Collections Associate, Paper

Princeton University•Princeton, NJ

5d•$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 Senior Collections Manager, the position supports object-based teaching, collection transfers between facilities, integration of works on paper into permanent collections storage, and updates to location records associated with gallery rotations and art shipments. The role focuses on the care, handling, housing, and movement of two-dimensional artworks, particularly works on paper and photographs, while also assisting with other collection materials. The Collections Associate collaborates with museum staff and contractors and is expected to work independently and collaboratively, apply sound judgment, and manage multiple priorities in a dynamic, team-oriented environment. This hourly position is scheduled during normal business hours, five days per week, with occasional schedule adjustments for evening activities, special projects, or operational needs during the academic calendar. The primary work location is the museum’s warehouse facility, with assignments at the main museum campus as needed. The position has 40 standard weekly hours and is eligible for overtime and benefits.

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 position demonstrating exceptional object-handling skills, particularly with works on paper.
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 works of art 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 with collections management databases, such as TMS, including maintaining object locations, inventory records, and collection information.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the 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 safely perform the physical tasks required for handling, moving, caring for, and storing works of art, including standing or walking for 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, 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, agility, and a full range of body motion.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Art History, Museum Studies, Art Conservation, Studio Art, or a related discipline; equivalent professional experience, specialized training, or education may be considered.
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 a paper-based collection.
Experience maintaining an organized works-on-paper collection.
Operational knowledge of cold storage for photographs.
Three or more years of experience using TMS collection management software.

Responsibilities

Support the Object-Based Teaching Program by safely handling, packing, transporting, storing, and documenting works of art according to museum policies and best practices.
Support collections operations related to storage, classroom instruction, research, and study room activities.
Prepare and break down study rooms and ensure the safe handling and security of artwork during teaching and research appointments.
Monitor classes and visitors occasionally as assigned.
Update object locations and other collection information in The Museum System (TMS).
Move artwork safely throughout museum facilities and maintain accurate movement records.
Return artwork to permanent storage after classes, gallery rotations, conservation, photography, study, transport, and other museum activities.
Assist with planning and organizing museum shuttle activities.
Oversee contractors packing, loading, unloading, and unpacking artwork for shuttles and other collections transfers.
Create shipping records for shuttle transfers and coordinate accurate release and receipt documentation with appropriate departments.
Organize incoming collection objects in designated staging areas and storage locations upon delivery.
Track packing containers and object accessories.
Prepare incoming artwork for storage by numbering, labeling, rehousing, and integrating objects into the collection according to museum procedures.
Create digital images and condition reports as needed.
Prepare archival boxes, folders, storage enclosures, and other protective housing, with a primary focus on works on paper and photographs.
Integrate photographs into and out of cold storage rooms.
Organize and maintain collections work and storage areas for clean, efficient, and secure use of space.
Maintain an adequate inventory of supplies for storing works on paper, including folders, archival boxes, packing materials, and standard shuttle supplies, and prepare orders as needed.