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Museum Collection Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Museum of the Bible

Collections Manager

Washington, DC · On-site

$65K - $70K/yr

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 ...

New

Smithsonian Institution

Museum Specialist

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$85K - $111K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Experience related to the operation or management of a museum or similar collection of valuable objects. Examples of qualifying specialized experience include collections management, registration ...

Smithsonian Institution

Museum Specialist

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$121K - $158K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Experience related to the operation or management of a museum or similar collection of valuable objects. Examples of qualifying specialized experience include collections management, registration ...

National Gallery of Art

Museum Specialist

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$121K - $187K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

Our renowned collection includes over 160,000 works of art, from the ancient world to today ... Degree: museum work; or in an applicable subject-matter field. OR 2. Combination of education and ...

National Gallery of Art

Museum Specialist

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$121K - $187K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

Our renowned collection includes over 160,000 works of art, from the ancient world to today ... Degree: museum work; or in an applicable subject-matter field. OR * Combination of education and ...

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How much do museum collection jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for museum collection 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?

A Museum Collection job involves managing, preserving, and organizing artifacts, artworks, or historical objects in a museum. Professionals in this role handle cataloging, storage, conservation, and sometimes exhibition planning. They ensure proper documentation and environmental conditions to protect items for future generations. The job may also involve research and collaboration with curators, historians, and other museum staff.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a museum collection professional?

Professionals in Museum Collection roles typically spend their days cataloging new acquisitions, updating collection records, monitoring environmental conditions, and assisting with the safe handling and movement of objects. They may work closely with curators, conservators, and educators to prepare materials for exhibitions, facilitate research access, and support loan agreements with other institutions. Regular tasks also include condition reporting, inventory audits, and digital data entry to ensure the integrity and accessibility of the collection. These varied responsibilities allow for a dynamic and engaging work environment, especially for those passionate about art, history, or cultural heritage.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a museum collection role?

To thrive in a Museum Collection role, you need a background in art history, museum studies, or archival science, with strong attention to detail and organizational skills. Familiarity with collections management systems (such as TMS or PastPerfect), digital cataloging, and proper handling, conservation, and storage techniques is critical. Analytical thinking, problem-solving, and excellent communication skills help individuals manage collection tasks and collaborate across departments. These abilities ensure collections are accurately documented, preserved, and accessible for exhibitions and research.

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 jobs in Washington, DC?

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

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

Museum Collection jobs near you
Infographic showing various Museum Collection job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% 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 • On-site

$65K - $70K/yr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New

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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