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Museum Collection Assistant Jobs in Washington, DC

Glenstone Museum

Curatorial Assistant

Potomac, MD

$49K - $64K/hr

Opened in 2006 and expanded in 2018, the museum welcomes visitors to a unique experience of indoor ... the collection. * Perform independent object research and craft original writing related to ...

Glenstone Museum

Electrician

Potomac, MD

$39 - $44/hr

Opened in 2006 and expanded in 2018, the museum welcomes visitors to a unique experience of indoor ... Possess excellent communications and customer service skills * Assist other trades with the ...

Glenstone Museum

EMT Security Officer

Potomac, MD

$26 - $28/hr

Opened in 2006 and expanded in 2018, the museum welcomes visitors to a unique experience of indoor ... Propose and assist with medical scenarios, fire drills/evacuations, and other related training.

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How much do museum collection assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for museum collection assistant in Washington, DC 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 is a museum collection assistant?

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 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 are the most commonly searched types of Museum Collection jobs in Washington, DC?

The most popular types of Museum Collection jobs in Washington, DC are:

What are popular job titles related to Museum Collection Assistant jobs in Washington, DC?

For Museum Collection Assistant jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Museum Collection Assistant jobs in Washington, DC look for?

The top searched job categories for Museum Collection Assistant jobs in Washington, DC are:

Museum Collection Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Museum Collection Assistant job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,198 per year, or $22.7 per hour.

Collections Manager

Museum of the Bible

Washington, DC

$65K - $70K/yr

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Coordinate collections management projects and serve as project manager for the DC Collections Management Team.

  • Maintain collections records, including object documentation, condition reports, location changes, insurance records, and collection inventories.

  • Move objects to and from storage, assist with installation and de-installation of exhibitions, and collaborate with conservators to ensure proper storage conditions.

Job description

Date: 08/14/2026
Job Title: Collections Manager
Division / Department: Curatorial - Collections
Location: Washington DC
FLSA: Exempt
Schedule: Full-Time
Reporting Manager: Senior Collections Manager
Travel: Approximately 25%
Salary: $65,000-$70,000. Depending on Experience
Salary adjusted to local market rates*
POSITION SUMMARY
The Collections Manager will support the Collection Management Team in the record keeping, care, and handling of Museum of the Bible collections and is responsible for the care, storage, movement and documentation of objects from Museum special collections.
DUTIES amp; RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Coordinate collections management projects in the DC office by serving as project manager for the DC Collections Management Team and collaborating with the Registration, Curation, Digitization, Conservation, and Exhibition Teams.
  • Maintain collections records including object documentation, condition reports, location changes, insurance records, and collection inventories for collections.
  • Catalog and document Museum special collections according to Museum documentation standards
  • Move objects to and from storage as required for preparation, exhibit, conservation, photography, loan, and routine maintenance/rotation; packing collections objects; and serving as object courier as needed.
  • Collaborate with curatorial and exhibit staff in installation and de-installation of permanent, temporary, and traveling exhibitions and events.
  • Maintain appropriate storage conditions for collections, working collaboratively with conservators to preserve and care for collections via implementation of IPM, security procedures, and regular cleaning and maintenance of collections storage areas.
  • Collaborate with the Conservation Team to complete weekly checks of permanent collection objects in the galleries, including location verification and general condition checks. Follow up on incident reports.
  • Positively communicate with other Museum departments, curators, donors, vendors, lenders, and other museum professionals, as well as the public, in a professional manner.
  • Uphold policies and procedures and assist with developing and revising these policies and procedures.
  • Lead special projects as assigned.
  • Champion the Museum of the Bible’s mission to invite all people to engage with the transformative power of the Bible.
  • As required, inclusion in official or incidental photographs and videos for MOTB and/or guests.
  • Other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS amp; REQUIREMENTS
Knowledge
  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and MA in museum studies or a related field from an accredited college or university.
  • Five years of work experience in museum registration or collection management.
Skills
  • Thorough knowledge of operations, services and activities of a museum collection management policy.
  • Thorough knowledge and implementation of museum collection management duties including: documentation, accessioning, deaccessioning, collection storage, object handling, photography, fine arts insurance, preservation, record-keeping, exhibit installation, collection transportation methods, and pertinent laws, codes and regulations.
  • Experience with historical manuscript, book, and ephemera collections preferred.
Abilities
  • Highly organized, detail-oriented, and possess strong communication skills, both oral and written.
  • Ability to successfully create and implement strategic planning.
  • Thorough knowledge of and efficient mastery of software and databases including applications such as Microsoft Office, Outlook, and collections management database systems.
  • Knowledge of current registration and collections management best practices, procedures, and operations.
  • Object handling skills.
  • Familiarity with conservation concepts, procedures and terms. Skill and awareness concerning the sensitive handling of objects, including current best practices in packing, crating, and transportation of objects.
  • Ability to work successfully as part of a team; excellent interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and attend to multiple assignments simultaneously.
  • Able to work evenings and weekends as needed, travel to the Museum as needed, and be flexible in context of a changing schedule.
  • Stand for extended periods of time and lift 50 lbs.

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