Collections Technician: Art Handling & Framing

The Momentary; Bentonville (AR); On-site; USD 32,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

The Momentary in Bentonville is seeking a Collections Technician to support care, maintenance, and access to the museum’s permanent collection and loans. You will assist with photography, conservation, packing, framing, and transporting artwork for Crystal Bridges and The Momentary.

Role involves vault maintenance, inventory tasks, and participation in special installations and rotations. Valid driver’s license and ability to travel may be required; 2+ years museum experience preferred.

Qualifications

• BA in an art-related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum 2 years of museum or gallery experience.
• Knowledge of art-handling procedures for diverse materials, sizes, and weights.
• Strong technical skills in construction, fabrication, and installation; proper use of tools and equipment.
• Proficiency with standard office equipment and software.

Responsibilities

• Assist with collection-related projects: photography, conservation, cleaning, and vault maintenance.
• Collaborate on safe framing solutions for works and loans; matting and framing installations.
• Pack/unpack crates and design packing for outgoing loans and acquisitions.
• Implement storage solutions per conservator recommendations and support conservation priorities.
• Stage artwork for study and research; assist in vault tours.
• Perform routine frame dusting, artwork cleaning, and maintenance in galleries.
• Support Registration with gallery checks, collection audits, and condition reporting for all items.
• Create and fabricate safe housing for artwork and artifacts for storage and transport.
• Assist in maintaining inventory of tools, supplies, and materials.
• Maintain organized, clean spaces (Prep Studio, storage, loading dock, woodshop, pedestal/crate storage).
• Act as courier for exhibitions and loans; assist loading/unloading art trucks.
• Participate in special installations, rotations, outdoor sculpture maintenance, and other museum functions.

Skills

Art handling procedures

Framing & installation

Inventory management

Hand tools & safety

Organization & time management

Verbal & written communication

Confidentiality & ethics

Education

BA in art-related field

Tools

Power tools

Lifts & handling equipment

Office software

Basic math & measurement

Job description

The Momentary in Bentonville is seeking a Collections Technician to support care, maintenance, and access to the museum’s permanent collection and loans. You will assist with photography, conservation, packing, framing, and transporting artwork for Crystal Bridges and The Momentary.

Role involves vault maintenance, inventory tasks, and participation in special installations and rotations. Valid driver’s license and ability to travel may be required; 2+ years museum experience preferred.