COLLECTIONS PHOTOGRAPHER - 05122026-77326

State of Tennessee; Tennessee; On-site; USD 54,744 - 81,900; Full time

Job summary

The State of Tennessee is looking for a skilled Collections Photographer at the Tennessee State Museum. This position involves producing high-quality images for the museum's collections and exhibitions. Responsibilities include capturing and archiving images, collaborating across departments, and adhering to standards for collections care. Applicants should have a bachelor's degree, with practical experience in photography and technical skills being crucial. The role is full-time with a salary range of $54,744 - $81,900 annually. Criminal background checks are required.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree.
• Substitution of experience for education may be allowed.
• Proficiency in photographic principles and handling of equipment.

Responsibilities

• Capture accurate images of museum collections and events.
• Process and archive digital image assets per standards.
• Collaborate with team members for project needs.

Skills

Photographic principles

Communication

Time Management

Critical Thinking

Service Orientation

Education

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university

Tools

Professional photographic equipment

Computers

Copier/Scanner/Printer/Fax Machine

Job description

Opening Date/Time: 05/12/2026 12:00AM Central Time

Closing Date/Time: 06/01/2026 11:59PM Central Time

Salary (Monthly): $4,562.00 - $6,825.00

Salary (Annually): $54,744.00 - $81,900.00

Job Type: Full-Time

City, State Location: Nashville, TN

Department: State Museum

Location of Position: Tennessee State Museum, Davidson County

This position requires a criminal background check. Therefore, you may be required to provide information about your criminal history in order to be considered for this position.

Qualifications

Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree.

Substitution of Experience for Education: Qualifying full-time professional or paraprofessional human resources experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis to a maximum of four years.

Overview

The Tennessee State Museum is seeking a skilled and detail-oriented Collections Photographer to help shape the museum's visual identity by producing accurate, high-quality images that support collections care, exhibitions, publications, and digital initiatives. Reporting to the Chief Registrar, this position plays a vital role in creating and maintaining the museum's public-facing collections database, ensuring broad digital access to Tennessee's cultural heritage. The Collections Photographer will work collaboratively across departments, contributing expertise wherever visual documentation or storytelling is needed.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate proficiency in photographic principles such as composition, lighting, focus, exposure, and balance.
• Operate professional photographic and video equipment to capture images of subjects, objects, collections, locations, and/or events.
• Identify images and video content suitable for use in exhibitions, publications, digital platforms, educational initiatives, and internal projects.
• Process, edit, organize, archive, and retrieve digital image assets in accordance with established standards and best practices.
• Ensure proper handling and positioning of museum objects to support safe, ethical photography aligned with collections-care standards.
• Maintain accurate records of equipment usage, project hours, and imaging workflows as instructed.
• Collaborate with curatorial, registration, exhibitions, and communications staff to meet project imaging needs and deadlines.
• Demonstrate strong communication and collaboration skills, including the ability to work effectively with multidisciplinary teams.
• Manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines with strong attention to detail.

Competencies

• Customer Focus
• Communicates Effectively
• Instills Trust
• Organizational Savvy
• Decision Quality

Knowledge

• Personnel and Human Resources
• Customer and Personal Service
• Law and Government
• Administration and Management
• Clerical

Skills

• Critical Thinking
• Active Learning and Listening
• Time Management
• Service Orientation
• Coordination

Abilities

• Inductive and Deductive Reasoning
• Problem Sensitivity
• Information Ordering
• Oral Comprehension and Expression
• Written Comprehension and Expression

Tools & Equipment

• Computers
• Phones
• Copier/Scanner/Printer/Fax Machine
• Calculator
• Other Office Equipment as Required

TN Driver Standards

State positions that may involve driving responsibilities require candidates to meet the following minimum driver qualifications:

• A valid driver's license.
• For the past five years, the candidate's driver record must not contain a record of driving under the influence (DUI), reckless driving, license suspension for moving violations, or more than four moving violations.

Please include your Driver's License Information under the Licenses and Certifications section of your application.