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Museum Collections Manager Jobs in Nebraska (NOW HIRING)

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Museum Collections Manager information

See Nebraska salary details

$29.6K

$56K

$103.9K

How much do museum collections manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for museum collections manager in Nebraska is $55,988.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,600.00 and $62,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a museum collections manager do?

A Museum Collections Manager is responsible for overseeing the care, documentation, and organization of a museum's collection of objects or artworks. They ensure that items are properly cataloged, stored, and preserved, following established conservation and handling protocols. Collections Managers also facilitate access for researchers, support exhibitions, and may help with acquisitions and loan agreements. Their work is essential to preserving cultural heritage and making museum collections accessible to the public and scholars.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a museum collections manager, and why are they important?

A Museum Collections Manager should have expertise in art history or museum studies, experience with collection care, and typically a relevant degree such as a master's in museum studies or a related field. Familiarity with collection management systems (like TMS or PastPerfect), conservation techniques, and proper documentation practices is critical. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are valuable soft skills that help ensure accuracy and collaboration across departments. These competencies are vital for preserving artifacts, maintaining accurate records, and supporting the museum’s mission to educate and engage the public.

What are some common challenges faced by museum collections managers when implementing new collection management systems?

Museum Collections Managers often encounter challenges when introducing new collection management systems, such as ensuring data accuracy during migration, training staff on new procedures, and integrating the system with existing workflows. Coordinating input from various departments and balancing the need for accessibility with security protocols can also be complex. Successful implementation typically involves careful planning, open communication with stakeholders, and ongoing support to adapt to evolving museum needs.

What is the difference between Museum Collections Manager vs Museum Registrar?

AspectMuseum Collections ManagerMuseum Registrar
Primary FocusOversees collection care, preservation, and managementHandles documentation, cataloging, and record-keeping of collections
CredentialsOften requires a degree in museum studies, history, or related fieldsTypically requires similar credentials, with emphasis on record management skills
Work EnvironmentInvolves hands-on collection work, conservation, and planningPrimarily administrative, working with databases and records
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly employed in museums, galleries, and cultural institutionsFound in similar settings, focusing on collection documentation

The Museum Collections Manager and Museum Registrar roles share overlapping credentials and work environments but differ mainly in focus. The Collections Manager emphasizes collection care and preservation, while the Registrar concentrates on documentation and record-keeping. Both positions are vital in museum operations and often work closely together to ensure collections are well-maintained and accurately documented.

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

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

What job categories do people searching Museum Collections Manager jobs in Nebraska look for?

The top searched job categories for Museum Collections Manager jobs in Nebraska are:

What cities in Nebraska are hiring for Museum Collections Manager jobs?

Cities in Nebraska with the most Museum Collections Manager job openings:

Museum Collections Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Museum Collections Manager job openings in Nebraska as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,988 per year, or $26.9 per hour.

Paleontology Collection Manager

University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Lincoln, NE • On-site

$51K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

Position Information
Position Information
Working Title
Paleontology Collection Manager
Department
University Museum-0932
Requisition Number
S_260369
Posting Open Date
05/19/2026
Application Review Date: (To ensure consideration, please submit all application materials before review date)
06/12/2026
Posting Close Date
Open Until Filled
Yes
Description of Work
Principal responsibilities are organization, management, preservation, conservation, and supervision of use of paleontological specimens in the collections of the UNSM Paleontology Department, including the Invertebrate Paleontology and Vertebrate Paleontology Divisions. This position also maintains archives related to the collections and other important documents. Responsibilities include maintenance of the Paleontology databases and collection digitization - photography, data records, archived catalogues, field notebooks, and additional metadata (provenance, identifications, etc.). Duties include monitoring the storage environment and security, monitoring for pests and taking appropriate pest management actions, conducting object condition reports, coordinating incoming and outgoing loans, and processing new acquisitions.
This position assists and supervises visiting researchers, trains and supervises collection volunteers, UNL student interns, student employees, nonstudent employees and other users of the collections in collaboration with paleontology staff and curators to ensure proper maintenance of collections. An additional set of responsibilities centers on supporting the museum's public education mission by assisting with exhibit curation (selection of objects, drafting text, installing/de-installing exhibit objects), assisting with educational programs as a content expert and speaker, and contributing to the museum's digital presence by providing content for social media posts and website.
As an EO employer, the University of Nebraska considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation. See https://equity.unl.edu/notice-nondiscrimination/
Minimum Required Qualifications
  • Master's degree in Paleontology, geology, earth sciences, museum studies or related field and 3 years' experience in managing museum collections, including knowledge of professional practices in object care, documentation, loans, exhibitions, packing and shipping; additional years of completed relevant education may substitute on a year-for-year basis.
  • Working knowledge of databases and standard MS office software proficiency (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
  • Supervisory experience.
  • Knowledge of and past experience in securing federal or state permits to comply with federal Paleontological Resources Preservation Act (PRPA) and relevant state laws.
  • Museum collections management skills.
  • Knowledge of professional practices in object care, object reports, archives and other documentation, loans, exhibitions, packing and shipping.
  • Knowledge of taxonomic principles.
  • Ability to follow policies and procedures regarding sensitive data and maintain confidentiality.
  • Must have a valid driver's license and meet University driver eligibility requirements.

Preferred Qualifications
  • PHD in Paleontology, geology, earth sciences, museum studies or related field
  • Working knowledge of Specify and Filemaker Pro databases.
  • Experience working with paleontology field crews and communities.
  • Knowledge of Native American Graves and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) and its relevance to archaeological and adjoining paleontological sites.
  • Demonstrated experience writing exhibit text, exhibit curation; or experience collaborating with educators as a content expert and providing appropriate text or references for curriculum
  • Experience working with undergraduate students or graduate students.
  • Experience supporting faculty and curator research needs.

Pre-Placement Driving Record Review Required
Yes
Physical Required
No
Commercial Driver's License (CDL) required. Subject to DOT approved pre-employment & random testing for alcohol and controlled substances.
No
Criminal History Background Check Required
Yes
Posted Salary
$51,000/yr. minimum
How to Apply
Click on "Apply for this Job". You will then either create an application or edit your current application that is on file. You will be required to attach your resume, cover letter, and list of references as three (3) separate documents in MS Word or PDF format.
For questions or accommodations related to this position contact
Ember Welsch, Human Resources Specialist Lead
Office of Research and Innovation
ewelsch2@unl.edu
Job Category (old)
Managerial/Professional
Job Type
Full-Time
Alternate Work Schedule (if other than 8-5)
Work Location (City, State)
Lincoln, NE
Position funded by grant or other form of temporary funding?
No
If Temporary, indicate end date
Planned Hire Date:
Appointment End Date

Apply