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Museum Collections Manager Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

City of Alexandria, VA

Museum Technician PT

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$18.67 - $32.85/hr

N/A Part-time Museum Technician The City of Alexandria is located in northern Virginia and is ... Experience with Proficio or other archaeological database for cataloguing, collections management ...

City of Alexandria

Museum Technician PT

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$18.67 - $32.85/hr

Part-time Museum Technician The City of Alexandria is located in northern Virginia and is bordered ... Experience with Proficio or other archaeological database for cataloguing, collections management ...

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Museum Collections Manager information

See Virginia salary details

$30.7K

$58.2K

$108.1K

How much do museum collections manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for museum collections manager in Virginia is $58,218.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,200.00 and $64,900.00 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 Virginia?

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

What are popular job titles related to Museum Collections Manager jobs in Virginia?

For Museum Collections Manager jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

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

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

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

Museum Collections Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Museum Collections Manager job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,218 per year, or $28 per hour.

Museum Specialist (Collection Processing Unit) - IS-1016-09

Smithsonian Institution

Chantilly, VA • On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Smithsonian Institution rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

2nd of 29 rated museums

Job description

Museum Specialist (Collection Processing Unit) - IS-1016-09
Application Deadline: 25 August 2026
Department: National Air and Space Museum
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Chantilly, VA
Reporting To: Supervisory Museum Specialist
Compensation: $70,623 - $80,041 / year
Description
OPEN DATE: August 12, 2026
CLOSING DATE: August 25,2026
POSITION TYPE: Trust Fund
APPOINTMENT TYPE: Indefinite
SCHEDULE: Full Time
DUTY LOCATION: Chantilly, VA
Position sensitivity and risk:
Non-Sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Open to all qualified applicants
What are Trust Fund Positions?
Trust Fund positions are unique to the Smithsonian. They are paid for from a variety of sources, including the Smithsonian endowment, revenue from our business activities, donations, grants and contracts. Trust employees are not part of the civil service, nor does trust fund employment lead to Federal status. The salary ranges for trust positions are generally the same as for federal positions and in many cases trust and federal employees work side by side. Trust employees have their own benefit program, which may include Health, Dental & Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Transit/Commuter Benefits, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, Annual and Sick Leave, Family Friendly Leave, 403b Retirement Plan, Discounts for Smithsonian Memberships, Museum Stores and Restaurants, Credit Union, Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center (Child Care), Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care).
Conditions of Employment
  • Pass Pre-employment Background Check and Subsequent Background Investigation for position designated.
  • Complete a Probationary Period.
  • Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer.
  • The position is open to all candidates eligible to work in the United States. Proof of eligibility to work in U.S. is not required to apply.
  • Applicants must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a Class A Commercial Driver's License within nine (9) months of hire.
  • Must successfully pass and comply with all required drug testing procedures.

OVERVIEW
This position is located in the Collections Processing Unit (CPU), National Air and Space Museum (NASM) on the National Mall (NMB), and the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center (UHC) in Chantilly, VA and the Paul E. Garber Restoration Facility in Suitland, MD which is responsible for properly protecting the National Collections of Aeronautics and Space Artifacts in perpetuity, guaranteeing intellectual as well as physical control over those collections.
The purpose of this position is to support the care, handling, packing, storage, shipment, maintenance, and preservation of artifacts within the National Collection. The incumbent serves as both a skilled technical member of the unit and a project team lead, coordinating and directing the work of lower-graded museum technicians and specialists involved in the handling, storage, transportation, maintenance, preservation, and exhibition of National Collection artifacts. The position ensures that all collection management activities are carried out in accordance with established museum standards, preservation requirements, and organizational priorities.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Perform tasks of a technical nature in support of collections management. Works with a crew of museum technicians and specialists that are responsible for the packing, handling, moving, transporting, storing, and monitoring of artifacts such as airplanes, helicopters, aircraft engines, missiles, cannons, guns, spacecraft, satellites, spacesuits, uniforms, art, and other related aeronautical and space objects, many times serving as the team leader for such projects.
  • Routinely makes use of the museum's computerized collections information system, The Museum System. This includes creating specific artifact records, adding information to those record, and working with the Curatorial Departments and other units of the Collections Department to keep records up to date.
  • Disassemble, assemble, load, unload, secure, crate, or cradle aforementioned types of artifacts. These tasks require the incumbent to design and construction cradles, dollies, and other supports necessary to ensure safe handling, movement, and storage of the artifacts. Performs all types of artifact handling operations, including de/installations, which require the operation of trucks, tractor-trailers, hoists, forklifts and similar equipment.
  • Articulate and communicate to the team the assignment, project, problem to be solved, actionable events, milestones, and/or issues under review, and deadlines and time frames for completion.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
Must be able to obtain and maintain a Class A Commercial Driver's License within nine (9) months of hire.
Must successfully pass and comply with all required drug testing procedures.
To qualify for the IS-09 based on experience, applicants must possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the IS/GS-07 grade level. Qualifying experience must include:
  • Experience handling artifacts, large (such as 20' x 10' in size) including techniques for packing, unpacking, and physically moving objects in regards to understanding appropriate environmental conditions, security protocols, and preventive conservation measures to ensure the safety and preservation of the artifacts during handling and transportation.
  • Experience in planning and executing artifact transportation, both locally and internationally in regards to packing materials and methods, customs regulations, insurance requirements, and logistics coordination.
  • Experience using specialized handling equipment, such as crating systems, lifters, or climate-controlled containers is required.

To qualify for the IS-09 based on education alone, applicants must possess two full academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's degree, or a master's or equivalent graduate degree, from an accredited college or university in a field directly related to the position. Applicants may also qualify through a combination of specialized experience and graduate-level education that together meet the qualification requirements. All qualifying education and experience must be fully documented in the applicant's resume and supported by transcripts submitted with the application.
Education completed outside the United States must be deemed equivalent to higher education programs of U.S. Institutions by an organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials. This documentation is the responsibility of the applicant and should be included as part of your application package.
Any false statement in your application may result in rejection of your application and may also result in termination after employment begins.
Join us in "Inspiring Generations through Knowledge and Discovery."
Resumes should include a description of your paid and non-paid work experience that is related to this job; starting and ending dates of job (month and year); and average number of hours worked per week.
What To Expect Next: Once the vacancy announcement closes, a review of your resume will be compared against the qualification and experience requirements related to this job. After review of applicant resumes is complete, qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager.
Relocation expenses are not paid.
The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact NASM-HR@SI.EDU. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. To learn more, please review the Smithsonian's Accommodation Procedures.
The Smithsonian Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer. To review The Smithsonian's EEO program information, please click the following: https://www.si.edu/oeo

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