---
title: 'Collections Care Technician at Seattle Art Museum'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/collections-care-technician-seattle-art-museum-seattle-24a1rs5x039s'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-11-09'
---

# Collections Care Technician at Seattle Art Museum

- **Company:** Seattle Art Museum
- **Location:** Seattle, WA
- **Compensation:** $29–$36/hr
- **Employment:** full-time
- **Work type:** onsite
- **Posted:** 2026-11-04
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-11-09
- **Apply:** https://jobs.lever.co/seattleartmuseum/884786a3-0fca-46c4-863a-1c091066109e

## Job description

## 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

## About Seattle Art Museum

## Company Overview
- **One-liner**: The Seattle Art Museum (SAM) is a leading visual arts institution in the Pacific Northwest, connecting art to life across three distinct locations in Seattle.
- **Entity Type**: Nonprofit organization
- **Headquarters**: Seattle, Washington, United States
- **Founded**: 1933
- **Founders**: Not publicly available (founded as a civic institution)

## Core Business
- **Primary industry/industries**: Museums, Historical Sites, and Zoos; Visual Arts; Arts & Culture
- **Target customers**: B2C (general public, art enthusiasts, tourists, families, students, educators, local community members)
- **Mission or purpose statement**: "SAM connects art to life. Through the transformative power of art, SAM ignites creativity, builds connections, and strengthens community. Across three unique locations, we share global collections, groundbreaking exhibitions, and dynamic programs that engage, educate, and inspire people of all ages and backgrounds." [seattleartmuseum.org](https://www.seattleartmuseum.org/info/about-sam)

## Products & Services
- **Three Museum Locations**: The Seattle Art Museum (downtown), the Seattle Asian Art Museum (Volunteer Park), and the Olympic Sculpture Park (Seattle waterfront) — each offering permanent collections, rotating exhibitions, and educational programming.
- **Permanent Collection**: A collection of over 25,000 objects from more than 140 cultures, featuring art from around the world with a focus on building bridges between cultures and centuries.
- **Exhibitions & Programs**: Groundbreaking temporary exhibitions, gallery tours, public programs, and educational initiatives for all ages.
- **Educational Programs**: Internships, volunteer programs, docent training, teen and family programs, and community partnerships.
- **Retail & Visitor Services**: Museum store, dining, and event spaces available at various locations.

## Market Standing
- **Valuation/Market Cap**: Not applicable (nonprofit organization). Publicly available audited financial statements (Form 990, Form 990-T) are available upon request.
- **Key Metric**: Annual attendance figures are publicly reported in audited statements. The organization employs approximately 365 employees, 10 executive leaders, and over 200 volunteers. [seattleartmuseum.org](https://www.seattleartmuseum.org/get-involved/careers)
- **Notable Investors/Partners**: The museum is governed by a board of trustees. Key leadership includes Scott Stulen (Illsley Ball Nordstrom Director and CEO). [seattleartmuseum.org](https://www.seattleartmuseum.org/info/about-sam)
- **Growth Signals**: The museum has a dedicated Equity Team and has integrated racial equity into its strategic plan since 2017. It has a strong commitment to sustainability, including Salmon-Safe standards at the Olympic Sculpture Park. LinkedIn follower count is 27,291 with a yearly growth of +21.7%. [linkedin.com](https://linkedin.com/company/seattle-art-museum)

## Competitive Advantages
- **Unique Three-Location Model**: SAM operates three distinct venues (downtown, historic park, waterfront), offering diverse experiences within one institution — a rare model in the museum world.
- **Deep Community Roots**: Founded in 1933, SAM is the leading visual arts institution in the Pacific Northwest with a long history of cultural leadership.
- **Commitment to Equity & Inclusion**: A formal equity statement and dedicated Equity Team, with a strategic plan addressing social justice and structural change, sets it apart from many peer institutions.
- **Sustainability Leadership**: Operates the Olympic Sculpture Park to Salmon-Safe standards and integrates environmentally responsible practices across all operations.

## Strategic Focus
- **Racial Equity & Inclusion**: Continuing to embed equity into all operations, with a focus on reducing barriers and facilitating art experiences for all.
- **Community Engagement**: Deepening connections with local communities through educational programming, partnerships, and volunteer opportunities.
- **Sustainability**: Maintaining and expanding environmentally responsible practices across all three locations.
- **Financial Transparency**: Publicly sharing audited financial statements to maintain trust and accountability.

## Why Work Here
- **Mission-Driven Work**: Employees contribute directly to a mission that connects art to life and strengthens community through the transformative power of art.
- **Diverse Career Paths**: Opportunities span a wide range of professional fields including art handling, conservation, curatorial, education, event planning, development, finance, legal, marketing, operations, security, technology, and visitor experience. [seattleartmuseum.org](https://www.seattleartmuseum.org/get-involved/careers)
- **Commitment to Equity**: SAM is "dedicated to building a diverse workplace, and a sense of belonging for each and every employee" and actively seeks candidates from historically underrepresented backgrounds. [seattleartmuseum.org](https://www.seattleartmuseum.org/get-involved/careers)
- **Work Environment**: Hybrid and on-site roles available in Seattle, WA. The culture emphasizes collaboration, creativity, and respect for diversity.
- **Compensation**: Recent job postings show competitive nonprofit salaries (e.g., People & Culture Director: $128,000–$157,000/year; Assistant Conservator: $69,300–$84,700/year; Assistant Registrar: $63,500–$77,600/year). [indeed.com](https://www.indeed.com/cmp/Seattle-Art-Museum)
- **Employee Sentiment**: Indeed work wellbeing score is "Average" (70). Work & Life Balance rated 3.9/5; Compensation & Benefits rated 3.0/5; Job Security & Advancement rated 2.8/5. [indeed.com](https://www.indeed.com/cmp/Seattle-Art-Museum)
- **Internships & Volunteering**: Offers internships relevant to career goals and volunteer roles that support the museum's mission. [seattleartmuseum.org](https://www.seattleartmuseum.org/get-involved/careers)

## Sources
1. [seattleartmuseum.org](https://www.seattleartmuseum.org/get-involved/careers)
2. [jobs.lever.co](https://jobs.lever.co/seattleartmuseum)
3. [seattleartmuseum.org](https://www.seattleartmuseum.org/info/about-sam)
4. [linkedin.com](https://linkedin.com/company/seattle-art-museum)
5. [indeed.com](https://www.indeed.com/cmp/Seattle-Art-Museum)

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