Collections Care Technician

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