Description:
The Collection Assistant serves in the Curatorial Department of the Fitchburg Art Museum under the supervision of the Collections Manager and Curator. They will aid in caring for FAM’s Collection of over 8,000 works of art including sculptures, paintings, prints, drawings, photographs, and decorative arts. The Collection Assistant will also provide additional support to the Collection Manager with larger projects, including a major collection move, updating the museum’s CMS, and future collections based exhibitions. This is a full-time two year position.

Duties and Responsibilities:
• Provides support to the Curatorial Team, under the direction of the Collections Manager in caring for the Collection using accepted museum standards.
• Assists with inventorying and photographing the collection as needed.
• Helps with maintaining and updating FAM’s Collection Management System – EmbArk
• Performs light cleaning of the objects in the Collection with guidance of Collection Manager.
• Assists with the re-housing, packing, boxing, crating and unpacking objects using approved methods and materials.
• Performs object handling for collection based exhibitions and research under the supervision of the Curator.
• Safely transports objects and other collections materials to and from storage, workstations, galleries, and off site storage.
• Produces condition reports for the Collection and loaned objects as needed.
• Monitors storage and gallery climate conditions and works with the Collection Manager and Facilities staff to maintain appropriate temperature and humidity levels.
• Works with Collection Manager and Facilities Team to monitor and maintain Integrated Pest Management.
• Assists in maintaining and cleaning work rooms and storage areas
• Helps supervise contract vendors and assists with training of staff/interns/volunteers as needed.
• Performs miscellaneous Collections and Curatorial duties as assigned

Skills:
• Strong written and interpersonal communication skills.
• Knowledge and experience of museum standards and best practices in the care, safe handling, packing, and crating of 2D and 3D objects.
• Basic computer skills and experience using museum and/or collection databases.
• Familiarity with cameras, photography, and image editing software such as Photoshop and Lightroom
• Experience matting and framing of works on paper.
• Knowledge of archival materials and fine art packing techniques including some proficiency in custom box-making, soft-packing and cavity packs.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and be comfortable driving a van or small moving truck.
• Positive attitude, willingness to learn new skills, and a passion for working with museum collections.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and collaboratively within the Curatorial/Collections Team and across museum departments.
• Strong organizational skills and be able to work on multiple projects concurrently.
• Must be able to climb ladders (of at least 10 ft or more) with the ability to lift, push, pull, and support heavy objects, oversize works, crates and other items up to 50 lbs.
• Must be able to be on site at the Museum Monday-Friday, 9AM – 5PM.

Qualifications:
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience working in a museum, gallery, historical society or similar institution.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Museum Studies, Art, Art History, Library Science or a related field required.

Compensation:
• This is a 2 year contract position.
• Salary: 35,000 – 45,000 depending on experience.
• 10 Paid Vacation Days, 3 Sick Days, and 2 Personal Days as well as additional generous time off including holidays.

How to apply:
Interested candidates should send a Letter of Interest, CV/Resume, and three reference contacts via email to Collection Manager Aminadab “Charlie” Cruz Jr., acruz@fitchburgartmuseum.org. Subject heading: FAM Collection Assistant.
 
Apply by: August 18th, 2025