Collections Technician: Objects and Paintings

Some galleries are temporarily closed due to our expansion and renovation project.
We're open 365 days a year. General admission is always free.
Some galleries are temporarily closed due to our expansion and renovation project.
We're open 365 days a year. General admission is always free.
Some galleries are temporarily closed due to our expansion and renovation project.
We're open 365 days a year. General admission is always free.
Full time
Learn more and apply to this position at Virginia Jobs
Collections Technician: Objects and Paintings
Post closes 3 May 2026 at 11:55 PM ET
State Role Title: Media Specialist I
Hiring Range: $40,000 - $42,000
Pay Band: 3
Agency: Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
Location: MAIN MUSEUM
Agency Website: https://www.vmfa.museum/
Recruitment Type: General Public - G
About Virginia Museum Of Fine Arts
The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in Richmond is one of the largest comprehensive art museums in the United States. VMFA’s growing encyclopedic collection houses more than 50,000 works of art spanning 6,000 years of world history.
Our holdings include the largest public collection of Fabergé outside of Russia, the finest collection of Art Nouveau outside of Paris and one of the nation’s finest collections of American art. VMFA is also home to important collections of Chinese art, English silver, French Impressionism, Postimpressionism, British sporting art, and modern and contemporary art, as well as renowned South Asian, Himalayan, and African art.
Recently named the 11th-best art museum in the United States by The Washington Post, VMFA is the only US art museum open 365 days a year with free general admission.
VMFA is a state-supported, privately endowed educational institution created for the benefit of the citizens of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Its purpose is to collect, preserve, exhibit, and interpret art, to encourage the study of the arts, and thus to enrich the lives of all.
About The Department
The Collections Management department plays a vital role in the preservation and presentation of all objects and paintings in the care, custody, and control of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. Members of the department are responsible for safe handling of the art, its storage, data management, and provenance research.
General Information
The Collections Management department of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts invites applications from individuals skilled in collections care, object housing, and storage maintenance for the role of Collections Technician: Objects and Paintings.
This position plays a critical role in the large art collection move that the museum is currently planning in anticipation of the museum expansion. To be successful in this role you need to embrace flexibility with a positive demeanor and utilize critical thinking and problem-solving skills while navigating shifting priorities. We are looking for someone who thrives in a fast environment with changing priorities and works really well on a team; is able to pivot quickly between projects to meet urgent business needs; is comfortable navigating ambiguity and initiating structure when needed; demonstrates the ability to embrace changes and adapt to new methods quickly; can proactively identify potential roadblocks and help to develop creative, robust solutions; exercises sound judgement to resolve issues with limited information; is comfortable navigating gray areas; and with high-level direction.
Minimum Qualifications

• Ability and knowledge to participate in proper maintenance and organization of art storage areas.
• Knowledge of and demonstrated skill in the secure housing, storage, handling, and transportation of objects and paintings according to best practices and industry standards.
• Demonstrated skill in the fabrication of appropriate housing for artwork.
• Knowledge of conservation principles and techniques, and conservation-appropriate materials.
• Proficiency in the use of Collections Management Systems (preferably TMS), Microsoft 365, and project management software, such as Asana.
• Experience with lifts and skill in the operation of hand and power fabrication tools as well as other material handling equipment.
• Good judgment, flexibility and willingness to adapt to shifting priorities and deadlines.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Some knowledge of art history, techniques, and material sorts.
• Effective communication skills, both oral and written.
• Ability to maintain professionalism while working under stress.
• Experience working as a member of a team and independently.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally as courier.
  

Additional Considerations
None
Benefits
The Commonwealth of Virginia offers a comprehensive total compensation package that includes health benefits, paid leave, and flexible work schedules. The following benefits are available to classified employees:

• Vacation and Other Leave
• 12 Paid Holidays
• Health Benefits
• Sickness and Disability Program
• Deferred Compensation with Cash Match
• Group, Optional Life, and Long-term Care Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness Program
• Retirement Plans
• State Employee Resources
• Agency-specific benefits such as complementary exhibition tickets and discounts on VMFA memberships, dining, shopping, classes & programs, and more.
  

Additional information relating to the benefits available to eligible Commonwealth of Virginia employees can be found online at: https://www.dhrm.virginia.gov/employeebenefits 
Additional Information
This role is non-exempt under the FLSA.
Special Instructions
Please provide three professional references, including their full name. phone number, and email address. References should be able to speak to your qualifications for the position and may be included in your resume or cover letter or attached separately in the portal's "other" field.
You will be provided with confirmation of receipt when your application and/or resume is submitted successfully. Please refer to "Your Application" in your account to check the status of your application for this position.
VMFA is a Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Certified Employer. Diverse and inclusive hiring practices are at the heart of what we do at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.
Contact Information
Name: VMFA Human Resources Department
Phone: N/A
Email: recruitment@vmfa.museum
All applicants must submit an online application. This position will close at 11:55 pm EST on the designated closing date listed at the top of this posting on Jobs.Virginia.gov. Emailed applications, resumes, or cover letters will not be accepted.
In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.
Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.
Each agency within the Commonwealth of Virginia is dedicated to recruiting, supporting, and maintaining a competent and diverse work force. Equal Opportunity Employer
Experience a world-class art museum with hometown hospitality. The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts houses a remarkable permanent collection of more than 50,000 works of art from almost every major world culture.
We’re open 365 days a year and general admission is always free.
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