About the role
ABOUT THE ROLE
The Collections Care Technician will carry out technical duties related to the care of the art collection, in permanent storage and on display, including the provision of safe handling, and environmental protection for objects across all sites of the Seattle Art Museum (SAM).
ABOUT SAM
As SAM heads into its second century, we are boldly reimagining what we can and should be. Our goal is to be a model for the future of museums - a bold, dynamic hub of creativity, belonging, and cultural leadership, shaping the future of art and community. Embracing new ways of engaging communities and seeking innovative partnerships - all while keeping art and community at the center of what we do. This ambitious effort represents a transformative shift and radically redefining how art museums operate. This is a pivotal moment for SAM, and we are seeking great talent to join us on our journey. Working at SAM is not just a job—it's a chance to be part of a vibrant, creative community.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Implement preventive conservation protocols, in galleries and storage areas, including environmental monitoring, pest control management, and housekeeping maintenance
- Maintain and execute integrated pest management (IPM) practices, in galleries and storage areas, including trapping regimen, using non-chemical and targeted methods, quarantine and freezing procedures; assisting with hygrothermographs, data loggers, temperature and relative humidity indicators, and passive silica gel-based system
- Monitor and recording light levels in galleries and storage areas, ensuring compliance with established standards
- Assist with art handling, art movement, and art rehousing projects
- Fabricate custom boxes and enclosures to protect and stabilize art in storage and for transportation
- Apply seismic mitigation methods for safety in permanent storage units
- Conduct regular inspections and condition checks of objects on display and in permanent storage
- Provide support during exhibition de-installations for the safe return of art to permanent storage
- Undertake condition reports for objects going on display or into storage, including photographic records, to be entered in the museum’s collection database
- Facilitate access to collections for conservators, curators, and for exhibition projects
- Conduct inventories in rehousing projects
- Assist in emergency preparedness and response as needed
- Maintain the highest standards of museum practice
- Contribute to an institutional focus of delivering exceptional, welcoming, and inclusive customer service—creating positive, meaningful experiences for all visitors, every time
- Participate in institutional learning opportunities to grow our collective understanding and integration of antiracism, cultural competency, and equity values into SAM’s work
WE ARE LOOKING FOR
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in liberal arts, Art History, Scientific Studies, Museum Studies, or equivalent combination of education and experience
- Three years’ experience in art handling
- Knowledge of Museum standards and principles, with emphasis on preventive conservation practices, art handling procedures, and collections storage needs
- Knowledge of environmental requirements and controls for handling, housing, exhibiting and transporting artwork
- Ability to use hand and power tools and other equipment
- Willingness to train to safely use lifts and other equipment
- Knowledge of materials used to make works of art and the chemical and physical processes of their deterioration
- Highly motivated and able to work independently or as part of a team
- Professional verbal and written communication
- Successfully assess priorities and work well with deadlines
- Strong time management, problem solving, and analytical skills
- Exercise discretion in maintaining confidentiality of sensitive information
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Gallery Systems, Zoom, Asana, Slack and internet-based research
- Ability to pass and maintain security background check clearance
FLSA Status: Full Time, Non-Exempt
Reports To: Director of Collections Care
Work Location: Olympic Sculpture Park, Seattle Art Museum Downtown
BENEFITS
Benefits include a fully employer paid HMP medical plan or an employee contribution PPO plan, dental, vision, and basic life insurance/LTD/AD&D, Flexible Spending Account, Short Term Disability, Supplemental Dental Insurance and participation in SAM’s 403b retirement plan.
Following 1 year of service and 1,000 hours worked, SAM makes a discretionary 3% employer contribution regardless of participation and provides an employer match program. Historically, this contribution has been made annually.
Additional benefits include paid time off for vacation, PSST, bereavement leave, and jury duty, 14 scheduled holidays, 1 paid floating holiday, a subsidized unlimited Orca card, onsite fitness facility, and an EAP. FT Staff also receive a Patron level membership to SAM, a Tier III membership to the American Alliance of Museums and discounts to museum shop and programming.
ACCOMODATION
The Seattle Art Museum will consider reasonable accommodations for all employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions/duties of this position. If you need an accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact hr@seattleartmuseum.org. For candidates, we ask that, if possible, you wait until you're invited to a screen, online technical assessment or interview before requesting an accommodation.
SAM is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and we are committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming workplace for all employees and volunteers. Guided by our mission to connect art to life and engage diverse communities, we strive to create a sense of belonging for all of the communities we serve. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, military status, or any other protected characteristic
Not sure you check every box? Research shows that candidates from underrepresented backgrounds often only apply if they meet 100% of the criteria. If you believe you could excel in this role, we encourage you to apply!