Collections Care Technician

Seattle Art Museum•Seattle, WA

About The Position

The Collections Care Technician carries out technical duties related to the care of the Seattle Art Museum’s art collection, both in permanent storage and on display. The role supports safe handling and environmental protection for objects across all SAM sites, and implements preventive conservation practices, including monitoring environmental conditions, managing pests, inspecting and documenting objects, and assisting with art handling, movement, rehousing, and emergency response. The position is based at Olympic Sculpture Park and the Seattle Art Museum Downtown.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in liberal arts, Art History, Scientific Studies, or Museum Studies, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Three years of experience in art handling.
Knowledge of museum standards and principles, especially preventive conservation practices, art handling procedures, and collections storage needs.
Knowledge of environmental requirements and controls for handling, housing, exhibiting, and transporting artwork.
Ability to use hand tools, power tools, and other equipment.
Willingness to train to safely use lifts and other equipment.
Knowledge of materials used to make works of art and the chemical and physical processes of their deterioration.
Ability to work independently or as part of a team.
Professional verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to assess priorities and work well with deadlines.
Strong time management, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
Ability to exercise discretion when maintaining confidentiality of sensitive information.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Gallery Systems, Zoom, Asana, Slack, and internet-based research.
Ability to pass and maintain security background check clearance.

Responsibilities

Implement preventive conservation protocols in galleries and storage areas, including environmental monitoring, pest control management, and housekeeping maintenance.
Maintain and execute integrated pest management practices, including trapping, non-chemical and targeted methods, quarantine and freezing procedures, and assistance with environmental monitoring equipment and passive silica gel-based systems.
Monitor and record light levels in galleries and storage areas to ensure compliance with established standards.
Assist with art handling, art movement, and art rehousing projects.
Fabricate custom boxes and enclosures to protect and stabilize art in storage and during transportation.
Apply seismic mitigation methods to permanent storage units.
Conduct regular inspections and condition checks of objects on display and in permanent storage.
Support exhibition de-installations and the safe return of art to permanent storage.
Prepare condition reports, including photographic records, for objects going on display or into storage, and enter them in the museum’s collection database.
Facilitate collections access for conservators, curators, and exhibition projects.
Conduct inventories as part of rehousing projects.
Assist with emergency preparedness and response as needed.
Maintain the highest standards of museum practice.
Contribute to exceptional, welcoming, and inclusive customer service and positive visitor experiences.
Participate in institutional learning opportunities to develop and integrate antiracism, cultural competency, and equity values into SAM’s work.

Benefits

Fully employer-paid HMP medical plan or employee-contribution PPO medical plan.
Dental and vision insurance.
Basic life insurance, LTD, and AD&D coverage.
Flexible Spending Account.
Short Term Disability.
Supplemental Dental Insurance.
Participation in SAM’s 403b retirement plan.
After one year of service and 1,000 hours worked, a discretionary 3% employer contribution to the retirement plan, regardless of participation, and an employer match program.
Paid time off for vacation, PSST, bereavement leave, and jury duty.
14 scheduled holidays and one paid floating holiday.
Subsidized unlimited Orca card.
Onsite fitness facility.
Employee Assistance Program.
Patron-level SAM membership for full-time staff.
Tier III membership to the American Alliance of Museums for full-time staff.
Discounts on museum shop and programming.