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Museum Collections Assistant Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Sales Assoc.

Washington, DC · On-site

$20.14/hr

You will assist with the presentation of Hillwood's exclusive products and promote the museum's collections while ensuring an enjoyable and seamless transaction for each guest. Whether in person, via ...

Museum Specialist

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$121K - $158K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... collections information management services and participates with the Assistant Director in ... Ensures that museum standards for security, care and handling of objects are observed both in ...

Collections Manager

Washington, DC · On-site

$65K - $70K/yr

Catalog and document Museum special collections according to Museum documentation standards * Move ... Uphold policies and procedures and assist with developing and revising these policies and ...

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Cataloging Librarian

Washington, DC · On-site

$72K - $90K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Cataloger will also assist with rehousing and preservation-oriented processing activities for ... Experience cataloging artists' books, rare books, special collections, museum collections, visual ...

Archives Technician

Washington, DC · On-site

$22 - $29/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

RESPONSIBILITIES: * Assist with collection surveys and assessments to identify organization ... Experience working in an archives, special collections repository, museum, library, historical ...

Library Technician

Washington, DC · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Schedule researcher appointments and assist with patron access services. * Perform bibliographic ... Experience working with rare books, special collections, museum collections, or archival materials.

Library Technician

Washington, DC · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Schedule researcher appointments and assist with patron access services. * Perform bibliographic ... Experience working with rare books, special collections, museum collections, or archival materials.

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Metadata Librarian

Rockville, MD · On-site

$40 - $55/hr

... technical reports, museum collections, photographs, and archival materials. The successful ... Support maintenance and operation of the cloud-based library services platform. * Assist with ...

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Metadata Librarian

Rockville, MD · On-site

$40 - $55/hr

... technical reports, museum collections, photographs, and archival materials. The successful ... Support maintenance and operation of the cloud-based library services platform. * Assist with ...

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Museum Collections Assistant information

See Washington salary details

$11

$22

$34

How much do museum collections assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for museum 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 is a museum collections assistant?

Museum Collections Assistants are professionals who help manage, document, and care for the objects and artifacts within a museum’s collection. They assist with cataloging, inventory, handling, and storing items to ensure their preservation and accessibility. These assistants often work closely with curators, conservators, and registrars, and may also help set up exhibitions and facilitate research requests. Their role is essential in maintaining the organization and integrity of the museum’s holdings.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a museum collections assistant?

To thrive as a Museum Collections Assistant, you need a solid understanding of art history or museum studies, attention to detail, and experience handling and cataloging artifacts, often supported by a relevant degree or coursework. Familiarity with collections management systems like TMS or PastPerfect and adherence to proper conservation techniques are typically required. Strong organizational skills, teamwork, and effective communication help you coordinate with curators and other staff. These skills ensure the preservation, accurate documentation, and accessibility of museum collections, which are crucial for the institution's educational and research missions.

What are some common challenges faced by museum collections assistants when managing and cataloging artifacts?

Museum Collections Assistants often encounter challenges such as handling delicate or fragile artifacts, ensuring accurate and detailed cataloging, and maintaining up-to-date records in collection management databases. Balancing the need for careful preservation with accessibility for research or exhibition can also be demanding. Additionally, assistants may need to coordinate with curators, registrars, and conservators to address storage limitations or implement new conservation protocols, requiring strong communication and organizational skills.

What is the difference between Museum Collections Assistant vs Museum Curator?

AspectMuseum Collections AssistantMuseum Curator
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or associate's degree; some roles may prefer a bachelor's in museum studies or related fieldBachelor's degree often required; master's preferred in museum studies, history, or related fields
Work EnvironmentAssist with handling, cataloging, and maintaining collections; work under supervision in museums or galleriesOversee collections, develop exhibitions, and manage staff; more administrative and decision-making responsibilities
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly employed in museums, galleries, and cultural institutions for supporting collection managementEmployed in similar settings but with higher responsibilities for curation and program development

In summary, Museum Collections Assistants focus on supporting collection handling and organization, often requiring less formal education, while Museum Curators have broader responsibilities including developing exhibitions and managing collections, typically requiring advanced degrees and experience.

How to get into museum collections assistant work?

To become a museum collections assistant, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, with some positions preferring or requiring a bachelor's degree in museum studies, history, archaeology, or a related field. Relevant skills include attention to detail, organization, and familiarity with cataloging tools or databases. Gaining experience through internships or volunteering at museums can improve job prospects and understanding of collection management practices.

How to get museum collections assistant experience?

To gain experience as a museum collections assistant, individuals often start by volunteering or interning at museums to develop skills in collection handling, cataloging, and conservation. Relevant education in museum studies, archaeology, or history, along with familiarity with collections management software, can enhance prospects. Entry-level positions may require attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to work with delicate artifacts.

What are the most commonly searched types of Museum Collections jobs in Washington?

The most popular types of Museum Collections jobs in Washington are:

What are popular job titles related to Museum Collections Assistant jobs in Washington?

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

What job categories do people searching Museum Collections Assistant jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Museum Collections Assistant jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Museum Collections Assistant jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Museum Collections Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Museum Collections Assistant job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 6% 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.

Museum Specialist (General)

U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum

Bowie, MD • On-site, Remote

$70K - $91K/yr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

Summary
This position is located in the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum (USHMM), Rubenstein National Institute for Holocaust Documentation, Collections Services Division, Conservation Branch, David and Fela Shapell Collections, Conservation, and Research Center, Bowie, MD.
In this position, the Museum Specialist(Associate Collections Manager)will perform specialty work that supports Collections Management programs in preserving the Museum's holdings.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
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The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum is a federally chartered, nonpartisan institution that was created by the US Congress to serve as America's national memorial to the victims of the Holocaust and an educational institution dedicated to the history and lessons of the Holocaust. The Museum seeks to educate Americans from all 50 states and all walks of life as well as international audiences. The Museum has three areas of expertise: Holocaust remembrance, Holocaust scholarship and education, and genocide prevention.
In carrying out its important memorial and educational mission, the Museum is guided by its institutional values for our workplace: Honor the memory of the victims; carry out our work with dignity, humility, integrity and respect for others; and strive for excellence through teamwork, rigor, and a culture of continuous learning. Consistent respect for others is the foundation for trust, collegiality and inclusion.
Duties include:
Arranging/rearranging museum collections and space configuration in Museum processing and storage areas.
Assist in ensuring proper storage and climate control measures are taken to protect all Museum holdings.
Conduct the physical tracking of collections items using both electronic and manual systems, including the use of barcoding technology, to ensure locations of items are accurate for activities such as exhibition, conservation, loan, reference, digitization, photography and storage.
Create and maintain collections documentation, and hardcopy and automated records for permanent and loaned collections.
Assist curators, archivists, and other Museum personnel to enter, monitor, and track data entered in the electronic database.
Assist in establishing and implementing policies, procedures, and reference materials relating to the access, handling, and storage of the Museum's collections to ensure and enforce standard ethical and legal museum practices.
Requirements
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Conditions of employment
• On-line resumes must be submitted by 11:59pm EST of the closing date.
• You must be a suitable for Federal employment.
• You must be a U.S. citizen.
• You must be registered for Selective Service if applicable (www.sss.gov).
• Time-in-grade requirements must be met by the closing date.
• A one year probationary/trial period may be required.
• Payment of relocation expenses is not authorized.
• The USHMM is an equal opportunity employer.
• This agency provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the agency. The decision granting reasonable accommodation will be on a case-by-case basis.
• As a condition of employment, all new hires must agree to direct deposit of their salary checks. Employees will have up to two (2) pay periods from the date they enter on duty to arrange for their direct deposit transaction.
• This is a Federal agency. Former employees who received a voluntary separation incentive ("buyout") must repay the full amount of it if reemployed under any type of appointment or under a personal service contract within five years after separation with a buyout.
Qualifications
Qualification requirements in the vacancy announcements are based on the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards Handbook, which contains federal qualification standards. This handbook is available on the Office of Personnel Management's website located at: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards. 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.
Basic Requirement:
Specialized Experience: You qualify for the GS-9 grade level if you possess one year of specialized experience, equivalent to the GS-7 (or equivalent) grade level in the federal government. Specialized Experience is experience directly related to the position to be filled. The specialized experience for this position is arranging or rearranging museum collections; conducting the physical tracking of collections items; creating and maintaining collection documentation; assisting in preservation activities; and assisting in arranging transportation of museum collections.
OR
Education: 2 full academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education or master's or equivalent graduate degree related to the position
OR
Combination of education and experience as listed above.
Time-in-Grade Requirements: Under competitive merit promotion procedures, any individual who is currently holding, or who has held within the previous 52 weeks, a General Schedule position under a non-temporary appointment in the competitive or excepted service, must meet "time-in-grade" requirements (have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade of the grade for which you are applying). Time-In-Grade requirements also apply to current employees applying for a Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 (VEOA) appointment. NOTE: All current or former Federal employees must provide a copy of their SF-50 (you may need to submit more than one), "Notice of Personnel Action" that indicates proof of status and time-in-grade eligibility. The SF-50 must include your position, title, series, grade, step, tenure (1 or 2), and type of service (Competitive or Excepted).
***Failure to submit required documentation will result in an ineligible rating.
Education
If this position requires proof of higher education, you must submit an unofficial transcript or a list of courses that includes the following information: name of accredited institution, grades earned, completion dates, and quarter and semester hours earned. Special Instructions for Foreign Education: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities must be evaluated in terms of equivalency to that acquired in U.S. colleges and universities. Applicants educated in whole or in part in foreign countries must submit sufficient evidence, including transcripts, to an accredited private organization for an equivalency evaluation of course work and degree. A listing of these accredited organizations can be found on the Department of Education's website. You MUST provide a copy of the letter containing the results of the equivalency evaluation with a course by course listing along with your application. Failure to provide such documentation by the closing date of the announcement will result in lost consideration.
Additional information
A complete application consists of the following:
  • Resume showing relevant experience; cover letter optional. Your resume must indicate your citizenship and if you are registered for Selective Service if you are a male born after 12/31/59. Your resume must include information about your paid and nonpaid work experience related to this position including: job title, duration of employment (mm/dd/yy - mm/dd/yy), hours per week, duties and accomplishments, salary, and your education. For work in the Federal service, please include the grade level for the position/s. Your resume may be used to validate your responses to the scored occupational questionnaire.
  • If you are a veteran with preference eligibility and you are claiming 5-points veterans' preference, you must submit a copy of your DD-214 stating disposition of discharge or character of service or other valid proof of eligibility (i.e., statement of service that shows service dates AND character of service). If you are claiming 10-point veterans' preference, you must also submit an SF-15, "Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference" plus the proof required by that form. For more information on veterans' preference see Vet Guide
  • Active Duty Service Members You must submit a statement of discharge/certification of release or an official written document from the armed forces that certifies you are expected to be discharged or released from active duty service in the armed forces under honorable conditions no later than 120 days from the date the announcement closes. Enlisted Record Briefs and military identification do NOT qualify as official documentation. If the appropriate information is not submitted to confirm the discharge status, dates of service, etc., you will not be considered for this job opportunity under Veteran Preference procedures. To gain access to your DD-214 online please visit Military Service Record
  • Current or Former Political Appointees: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.
  • Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) and Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) documentation, if applicable.

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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.
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.