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Museum Collections Assistant Jobs in Springdale, AR

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Museum Collections Assistant information

See Springdale, AR salary details

$8

$17

$26

How much do museum collections assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for museum collections assistant in Springdale, AR is $17.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $20.38 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 job categories do people searching Museum Collections Assistant jobs in Springdale, AR look for?

The top searched job categories for Museum Collections Assistant jobs in Springdale, AR are:

What cities near Springdale, AR are hiring for Museum Collections Assistant jobs?

Cities near Springdale, AR with the most Museum Collections Assistant job openings:

Museum Collections Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Museum Collections Assistant job openings in Springdale, AR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,852 per year, or $17.7 per hour.

Collections Technician

Atomic Weapons Establishment

Bentonville, AR • On-site

$31K - $43K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

The mission of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is to welcome all to celebrate the American spirit in a setting that unites the power of art with the beauty of nature. Founded by philanthropist and arts patron Alice Walton, Crystal Bridges is a public non-profit charitable organization.
Job Description:
Position Title: Collections Technician
FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt
Department: Curatorial and Art Management
Reports to: Senior Collections Technician
Date Reviewed: December 2025
About Crystal Bridges & The Momentary:
Crystal Bridges is a museum of American art located in Bentonville, Arkansas. We explore the unfolding story of America by actively collecting, exhibiting, interpreting, and preserving outstanding works that illuminate the American heritage and artistic possibilities. Founded by Alice Walton in 2005, the museum opened in 2011 and is a public, non-profit charitable organization with free admission.
The Momentary is a contemporary art space that opened to the public on February 22, 2020, in downtown Bentonville, Arkansas. The Momentary is a venue for the music, art, and food of our time, and a catalyst for creativity and economic vitality. An extension to Crystal Bridges, the Momentary is a 'living room' where community gathers to be inspired, connected, and joyful. You belong here: make the most of this moment.
Position Summary:
Reporting to the Senior Collections Technician, this role serves on a team focused on the care and maintenance of the permanent collection, and access to it. The Collections Technician will provide support for Art Management and Curatorial specifically related to condition reporting and documentation, packing and unpacking of incoming/outgoing loans and incoming acquisitions, storage solutions, framing needs, object viewing, and special projects for conservation and photography. The Collections Technician will also provide general manual labor support and assistance in loading and unloading, transportation, installation, deinstallation and related tasks for all artwork on view at Crystal Bridges and the Momentary both inside and on the grounds. This position assists with the maintenance of exhibition spaces, shop areas, and storage areas.
Principal Responsibilities:
  • Assists in collection related projects in conjunction with supervisor and Registrar for Collections, including object photography, conservation, artwork cleaning and maintenance, and vault maintenance.
  • Works with supervisor and Curatorial to complete safe and aesthetic framing solutions for collection works and occasionally loans, including planning for and carrying out matting and framing projects.
  • Packs and unpacks crates and other shipping conveyances for loans and collection acquisitions
  • Assists in designing packing solutions for outgoing loans
  • Assists supervisor in carrying out object conservation priorities and improvements by implementing storage solutions according to conservator recommendations.
  • Assists in providing access to the collection by staging artwork for study and research.
  • Assists in leading vault tours for museum staff, volunteers, and members.
  • In conjunction with the supervisor, assists in routine frame dusting and artwork cleaning and maintenance throughout the permanent collection galleries.
  • Support Registration by assisting with routine gallery checks and collection audits.
  • Assist in the unpacking and packing of artwork and exhibition furniture.
  • Assist registrars with condition reporting all incoming and outgoing artwork, objects, and artifacts.
  • In conjunction with supervisor, Registration and documented object needs, design and fabricate safe housing for artwork, objects, and artifacts for storage and transportation purposes.
  • Ensure the safe movement and handling of art objects of all media.
  • Assist in maintaining an inventory of tools, supplies, and materials.
  • Assist in maintaining organized, clean, and functional working spaces, including the Prep Studio, art storage, loading dock, woodshop, and pedestal/crate storage.
  • Act as courier, as assigned, to accompany exhibitions and loans.
  • Complete all additional assigned tasks and requests for the general support of the Art Management department and museum functions
  • Works with focus teammates to complete all aspects of special exhibition installations and permanent collection rotations throughout the Museum.
  • Assist in the coordination of outdoor sculpture maintenance, in conjunction with the Outdoor Art Technician
  • Assist with all loading and unloading of art trucks in a timely and efficient manner.

Qualifications and Skills:
Education, Training, and Traits:
  • B.A. in an art related field
  • Knowledge of art-handling procedures for two- and three-dimensional art objects in a variety of materials, sizes and weights.
  • Strong technical skills in basic construction, fabrication and installation methods; proper use and care of power and manual tools, lifts, and other pertinent equipment.
  • Proficiency in the use of standard office equipment and software.
  • Skilled in handling all media of art and familiar with installation technique
  • Working knowledge of hand tools and math applications.

Work Experience:
  • Minimum 2 years of museum or gallery experience
  • In regard to education and experience, an equivalent combination of relevant education and/or experience will satisfy the minimum requirements.

Licenses and Certifications:
  • Valid Driver's License

Skills and Abilities:
  • Excellent organizational and time management skills
  • Skilled and detail-oriented trouble-shooter and problem-solver.
  • Good verbal and written communication skills
  • Advanced knowledge of art preparation techniques and practices
  • Highly motivated and goal oriented
  • Strong collaboration skills
  • Ability to understand and maintain the highest levels of confidentiality

Physical Demands and Work Environment:
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Physical demands: In the work environment described below, position requires verbal and written conversation with others, sitting, standing, walking, bending, climbing, reaching, strenuous lifting/moving objects up to 50 pounds, and use of hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls. Position requires use of hands to safely handle and move art objects according to the most current approved museum standards. Position periodically requires standing for prolonged periods of time. Vision abilities required by the job include close vision.
  • Work Environment: The majority of work will be performed in an office, workshop or museum gallery environment. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate. Work requires periodic transport of packed art works and exhibition furniture and equipment to and from local off-site storage facilities. Position requires some independent overnight travel. Occasional evening and weekend work are required.

All offers of employment are contingent on your successful completion (where permitted by state law) of a confidentiality agreement and background check. In addition, you will need to provide proper identification verifying your eligibility to work in the United States.
Crystal Bridges is an equal opportunity employer committed to building and maintaining a workplace that is free of discrimination and harassment of any kind. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate.

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