Job Details

Collections Assistant

Position Number: 9728803
Location: Salt Lake City, United States
Position Type: Museum & Arts Administration

Collections Assistant

Job Summary

The UMFA is the state and the University fine arts museum, serving as a vital cultural resource for Utah and the broader region. Established in 1914, the Museum stewards an encyclopedic collection of more than 22,000 objects representing 5,000 years of human creativity across the globe. Through its exhibitions, programs, and collections, the UMFA advances understanding of the visual arts and their role in shaping and reflecting the human experience.

The Utah Museum of Fine Arts (UMFA) is looking for a motivated and detail-oriented individual to support the Collections department. This is a 30 hour per week, benefited position reporting to the Director of Collections and working closely with colleagues across the Museum.

The Collections Assistant's primary responsibility is to facilitate access to the Museum's permanent collection and associated records for staff, faculty, researchers, and other patrons. In addition, the Collections Assistant supports both Conservation and Registration functions, and assists with general collections management tasks, including documentation, storage, and care of objects.

As part of University of Utah, we offer an excellent comprehensive benefits package including: tuition reduction, health care, retirement (14.2% employer paid), paid holidays, vacation and sick leave.

Responsibilities
Collections Access

The Collections Assistant manages and facilitates access to the collection. Responsibilities include coordinating appointments, working with Museum staff and external patrons, preparing object lists from the database, retrieving and assessing objects for suitability, preparing and overseeing appointments, safely moving artwork, and maintaining associated records and data.

Conservation Support

Under the guidance of the Conservator, the Collections Assistant:

Assists with conservation examinations
Prepares conservation-grade adhesives and materials
Executes Integrated Pest Management (IPM) functions under the guidance of the Conservator
Supports preventive care measures and storage improvements

Registration Support

In collaboration with the Registration team, the Collections Assistant:

Participates in regular inventory of the permanent collection
Assists with managing physical space in collections storage
Creates safe and appropriate housing for objects
Supports reorganization projects in the collection storage areas

Supports recordkeeping through filing, data entry, document preparation, internal research, scanning, and digital file organization.

Object Handling

Handles and transports objects safely within the Museum; assists with installation, deinstallation, packing, and unpacking of artworks.

Procedures

Contributes to and helps revise collections-related internal procedures, including emergency response plans and collections protocols.

Other Tasks

Participates in department meetings and contributes to additional projects and tasks related to collections care, documentation, and access as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications
EQUIVALENCY STATEMENT: 1 year of higher education can be substituted for 1 year of directly related work experience (Example: bachelor's degree = 4 years of directly related work experience).
Department may hire employee at one of the following job levels: Program Assistant,, I: Requires little to no related experience.

Preferences
The ideal candidate will possess:

Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail
The ability to follow instructions, plan ahead, and manage multiple tasks
A self-motivated and reliable work ethic, with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively
Familiarity with collections databases (e.g., Argus, TMS) or information management systems
Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook, with a willingness to learn new software as needed (e.g., Microsoft Teams)
Good manual dexterity and spatial awareness
The ability to bend, kneel, push, pull, walk, stand for extended periods, frequent ladder use, and lift up to 50 lbs.
Good eyesight or eyesight that can be corrected with glasses or contacts
An interest in the arts and museums, with experience in registration, collections care, or conservation considered a plus
A bachelor's degree in a related field
Previous experience as a volunteer, intern, or employee in a museum setting
Associate degree in Art History, Museum Studies, or a related field; or two years of experience in a museum or clerical position
Other areas of study or professional experience will be considered-please describe relevant qualifications in your cover letter
Ability to perform the essential functions and responsibilities of the position as outlined above.

Special Instructions

Requisition Number: PRN45764B
Full Time or Part Time? Full Time
Work Schedule Summary: Flexible within: M-F 8-5
Department: 00073 - Utah Museum of Fine Arts
Location: Campus
Pay Rate Range: 19.00
Close Date: 10/30/2026
Open Until Filled:

To apply, visit <a href=""https://apptrkr.com/9728803"">https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/206179