Assistant Collections Manager

George Washington's Mount Vernon; Mount Vernon (VA); On-site; USD 22,730 - 32,373; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

403(b) Retirement plan with employer matching

Employee discounts at shops and events

Employee recognition at 5 years of service

Job summary

George Washington's Mount Vernon is seeking a part-time Assistant Collections Manager (ACM) to oversee cleaning and monitoring of George Washington’s Mansion and the Donald W. Reynolds Museum. Ideal candidates should have a Master’s degree in Museum Studies or a related field, along with prior museum experience. The ACM will handle delicate artifacts and assist in exhibition installations, while ensuring safety and care standards are met.

This role involves working 3 weekdays and 1 weekend day each week, focusing on detailed cleaning and documentation of collections. Benefits include a retirement plan, employee discounts, and recognition awards.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or equivalent experience is required.
• Prior museum experience is preferred, especially with fragile objects.
• Strong computer and records management skills.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for cleaning and monitoring of George Washington's Mansion.
• Assist with documentation and object inventory.
• Support exhibition installations and object rotations.

Skills

Museum Practices

Attention to Detail

Good Organizational Skills

Communication Skills

Computer Skills

Education

Master’s degree in Museum Studies or related field

Tools

Hand tools

Power tools

Job description

The Assistant Collections Manager (ACM) is a part-time, non-exempt position that shares with the other Assistant Collections Managers the responsibility for the cleaning and monitoring of George Washington’s Mansion and the Donald W. Reynolds Museum and Education Center outside of public hours. These responsibilities include the general cleaning of exhibition spaces and the specialized handling of collections objects, many of which belonged to George Washington and his family. The ACM also assists in maintaining collection documentation and assists members of the collections department with special projects, such as object inventories, exhibition installation, and movement of the collections. This position reports directly to the Collections Manager.

Compensation:

Starting compensation for this position is $20.00/hour.

Expected Hours:

This position is 3 weekdays and 1 weekend day/week, 8 hours/day.

• Responsible for the daily morning cleaning and monitoring of the Mansion and North and South Dependencies and the occasional cleaning of other outbuildings.
• General Cleaning
• Vacuums traffic areas; rotates shutters according to schedule.
• Dusts a variety of types of historically significant artifacts, including metals, ceramics, furniture, textiles, and other fragile object types, using methods approved by the conservation profession. Carefully handles and moves objects in the course of dusting.
• After a training period, assists with monitoring the environmental conditions in display and storage areas and records environmental readings through the use of hygrothermographs and HOBOs.
• Assists with ongoing maintenance of a pest management program in the exhibition areas. Monitors pest traps and reports potential problems.
• Assists collections staff with collections management activities such as maintenance of accession and loan files, the accession of artifacts, proper documentation of incoming and outgoing objects, inventories, object numbering, and object re-housing projects.
• Assists collections staff in the movement of objects, both on the estate and off-site. Serves as an approved object courier for incoming and outgoing loans of artifacts. Under the Collection Manager’s supervision and according to department procedures, carefully handles and packs artifacts for transit.
• Researches and enters collection object information into collections management database system.
• Supports collections staff during the installation and deinstallation of on-site and traveling exhibitions and object rotations in the Museum and Mansion.
• Works closely with interpretation and security staff to monitor the safety of objects displayed in the Mansion, Museum, and Outbuildings. Reports damage, according to departmental policies, to the Conservator and files report with Collections Manager. Serves as an active member of the collections department emergency response team.
• Serves as a liaison with the marketing department during film and photo shoots in the Mansion and other exhibition areas where objects are displayed. Ensures the safety of collections objects and structural components of the interior of the Mansion during filming and photography.
• Works with Operations and Maintenance staff and outside contractors when work needs to be performed in the vicinity of collections objects.
• Carries out additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Education Requirements:

• Master’s degree or equivalent experience in Museum Studies, Conservation or a related field.
• Prior museum experience highly preferred, especially in the dusting and handling of fragile, valuable objects. Must be able to successfully complete MVLA training on the care and handling of historic artifacts.
• Knowledge of methods of historical research, museum practices, and basic collections care.
• Strong computer and records management skills, including word processing and database management.
• Good organizational and communication skills and ability to work in coordination with a number of other departments.
• Excellent hand skills and attention to detail in order to perform precise and detailed duties, like sewing and labeling. Legible handwriting is required.
• Experience with hand tools, power tools, pallet jacks and various other equipment preferred.
• Ability to meet tight deadlines and to work weekends, holidays, and overtime as assigned.
• Willingness and ability to travel locally, nationally, and potentially internationally including possessing a current, valid driver’s license.
• Dependability, reliability, and punctuality are of the utmost importance.
• Ability to follow directions and complete assignments successfully.

This position is primarily based in a museum or collections environment, with occasional work in storage areas, conservation labs, or exhibit spaces. The environment is generally quiet, climate-controlled, and requires attention to detail and security. Occasional travel or off-site work may occur for exhibit installation, loans, or research.

Physical Requirements:

Must be able to handle delicate artifacts and artworks with care, often requiring fine motor skills and close visual focus. The role may require standing, walking, crawling, or bending for extended periods during exhibition preparation, as well as lifting and carrying objects up to 30 pounds. Occasional use of ladders or lifts for exhibit installation may be needed.

• 403(b) Retirement plan with employer matching
• Employee recognition at 5 years of service
• Monthly employee events
• Employee referral program
• On-site Library
• Discount on Public Event Tickets
• Discount in the Mount Vernon Shops
• Discount at the Mount Vernon Inn and Food Court Pavilion
• Free parking

Mount Vernon is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we are committed to building and retaining a team that represents a variety of skills, experiences and perspectives. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, performance, and qualifications without regard to race, religion or belief, national or ethnic origin, gender/sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital or domestic partnership status, veteran and military status, family or parental status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law. Mount Vernon will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.