Assistant Collections Manager

Assistant Collections Manager

Position Type: Part-Time

Compensation: $23.00/hour

Schedule: Wednesday- Saturday

About Mount Vernon

Mount Vernon, the former home of George and Martha Washington, is owned and maintained by the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association of the Union, the oldest national historic preservation organization in the United States.

Founded in 1853 by Ann Pamela Cunningham, the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association pioneered the preservation of a historic American site for future generations. Today, the Association works to preserve, restore, and manage the Mount Vernon estate to the highest standards while educating visitors and people around the world about the life and legacies of George Washington.

Position Summary

The Assistant Collections Manager (ACM) is a part-time or full-time, non-exempt position that shares with the other Assistant Collections Managers the responsibility of caring for and preserving the Fine and Decorative Arts collection objects at George Washington’s Mount Vernon, across all exhibition and storage spaces including the Mansion, the Donald W. Reynolds Museum, and the Education Center. These responsibilities include the specialized handling of collection objects many of which belonged to George Washington and his family, general cleaning of objects in exhibition spaces, and other collections management practices.

The ACM maintains collection documentation through inventories and database tracking and assists members of the collections department with special projects, such as exhibition installation and movement of the collections. This position reports directly to the Director of Collections Management and Exhibitions.

Essential Duties

Cleaning - Responsible for the daily morning cleaning and monitoring of the Mansion and North and South Lane Outbuildings which includes:

• General Cleaning and Upkeep:
• Vacuums high-traffic areas in the Mansion
• Rotates Mansion shutters according to schedule.
• Specialized Dusting/Vacuuming:
• Dusts a variety of historically significant artifacts, including metals, ceramics, furniture, textiles, and other fragile object types, using methods approved by conservator.
• Uses HEPA filter vacuums and other cleaning devices to deep clean fragile objects.
• Carefully handles and moves objects in the course of cleaning.

Space Monitoring

• Environmental Monitoring:
• After a training period, monitors the environmental conditions in display and storage areas and records environmental readings through the use of dataloggers
• Tracks data in environmental software and produces reports.
• Responds to changes in readings or conditions, working with staff across the Estate to maintain ideal conditions.
• Integrated Pest Management:
• Conducts ongoing maintenance of a pest management program in collections and exhibition areas, working with outside contractors as needed.
• Monitors pest traps and reports potential problems.
• Emergency Response:
• Works closely with preservation, interpretation, and security staff to monitor the safety of objects.
• Works closely with conservator and Director of Collections Management and Exhibitions to report damage, according to departmental policies.
• Serves as member of the collections department emergency response team.

Object Handling, Movement, and Care

• Handles and packs all collection objects for any moves, both on the estate and off-site
• Serves as an approved courier for incoming and outgoing loans and other courier trips.
• Supports collections staff during the installation and deinstallation of on-site and object rotations in the Museum and Mansion.
• Regularly inventories, labels, and rehouses collection objects

Documentation and Database Management

• Researches and enters collection object information and location updates into collections management database system (TMS).
• Helps maintain accession and loan files and makes documentation like incoming and outgoing object receipts.

Supervision and Collaboration

• Serves as a liaison with the marketing department during film and photo shoots in the Mansion and other exhibition areas.
• Ensures the safety of collection objects and structural components of the interior of the Mansion during filming and photography.
• Supervises Operations and Maintenance staff and outside contractors when work needs to be performed in the vicinity of collection objects.
• Carries out additional duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree or equivalent experience in Museum Studies, Conservation or a related field.
• Prior museum experience highly preferred, especially in the dusting and handling of fragile, valuable objects. Must be able to successfully complete MVLA training on the care and handling of historic artifacts.
• Knowledge of methods of historical research, museum practices, and basic collections care.
• Strong computer and records management skills, including word processing and database management.
• Good organizational and communication skills and ability to work in coordination with a number of other departments.
• Excellent hand skills and attention to detail in order to perform precise and detailed duties, like sewing and labeling. Legible handwriting is required.
• Experience with hand tools, power tools, pallet jacks, and various other equipment preferred.
• Ability to meet tight deadlines and to work weekends, holidays, and overtime as assigned.
• Willingness and ability to travel locally, nationally, and potentially internationally, including possessing a current, valid driver’s license.
• Dependability, reliability, and punctuality are of the utmost importance.
• Ability to follow directions and complete assignments successfully.

Work Environment

This position is primarily based in a museum or collections environment, with occasional work in storage areas, conservation labs, outbuildings or exhibit spaces. The environment is generally quiet and requires attention to detail and security. Occasional travel or off-site work may occur for exhibit installation, loans, or research.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to handle delicate artifacts and artworks with care, often requiring fine motor skills and close visual focus.
• The role may require standing, walking, crawling, or bending for extended periods during exhibition preparation, as well as lifting and carrying objects up to 30 pounds.
• Occasional use of ladders or lifts for exhibit installation may be needed.

The Mount Vernon Ladies' Association is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we are committed to building and retaining a team that represents a variety of skills, experiences, and perspectives. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, performance, and qualifications without regard to race, religion or belief, national or ethnic origin, gender/sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital or domestic partnership status, veteran and military status, family or parental status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law. The Mount Vernon Ladies' Association will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.