Collections Assistant

Open Date: 07/29/2026 | Requisition Number: PRN45764B | Full Time, 30 hours per week | Flexible schedule within M-F 8-5 | Located in Salt Lake City, UT

About the role

The Utah Museum of Fine Arts (UMFA) is the state and 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 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.

Responsibilities

• Collections Access: Manage and facilitate access to the collection. Coordinate appointments, work with Museum staff and external patrons, prepare object lists from the database, retrieve and assess objects for suitability, prepare and oversee appointments, safely move artwork, and maintain associated records and data.
• Conservation Support: Under the guidance of the Conservator, assist with conservation examinations, prepare conservation-grade adhesives and materials, execute Integrated Pest Management (IPM) functions, and support preventive care measures and storage improvements.
• Registration Support: In collaboration with the Registration team, participate in regular inventory of the permanent collection, assist with managing physical space in collections storage, create safe and appropriate housing for objects, and support reorganization projects in the collection storage areas.
• Recordkeeping: Support recordkeeping through filing, data entry, document preparation, internal research, scanning, and digital file organization.
• Object Handling: Handle and transport objects safely within the Museum; assist with installation, deinstallation, packing, and unpacking of artworks.
• Procedures: Contribute to and help revise collections-related internal procedures, including emergency response plans and collections protocols.
• Other Tasks: Participate in department meetings and contribute to additional projects and tasks related to collections care, documentation, and access as assigned.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications: 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 the Program Assistant I level, which requires little to no related experience.

Preferences:

• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to follow instructions, plan ahead, and manage multiple tasks
• 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
• 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
• Interest in the arts and museums, with experience in registration, collections care, or conservation considered a plus
• 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—relevant qualifications should be described in your cover letter
• Ability to perform the essential functions and responsibilities of the position as outlined above

Benefits

• Excellent comprehensive benefits package including tuition reduction, health care, and retirement (14.2% employer paid)
• Paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave

Pay

Pay Rate Range: $19.00 per hour