-painting
  • Ability to work with extraordinary precision and attention to detail
  • Professional verbal and written communication, with an ability to tailor communications according to audience
  • Successfully assess priorities and work well with deadlines
  • Strong time management, problem solving, and analytical skills
  • Exercise discretion in maintaining confidentiality of sensitive information
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Zoom, Asana, Slack and internet-based research
  • Ability to pass and maintain security background check clearance
 
FLSA Status: Full Time, Non-Exempt 
Reports To: Chief Conservator
Work Location: Seattle Art Museum - Downtown Location
 
 
BENEFITS 
 
Benefits include a fully employer paid HMP medical plan or an employee contribution PPO plan, dental, vision, and basic life insurance/LTD/AD&D, Flexible Spending Account, Short Term Disability, Supplemental Dental Insurance and participation in SAM's 403b retirement plan.
 
Following 1 year of service and 1,000 hours worked, SAM makes a discretionary 3% employer contribution regardless of participation and provides an employer match program. Historically, this contribution has been made annually.
 
Additional benefits include paid time off for vacation, PSST, bereavement leave, and jury duty, 11 scheduled holidays, 1 paid floating holiday, a subsidized unlimited Orca card, onsite fitness facility, and an EAP. FT Staff also receive a Patron level membership to SAM, a Tier III membership to the American Alliance of Museums and discounts to museum shop and programming.
 
Relocation is available for this role. 
 
 
ACCOMODATION 
 
The Seattle Art Museum will consider reasonable accommodations for all employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions/duties of this position. If you need an accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact [email protected]. For candidates, we ask that, if possible, you wait until you're invited to a screen, online technical assessment or interview before requesting an accommodation.

SAM is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and we are committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming workplace for all employees and volunteers. Guided by our mission to connect art to life and engage diverse communities, we strive to create a sense of belonging for all of the communities we serve. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, military status, or any other protected characteristic

Not sure you check every box? Research shows that candidates from underrepresented backgrounds often only apply if they meet 100% of the criteria. If you believe you could excel in this role, we encourage you to apply!   
$69,300 - $84,700 a year
with a target hiring range of $77,000
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