Museum Specialist (Collections Management)

DMS International • Forestville, MD

137d

About The Position

DMS International is seeking a Museum Specialist (Collections Management) to support curatorial operations at a federal collections facility in Forestville, MD. The Museum Specialist will assist with collections management, accession documentation, research, object care, and inventory processes. This role requires a detail-oriented museum professional who is comfortable working with collection databases, performing object assessments, and fabricating basic mounts and storage containers for heritage assets.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Museum Studies, History, or a related field
• Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in museum collections management or as a registrar, or 5 years of relevant experience with a Master’s degree or higher in Museum Studies, History, Maritime History, or related social sciences
• Proficiency in collections management systems (e.g., PastPerfect, Proficio)
• Strong understanding of museum collections handling, preservation, and documentation standards
• Experience in environmental monitoring and collection assessment
• Ability to fabricate basic mounts and storage solutions for a variety of object types
• Strong research and writing skills; attention to detail
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
• Experience operating equipment used in storage environments
• Ability to lift at least 40 lbs
• Must report onsite to the Curatorial Services Resource Center in Forestville, MD

Responsibilities

• Apply museum industry standards in handling, storing, and documenting Heritage Asset Collection (HAC) objects and artifacts
• Use museum collections management software (e.g., PastPerfect, Proficio) to manage object records and updates
• Support physical inventory, routine object assessments, and environmental control monitoring
• Draft interpretive labels and basic exhibit text for both internal and external audiences
• Fabricate basic object mounts and storage containers for new accessions or re-housing needs
• Conduct and document provenance research for current and prospective collection objects
• Assist in identifying objects for deaccessioning and completing all related documentation and disposal processes
• Support accession record updates, including hardcopy file maintenance and data entry into museum databases
• Monitor, document, and assist with correcting environmental controls across multiple storage areas
• Operate common storage facility equipment such as pallet jacks, Work Assist Vehicles, and sculpture lifts
• Keep current with developments in museum technology, software, and collections care techniques
• Manage deadlines and deliverables for assigned curatorial tasks
• Collaborate with institutional partners and museum staff to support special projects and exhibition development
• Use Microsoft Office tools (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) to produce reports, labels, and documentation
• Lift and move artifacts weighing up to 40 lbs

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees