Museum Specialist, Collections Processing Unit

Job overview

The Museum Specialist, Collections Processing Unit role is an onsite, full-time position based in Suitland, MD, with work across National Air and Space Museum sites in Washington, DC, and Chantilly, VA, as needed. Compensation is $85,447–$96,843 per year. The Collections Processing Unit protects and maintains the National Collections of Aeronautics and Space Artifacts. The specialist provides technical expertise and project leadership for the safe handling, movement, storage, preservation, and exhibition of artifacts. The role coordinates work with museum technicians and specialists and supports collection records and exhibit installations, helping preserve the collection and maintain its physical and intellectual control.

What you'll do

• Lead and perform artifact packing, handling, movement, transportation, storage, monitoring, and preservation
• create and update artifact records in The Museum System
• disassemble, assemble, load, unload, secure, crate, and cradle artifacts
• operate trucks, hoists, forklifts, and similar equipment
• communicate project assignments, milestones, and deadlines
• maintain and install exhibit lighting
• assist with artifact removal and gallery display setup and breakdown.

What we're looking for

Skills & competencies

museum specialist

collections processing unit

full-time

suitland md

smithsonian institution

museum collections

artifact preservation

aerospace artifacts

exhibit installation

project team lead

$85,447–$96,843/year

multi-site travel

Work arrangement

• Weekend coverage required

Benefits & perks

• Potential benefits include health, dental and vision insurance
• life insurance
• transit/commuter benefits
• accidental death and dismemberment insurance
• annual and sick leave
• family-friendly leave
• 403(b)
• Smithsonian discounts
• child care
• and flexible spending accounts.

Why this role

Trust Fund appointment is indefinite. Requires one year of specialized experience comparable to IS/GS-09, including handling large aerospace artifacts and experience with artifact transportation regulations and packing/crating. Travel between NASM sites is required as needed.

About the employer

Smithsonian Institution is hiring for this role. Industry: Museums. Sector: 71.