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Museum Collection Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Museum Specialist

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$121K - $187K/yr

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 ...

Sales Assoc.

Washington, DC · On-site

$20.14/hr

Head of Merchandise and Shop Experience Employment Status: Part-Time Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens welcomes over 100,000 visitors a year to enjoy our art collection, gardens, and the incredible ...

Security Officer

Washington, DC · On-site

$18 - $19/hr

... Museum (SPY) is looking for top recruits to work in our Security Department. This is not your usual security job! While we take the safety of our guests, staff, and collection seriously, we also want ...

Curatorial Assistant

Potomac, MD · On-site

$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 ...

New

Electrician

Potomac, MD · On-site

$39 - $44/hr

Opened in 2006 and expanded in 2018, the museum welcomes visitors to a unique experience of indoor ... art collection and the safety and comfort of our staff and visitors. This position provides a ...

Data collection will be conducted on-site in Triangle, VA at the National Museum of the Marine Corps (NMMC) Role Summary: Windwalker is seeking qualified data collectors to gather survey and ...

Showing results 21-40

Museum Collection information

See Washington, DC salary details

$11

$22

$34

How much do museum collection jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 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:

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

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

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.

Museum Specialist

National Gallery of Art

Washington, DC • On-site, Remote

$121K - $187K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Posted 23 days ago


Job description

Summary
The National Gallery of Art welcomes all people to explore art, creativity, and our shared humanity. Millions of people come through our doors each year, with even more online, making us one of the most visited art museums in the world. Our renowned collection includes over 160,000 works of art, from the ancient world to today. Admission to the West and East Buildings, Sculpture Garden, special exhibitions, and public programs is always free.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
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The Painting Conservation (CL-PT) at the National Gallery of Art preserves the structural stability and aesthetic integrity of the collection through expert examination, treatment and research. CL-PT uses advanced imaging to analyze artist techniques, guide treatment and collaborate with scientists and curators to ensure long-term preservation for future generations.
This vacancy is for two positions. The GS-14 position focuses on Old Master paintings and assists the Head of CL-PT in supervising staff, managing funding and examining, treating and documenting paintings. The GS-13 position is non-supervisory and focuses on Modern and Contemporary paintings.
Duties for this position include
  • Assesses the condition of works of art and performs major and minor conservation treatments on paintings and prepares appropriate documentation and reports and utilizes the Gallery's electronic document management storage system.
  • Consults and collaborates with curators and other staff when treating works of art or for research purposes. Examines works of art and recommends appropriate display or storage guidelines.
  • Inspects works of art that are on loan to the Gallery and carries out treatment on them as required and when authorized. Examines works of art to produce technical information for inclusion in Gallery catalogs or other publications.
  • Examines works of art requested for loan to other institutions, assesses condition and vulnerabilities, and prepares written documentation of findings.
  • Conducts research on artists' methods and materials and in support of increasing knowledge of paintings in the permanent collection.

Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • You must be a United States Citizen.
  • This employer participates in the e-Verify program.
  • Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered for Selective Service
  • Pass Pre-employment Background Investigation
  • Suitable for Federal employment, determined by a background investigation

Qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement. For information on qualification requirements, see Qualification Standards Handbook for General Schedule Positions viewable on OPM Website. It is your responsibility to ensure that you submit appropriate documentation prior to the closing date. Your resume serves as the basis for qualification determinations and must highlight your most relevant and significant experience as it relates to this job announcement. Be clear and specific when describing your work history since human resources cannot make assumptions regarding your experience.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Your resume must include the dates of all qualifying experience (from month/year to month/year) and the number of hours worked/volunteered per week.
Qualifications
Basic Requirements:
  1. Degree: museum work; or in an applicable subject-matter field.
    OR
  2. Combination of education and experience courses equivalent to a major, as shown in 1 above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
    OR
  3. Four years of experience that provided knowledge comparable to that normally acquired through the successful completion of the 4-year course of study as shown in 1 above.

Specialized Experience Statement GS13: Candidates must possess at least one year of specialized experience, equivalent in responsibility to the GS-12 level in the Federal service or private sector private sector, treating and documenting modern and contemporary paintings.
Specialized Experience Statement GS14: Candidates must possess at least one year of specialized experience, equivalent in responsibility to the GS-13 level in the Federal service or private sector, treating and documenting Old Master paintings and experience providing mentorship to junior colleagues, fellows, and interns.
OPM Qualifications Standard:
Individual Occupational Requirements: Museum Curator Series 1015 Associated Group standard: General Schedule Qualification Standards
You must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Education
This position has an education requirement.
Education must be obtained from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Foreign education must be reviewed by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For special instructions pertaining to foreign education and a list of organizations that can evaluate foreign education, see the Department of Education website.
Additional information
The National Gallery of Art fosters a fair workplace and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The EEO policy is found at: https://www.nga.gov/employment-opportunities/equal-employment-opportunity
More than one selection may be made from this vacancy announcement.
This position is not included in the bargaining unit.
Relocation expenses will not be paid.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Reasonable Accommodation Policy: http://help.usajobs.gov/reasonable-accommodation
Veterans Information: http://help.usajobs.gov/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/veterans
Selective Service Registration: http://www.sss.gov/
Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA): To be eligible for a VEOA appointment under Merit Promotion procedures, the veteran must be a preference eligible or a veteran separated after 3 years or more of continuous active service performed under honorable conditions.
Noncompetitive Appointment Authorities: For more information on noncompetitive appointment authority eligibility
requirements visit the following websites:
  • Persons with Disabilities-Schedule A
  • Special Hiring Authorities for Veterans
  • Special Hiring Authority for Certain Military Spouses
  • Other Special Appointment Authorities

Reasonable Accommodation Requests: The National Gallery of Art provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. If you need an accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the contact person listed in this announcement.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
The Federal Government offers a comprehensive benefits package.
Flexible Spending Accounts - http://www.fsafeds.com/
Health Insurance - http://www.opm.gov/insure/health/index.asp
Leave - http://www.opm.gov/oca/leave/index.asp
Life Insurance - http://www.opm.gov/insure/life/index.asp
Retirement Program - https://www.opm.gov/retirement-services/
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.