Collections Care Technician

Seattle Art Museum • Seattle, WA

2d • $29 - $36

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 of objects across all SAM sites, including the Olympic Sculpture Park and Seattle Art Museum Downtown.

The technician implements preventive conservation and integrated pest management practices; monitors environmental and light conditions; assists with art handling, movement, rehousing, and exhibition de-installations; and prepares protective enclosures for storage and transportation. The position also conducts object inspections, condition checks, condition reporting, photographic documentation, and collection inventories; facilitates collection access for conservators, curators, and exhibition projects; and assists with emergency preparedness and response.

The role maintains museum practice standards and contributes to welcoming, inclusive visitor experiences. Employees are also expected to participate in learning opportunities that support the integration of antiracism, cultural competency, and equity into SAM’s work. This is a full-time, non-exempt position reporting to the Director of Collections Care.

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 and 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 hygrothermographs, data loggers, temperature and relative humidity indicators, 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 for 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 and photographic records for objects going on display or into storage, and enter them in the museum’s collection database.
• Facilitate collection access for conservators, curators, and exhibition projects.
• Conduct inventories during 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 related to antiracism, cultural competency, and equity.

Benefits

• Employer-paid HMP medical plan or employee-contribution PPO plan
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Basic life insurance, LTD, and AD&D
• 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 and employer match program
• Paid vacation
• Paid sick and safe time (PSST)
• Bereavement leave
• Jury duty leave
• 14 scheduled holidays
• One paid floating holiday
• Subsidized unlimited Orca card
• Onsite fitness facility
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Patron-level membership to SAM for full-time staff
• Tier III membership to the American Alliance of Museums for full-time staff
• Discounts to the museum shop and programming

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level