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Remote Museum Collection Assistant Jobs in Washington, DC

Museum Specialist

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$70K - $91K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The National Museum of African American History and Culture is a national museum for the study and ... Facilitate the work of other NMAAHC collection units with the collection. Assist the Photo Services ...

Museum Technician

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$46K - $60K/yr

Our renowned collection includes over 160,000 works of art, from the ancient world to today ... Reserve passes and event reservations. * Assist with data entry and clean-up, preparing museum ...

New

Museum Technician

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$46K - $60K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

Our renowned collection includes over 160,000 works of art, from the ancient world to today ... Reserve passes and event reservations. * Assist with data entry and clean-up, preparing museum ...

New

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Showing results 1-20

Remote Museum Collection Assistant information

See Washington, DC salary details

$11

$22

$34

How much do remote museum collection assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for remote museum collection assistant 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 remote museum collection assistant?

Remote Museum Collection Assistants are professionals who help manage, catalog, and maintain museum collections from a remote location, often using digital tools and databases. Their duties may include updating records, digitizing artifacts, conducting research, and assisting with online exhibits. This role is ideal for those with strong organizational skills and an interest in art, history, or cultural heritage. Remote assistants play a crucial part in ensuring that museum collections are accessible, well-documented, and preserved for future generations.

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

To thrive as a Remote Museum Collection Assistant, you need a background in museum studies, art history, or a related field, along with strong organizational and research skills. Familiarity with digital collection management systems, cataloging software, and digital imaging tools is typically required. Attention to detail, effective communication, and self-motivation are vital soft skills for managing collections remotely and collaborating with team members. These competencies ensure accurate digital documentation, efficient workflow, and the preservation of collection integrity in a remote environment.

How do remote museum collection assistants typically collaborate with on-site staff and curators?

Remote Museum Collection Assistants often work closely with on-site staff and curators using digital tools such as collection management software, video conferencing, and shared documentation platforms. Regular virtual meetings and clear communication channels are essential for staying updated on project priorities, discussing object records, and resolving any cataloging or documentation issues. This collaborative approach ensures that collection data remains accurate and accessible, even when team members are not physically present at the museum. Building strong remote relationships can also open up opportunities for involvement in special projects or exhibitions.

What are the most commonly searched types of Remote Museum Collection jobs in Washington, DC?

The most popular types of Remote Museum Collection jobs in Washington, DC are:

What are popular job titles related to Remote Museum Collection Assistant jobs in Washington, DC?

For Remote Museum Collection Assistant jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Remote Museum Collection Assistant job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 17% Contract. Highlights an 100% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,198 per year, or $22.7 per hour.

Museum Specialist

Smithsonian Institution

Washington, DC • On-site, Remote

$70K - $91K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago


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

Summary
The Smithsonian Institution is the world's largest museum, education, and research complex, with 21 museums and the National Zoo. This position is located in the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) under Office of Collections Management (OCM) division. The National Museum of African American History and Culture is a national museum for the study and exhibition of African American history and culture.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
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The Museum Specialist (General) is responsible for carrying out collections management activities for the Office of Collections Management (OCM).
In this position you will:
  • Facilitate the work of other NMAAHC collection units with the collection. Assist the Photo Services department in the handling of objects to be photographed, the curatorial departments in collections work connected with exhibitions and research and the Registrar in preparing objects going out or returning from loan.
  • In preparation for storage, shipping, transportation or exhibition, disassemble, assemble, load, unload, secure, crate or cradle artifacts. Perform all types of collection handling operations, including those that require the operation of forklifts or similar equipment, box trucks and other vehicles or equipment.
  • Monitor environmental conditions of the collection storage areas.
  • Plan for, facilitate, and document researcher use of the collection.

Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • Requires career/career-conditional status or eligibility.
  • Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered with Selective Service.

Conditions of Employment
Occasionally the work is strenuous, with significant physical activity required to lift some object types that are large and heavy up to 40 lbs.
Qualification requirements, including one year time-in-grade at the next lower grade level for promotion candidates, must be met within 30 days of the job announcement closing date. See the 'Required Documents' section for additional information.
For information on qualification requirements, see Qualification Standards Handbook for General Schedule Positions viewable on OPM Website.
Qualifications
Basic Qualifications: Experience related to the operation or management of a museum or similar collection of valuable objects. Examples of qualifying specialized experience include collections management, registration, cataloging, research, preservation, restoration, or conservation of collections of museum material, or other experience related to the position to be filled. Most positions require a particular subject-matter specialization, e.g., aeronautics, anthropology, art, geology, history, natural science, technology, biology, or zoology.
In addition to the basic qualification requirement above:
Experience: You qualify for this position if you possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-07 level in the Federal service or comparable pay band system. For this position, specialized experience is defined as demonstrated experience Creating and coordinating workflow related to collections processing; preparing objects for shipping; providing transport and scheduling installation and de-installation for exhibition; creating object housing.
Or Education: Two (2) full academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education or master's or equivalent graduate degree related to the position. Unofficial transcripts are required.
Or a Combination: Education and experience may be combined to meet the basic qualifications. For a full explanation of this option please see the Qualification Standards. Special Instructions for Foreign Education: If you are qualifying by education and/or you have education completed in a foreign college/university described above, it is your responsibility to provide transcripts and proof of U.S. accreditation for foreign study. For instructions on where to fax these documents, see the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.
Your resume must be no more than two (2) pages and should clearly demonstrate how your experience aligns with the responsibilities and specialized experience required for this position. Do not copy language directly from the vacancy announcement, as you will be deemed ineligible for consideration. Instead, provide detailed, descriptive information about your actual 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). 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.
Part-time and/or unpaid experience related to this position will be considered to determine the total number of years and months of experience. Be sure to note the number of paid or unpaid hours worked each week.
Special Instructions for Foreign Education: If you are qualifying by education and/or you have education completed in a foreign college/university described above, it is your responsibility to provide transcripts and proof of U.S. accreditation for foreign study. For instructions on where to fax these documents, see the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.
In an effort to streamline our hiring process, SI employees whose current position of record is in the same job series (1016) and who are in a Federal competitive service appointment as this advertised position, are not required to submit a transcript with your application package. However, if selected, you will be required to provide a copy of your transcript before your start date in the position.
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).
Education
This position does not have a positive education requirement.
Additional information
  • This position is included in the bargaining unit.

Recruitment Incentive: Recruitment incentive(s) may be authorized for this position. However, approval for incentives are contingent upon various availability. If authorized, certain incentives will require the incumbent to sign a service agreement to remain in the Federal government for a certain time period.
Note: This statement does not imply nor guarantee an incentive will be offered and paid.
Selections may be made for vacancies across the Smithsonian Institution (SI). By applying to this position, you agree to allow your application and other personal information to be shared with one or more SI hiring officials for employment consideration for same/similar positions within the location(s) identified 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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The Smithsonian offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, vacation and sick leave, holidays, health/life insurance, accident insurance, and excellent retirement program options.
Please see Benefits at https://www.si.edu/OHR/benefits for a complete description.
Flexible Spending Accounts - https://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
Long Term Care Insurance - http://www.ltcfeds.com
Retirement Program - https://www.opm.gov/retirement-services/

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