Collections Intern

Uhalumni; Honolulu (HI); On-site; USD 22,730 - 32,373; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Museum Café discounts

Onsite parking

Job summary

A local museum in Honolulu is seeking a Collections Intern for its Spring 2026 cohort. The role focuses on assisting the Collections Department with daily tasks and long-term projects, such as inventorying objects and reorganizing files. This internship offers hands-on experience in a vibrant environment while honing administrative skills and attention to detail. The selected candidate will work part-time and receive guidance from museum staff, with compensation of $20.00 per hour, alongside additional benefits.

Qualifications

• Graduated with a relevant degree or enrolled in a related program.
• Willingness and desire to learn.
• Possess integrity to handle sensitive data.

Responsibilities

• Assist with reproduction and digitization of object files.
• Perform data entry and update the database.
• Assist in installing an exhibition show.

Skills

Advanced knowledge of filing systems

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Tech savvy

Education

Degree in Art History, Museum Studies, or Library/Information Science

Job description

Job Summary:
The Collections Intern is one of three intern positions of the Spring 2026 cohort for the Ipu Kāʻeo Internship Program. The goal for this program is to offer opportunities for local talent to obtain valuable work experience within Hawai’i.
Under the general direction of the Assistant Registrar, the Collections Intern will assist HoMA's Collections Department in its routine daily tasks as well as with long-term projects such as inventorying objects in storage and reorganizing object files. Training in the fundamentals of object handling and museum record keeping will be the priority of this internship, with opportunities for interns to also assist with exhibitions and collection rotations. This internship will provide hands‑on experience and exposure to the broad variety of tasks a museum Collections Department is responsible for, and provides the opportunity to hone administrative skills, manual dexterity, and attention to close visual detail.
This is a 9-week position from March 16, 2026 to May 15, 2026

The Honolulu Museum of Art:
Opened in 1927, the Honolulu Museum of Art is a home for art and education created for the benefit of the entire community. Founder Anna Rice Cooke envisioned a museum that would bring people together through the power of art and “the deep intuitions that are common to all.” The museum was conceived of as a place of meaningful exchange and dialogue, celebrating the diverse artistic and cultural traditions of Hawai‘i’s multi‑ethnic population. From this founding intention grew the museum of today, with a world‑class encyclopedic collection of more than 55,000 works of art, representing a stunning breadth of places and eras, from all corners of the globe and from the ancient past to the present day.
To learn more about HoMA, please visitour website.

Desired Qualifications:

• Graduated with a degree in Art History, Museum Studies, Library/Information Science, or enrolled in a similar undergraduate or graduate program.
• Willingness and desire to learn, analytical and tech savvy.
• Must demonstrate advanced knowledge of filing systems.
• Excellent organizational skills and flexibility.
• Possess the integrity to handle sensitive data with confidentiality.
• Must have the ability to communicate effectively and participate with a diverse team.
• The traits of honesty, integrity, enthusiasm, and perspective; a very strong work ethic, supported by commitment and follow-through.

Key Tasks:

• Assists with the reproduction and digitization of object files.
• Performs data entry and updates the database as necessary.
• Intern will work with and assist the installation department in installing an exhibition show. This take 2-3 days away from main project.
• Interns will spend 1 day with the Collections Tech to understand IPM and climate control.
• The intern will work and assist the collection manger housing objects and prepping objects for exhibition and learn art handling. This will take 2-3 days of time away from main project.
• Intern will speak with the Collections Exhibitions Manager about their work and will speak with the Head of Collections about their work as time allows.
• Other internship‑relevant duties as requested.

Collections Intern – Project Summary

• Assists with collections projects by assessing object files and object storage.
• Intern’s main project will be assisting with a large‑scale inventory project with no timeline as this is an extensive project. The goal is to complete as much as possible during the internship.
• Intern will also be involved in others task and projects as advised.
• Under the supervision of Collections staff, handles objects in the permanent collection.
• Spring Internship will be focused on Ceramics.

Interns must be available for the following days in participation for the Spring 2026 cohort:

• HoMA Orientation Week - March 16th to March 20th
• Celebration Lunch & Exit Interview – Friday, May 15th

Compensation:
The Honolulu Museum of Art is committed to practicing salary transparency. The salary for this position is$20.00 per hourwith a minimum of 10 hours per week and a maximum of 19 hours per week.
This opportunity includes a benefits package, including but not limited to:

• Shop, Museum Café, and Art School discounts.
• Onsite parking provided.

Working Conditions and Atmosphere:
Works in an office, gallery, and museum vault storage environment. Variable working hours up to 19 hours per week. Ability to operate general office equipment including computer, copier, printers, fax machine, etc. Ability to lift, carry, push, pull, up to 40 lbs. Must be able to look at and focus on a single object for an extended period of time.
The employee must be able to fulfill all Essential Duties with or without a reasonable accommodation. This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of all activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

EEOC Statement:
HoMA is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal opportunity for all employees and applicants. HoMA recruits, hires, trains, promotes, compensates, and administers all personnel actions and benefit programs without regard to race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, including pregnancy and gender identity and expression, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, reproductive health decisions, marital status, arrest and court record (except as legally applicable), citizenship, credit history, military and veteran service, victim of domestic violence or sexual abuse victim status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

The statements contained herein describe the scope of the responsibilities and essential functions of this position but should not be considered an all‑inclusive listing of work duties and requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other areas to cover absences or relief to equalize peak work periods or otherwise balance the workload.

HoMA maintains a policy of nondiscrimination in all employment practices and decisions, ensuring equal employment opportunities for all qualified individuals. This applies to both HoMA employees and applicants for employment with the Museum. Any form of harassment of any employee because of any protected status is prohibited.

HoMA welcomes people from all backgrounds and walks of life, and this is reflected in our diverse community of employees. We encourage applications from candidates across a wide variety of backgrounds, including, but not limited to, people of all races and ethnicities, people with disabilities, women, veterans, and all members of the LGBTQ+ community.

Contact Information

Contact: Sharon Stillman, Honolulu Museum of Art

Email: [e-mail]

Phone: [phone]