Collections Associate, Objects

The Princeton University Art Museum welcomes applications for the role of Collection Associate.

The Collections Associate is responsible for the safe handling, movement, storage, and documentation of works of art while supporting the museum’s teaching program and collections management operations. Reporting to the Associate Registrar, this position performs a broad range of collections management duties.  Primary responsibilities include enabling object-based teaching, fulfilling collection transfers between facilities, integrating objects into the museum's permanent collections storage, and updating location changes associated with new acquisitions and art shipments. This position 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. This position requires excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills, as well as the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic, team-oriented environment. The successful candidate will be self-motivated, exercise sound professional judgment, and work both independently and collaboratively to ensure the highest standards of collections care.

This hourly position is scheduled to work during normal business hours, five days per week.  Intermittent schedule adjustments may be required during the academic calendar to accommodate evening activities, special projects, or operational needs. The primary work location is the museum’s warehouse facility, with assignments at the main museum campus as needed.

About the Museum

With a collecting history that dates back to 1755, the Princeton University Art Museum is one of the leading university art museums in the country, featuring collections that have grown to include over 117,000 works of art, ranging from ancient to contemporary pieces and spanning the globe. Committed to advancing Princeton’s teaching and research missions, the Art Museum also serves as a gateway to the University for visitors from around the world. 

The bold and welcoming new Princeton University Art Museum is open daily at the heart of Princeton’s campus. Admission is free to all.  The Museum also operates Art@Bainbridge, a gallery project at 158 Nassau Street; two Museum Stores; and Mosaic restaurant. 

To learn more about the Princeton University Art Museum, visit artmuseum.princeton.edu.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Supports the Object-Based Teaching Program by following museum policies and best practices for the safe handling, packing, transportation, storage, and documentation of works of art.
• Supports all collections operations related to storage, classroom instruction, research, and study room activities.
• Prepares and breaks down study rooms as assigned, ensuring the safe handling and security of artwork during teaching and research appointments.
• Occasionally monitors classes and visitors as assigned.
• Updates object locations and other collections information in The Museum System™ (TMS) to maintain accurate collection records.
• Moves artwork safely throughout museum facilities while maintaining accurate movement records.
• Returns artwork to permanent storage following classes, conservation, photography, study, transport, or other museum activities.
• Assists with the planning and organization of museum shuttle activities.
• Oversees contractors during packing, loading, unloading, and unpacking of artwork for museum shuttles and other collections transfers
• Creates shipping records associated with the release and receipt of shuttle transfers, ensuring accurate documentation and coordination with appropriate departments.
• Organizes incoming collection objects in designated staging areas and storage locations upon delivery.
• Tracks packing containers and object accessories.
• Prepares incoming artwork for storage by numbering, labeling, rehousing, and integrating objects into the collection under established museum procedures.
• Creates digital images and condition reports as needed.
• Provides basic collections care by preparing archival boxes, and other protective enclosures for collection objects.
• Organizes and maintains collections work and storage areas to ensure clean, efficient, and secure use of space.
• Provides basic collections care by preparing storage mounts, and other protective housing, with a primary focus on three-dimensional collection objects.
• Maintains an adequate inventory of collections supplies for storing three-dimensional objects, including materials for fabricating simple storage mounts, packing materials, and standard rehousing supplies. Prepares orders of supplies and materials as needed.

Essential Knowledge, Skills, Competencies and Abilities

The position specializes in the care, handling, housing, and movement of paintings, large textiles, and an array of three-dimensional artworks, while also assisting with the care and management of other collection accessories as needed. The successful candidate will have a minimum of three years of experience working in a museum, gallery, cultural institution, or related environment in a role such as Registrar, Preparator, Conservation Assistant, Collections Technician, or comparable position that demonstrates exceptional object-handling skills. They will possess strong attention to detail, the ability to assess and mitigate risks, and a thorough understanding of museum best practices for the preservation, storage, and stewardship of collections.

Candidates should demonstrate:

• Knowledge of visual arts, art history, museum practices, or a related field. A 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.
• Familiarity with a broad range of fine art materials, media, and related terminology.
• Experience handling art objects using 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 The Museum System™ (TMS), including maintaining object locations, inventory records, and collections information.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Understanding of the importance of confidentiality, discretion, and professionalism when handling sensitive collections information.
• Ability to collaborate effectively while exercising initiative, sound judgment, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Experience, Education:

• Three or more years of professional experience as a Museum Collections Associate, Registrar, or Preparator.
• Education: Master’s degree in Museum Studies, Art History, Studio Art, or a related field.
• Art Handling Skills: Three or more years of hands-on experience working with an art collection. Experience packing or uncrating artwork.
• Organizational Skills: Experience maintaining a tidy and organized workspace.
• Technical Skills: Three or more years of experience utilizing TMS (The Museum System) collection management software.

Physical Requirements

The Collection Associate position requires the ability to safely perform the physical tasks necessary for the handling, movement, care, and storage of works of art. Essential physical functions include:

• • stand or walk up to 2 hours at one time for 8 hours per day;
  • sit for less than 2 hours at one time;
  • lift or carry up to 75 pounds occasionally (less than 33% of the workday);
  • lift up to 75 pounds to waist height and up to 30 pounds in a range of motions from floor to
  overhead:
  • frequently use hands for simple grasping or pushing or pulling (34 – 66% of the workday);
  • occasionally squat, kneel, climb, reach overhead, lift overhead, knee stand, push or pull with
  forces up to 100 pounds (less than 33% of the work day);
  • frequently bend (34 – 66% of the work day);
  • possess ability to work at heights, full range of body motions and physical agility, and ability to
  maintain balance.

Standard Weekly Hours

40

Eligible for Overtime

Yes

Benefits Eligible

Yes

Probationary Period

90 days

Essential Services Personnel (see policy for details)

Yes

Physical Capacity Exam Required

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

The University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's qualifications, work experience, education/training, key skills, market, collective bargaining agreements as applicable, and organizational considerations when extending an offer. The posted salary range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate for a full-time position; salaries for part-time positions are pro-rated accordingly.

If the salary range on the posted position shows an hourly rate, this is the baseline; the actual hourly rate may be higher, depending on the position and factors listed above.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees. Please see this link for more information.