Collections Associate, Objects

Princeton University•Princeton, NJ

6d•$54,000 - $63,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Collections Associate is responsible for the safe handling, movement, storage, and documentation of works of art while supporting the Princeton University Art Museum’s teaching program and collections management operations. Reporting to the Associate Registrar, the position supports object-based teaching, collection transfers between facilities, integration of objects into permanent collections storage, and updates to location records for new acquisitions and art shipments. The role focuses primarily on paintings, large textiles, and three-dimensional objects, including sculpture, decorative arts, archaeological materials, and other collection objects, while also assisting with textiles and works on paper as needed. The Collections Associate works collaboratively with museum staff and contractors to support collections care and access. The position is based primarily at the museum’s warehouse facility, with assignments at the main museum campus as needed. It is an hourly position scheduled during normal business hours, five days per week, with intermittent schedule adjustments possible for evening activities, special projects, or operational needs. Standard weekly hours are 40, and the position is eligible for overtime. The Princeton University Art Museum has collections of over 117,000 works spanning ancient to contemporary art from around the world. The Museum supports Princeton’s teaching and research missions and operates at the heart of campus, along with Art@Bainbridge, two Museum Stores, and Mosaic restaurant.

Requirements

At least three years of experience in a museum, gallery, cultural institution, or related environment in a role such as Registrar, Preparator, Conservation Assistant, Collections Technician, or comparable role demonstrating exceptional object-handling skills.
Strong attention to detail and the ability to assess and mitigate risks.
Thorough understanding of museum best practices for preservation, storage, and stewardship of collections.
Knowledge of visual arts, art history, museum practices, or a related field.
Familiarity with a broad range of fine art materials, media, and related terminology.
Experience handling art objects according to established museum standards for care, movement, and storage.
Experience assessing objects for condition concerns and documenting condition observations according to museum practices.
Experience using collections management databases, such as TMS, to maintain object locations, inventory records, and collections information.
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
Understanding of confidentiality, discretion, and professionalism when handling sensitive collections information.
Ability to collaborate effectively while exercising initiative, sound judgment, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to perform the physical tasks required for handling, moving, caring for, and storing artworks, including standing or walking up to two hours at a time for up to eight hours per day; sitting for less than two hours at a time; occasionally lifting or carrying up to 75 pounds; lifting up to 75 pounds to waist height and up to 30 pounds from floor to overhead; frequently grasping, pushing or pulling, and bending; occasionally squatting, kneeling, climbing, reaching or lifting overhead, knee standing, and pushing or pulling with forces up to 100 pounds; and working at heights while maintaining balance and physical agility.
Bachelor’s degree in art history, Museum Studies, Art Conservation, Studio Art, or a related discipline is preferred; equivalent professional experience, specialized training, or education may be considered.

Nice To Haves

Three or more years of professional experience as a Museum Collections Associate, Registrar, or Preparator.
Master’s degree in Museum Studies, Art History, Studio Art, or a related field.
Three or more years of hands-on experience working with an art collection.
Experience packing or uncrating artwork.
Experience maintaining a tidy and organized workspace.
Three or more years of experience using TMS collections management software.

Responsibilities

Support the Object-Based Teaching Program by following museum policies and best practices for safe handling, packing, transportation, storage, and documentation of artworks.
Support collections operations related to storage, classroom instruction, research, and study room activities.
Prepare and break down study rooms, ensuring artwork is handled and secured safely during teaching and research appointments.
Occasionally monitor classes and visitors as assigned.
Update object locations and other collections information in The Museum System (TMS).
Move artwork safely throughout museum facilities and maintain accurate movement records.
Return artwork to permanent storage after classes, conservation, photography, study, transport, or other museum activities.
Assist with planning and organizing museum shuttle activities.
Oversee contractors packing, loading, unloading, and unpacking artwork for museum shuttles and other collections transfers.
Create shipping records for shuttle transfers, documenting releases and receipts and coordinating with appropriate departments.
Organize incoming collection objects in designated staging and storage areas upon delivery.
Track packing containers and object accessories.
Prepare incoming artwork for storage by numbering, labeling, rehousing, and integrating objects according to museum procedures.
Create digital images and condition reports as needed.
Prepare archival boxes and other protective enclosures for collection objects.
Organize and maintain collections work and storage areas for clean, efficient, and secure use of space.
Prepare storage mounts and other protective housing, primarily for three-dimensional collection objects.
Maintain an adequate inventory of supplies for storing three-dimensional objects and prepare orders for supplies and materials as needed.