Collections Specialist jobs in Washington, DC

The National Building Museum inspires curiosity about the world we design and build.

We are a private non-profit institution that transforms understanding of the history and impact of architecture, engineering, landscape architecture, and design. The National Building Museum educates, entertains, and engages people about the built environment and challenges them to advocate for a sustainable and equitable future.

Position Summary

The Collections Specialist is responsible for special cataloging projects within the collections department. Under the supervision of the Museum’s Senior Registrar and Director of Collections, the Collections Specialist will process and preserve specific artifact collections as per grant requirements. This includes but is not limited to the Museum’s historic photograph and architectural drawing collections. The Collections Specialist will help identify new projects within the Museum’s collections and assist with ongoing cataloging projects and efforts.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

For the photography collections:

• Under the guidance of Senior Registrar and Collections Manager, develop cataloguing standards for the museum’s photography collections and re-catalogue the collections to meet the new standards.
• Reorganize and integrate photographs and negatives by project, city and state. Update labeling systems and records.
• Scan all photographs and photograph the negatives as high-resolution files for the Past Perfect Database and Museum website.
• Survey the photographs for conservation concerns, as outlined by conservation assessments of the collections.
• Rehouse the photography collection, source and order archival supplies for the project.
• Assist in managing interns and volunteers to support projects as needed.

For the architectural drawings collections:

• Using the protocols created by the Collections Manager, re-catalogue collections to meet the new standards.
• Reorganize the collections by site and rehouse drawings by type as appropriate. Update labeling systems and records.
• Scan and photograph drawings for Past Perfect Database and the Museum’s Website.
• Assist in managing interns and volunteers to support projects as needed.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in museum studies or conservation.
• Knowledge of museum collections management methods, including accessioning, cataloging, conservation and storage practices.
• Knowledge of correct object handling techniques. Keen spatial awareness and ability to move within constricted spaces.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Familiarity with museum collections databases, especially Past Perfect.

ADA SPECIFICATIONS

• Position requires working with potentially hazardous photographic materials and associated chemicals. Proper gloves and protection will be provided.
• This is an active work position that requires the ability to move about the collections storage areas
• Position requires being on one’s feet up to 8 hours per day.
• Employee may be responsible for moving objects up to 45 lbs. and working on tall ladders when needed.

What We Offer

Full-time employees are eligible for the following benefits:

• Medical, Dental and Vision insurance
• Employer paid Life and Disability insurance
• Hybrid schedule
• 11 paid holidays
• Generous paid time off policy
• 403 (b) plan with match
• Museum Shop discounts
• Free on-site parking