Museum Technician (NPS, George Washington Memorial Parkway)

Job DetailsJob Location: Washington, DCPosition Type: SeasonalSalary Range: $22.33 - $22.33 HourlyJob Category: Cultural Resources ServicesThe Cultural Resources Program (CRS) at the Great Basin Institute (GBI), in cooperation with the National Park Service at George Washington Memorial Parkway, is recruiting one Museum Technician to participate in assisting the Curator at Arlington House. 
 

Primary Responsibilities:

Performs museum housekeeping duties within the exhibit spaces at Arlington House, and in public and non-public areas;
Completes Integrated Pest Management tasks in accordance with the Plan, including daily inspections, monthly trap replacement, pest identification and tracking;
Assists with environmental monitoring;
Collects and records environmental data (temperature, relative humidity, light levels) using designated equipment and following established protocols; 
Completes assigned tasks such as cataloguing and photo documentation; 
Handles objects safely, using proper techniques and personal protective equipment;
Maintains accurate records in the collections management system (e.g., MCMS) and
submits updates promptly;
Assists in overseeing the work of volunteers, providing training on proper museum/handling techniques and procedures, and documenting volunteer tasks and hours log;
Assists with collection-related research requests in an efficient and timely manner;
Assists with annual inventory of collections;
Makes presentations to park staff, public gatherings, or professional meetings as necessary or assigned;
Communicates and interacts with the public as needed; and,
Opportunity for cross-training/experiences with archaeology, natural resources, and other park staff. 

Timeline:

26-week appointment beginning late summer/ early fall 2026

Possibility of extension pending funding availability and performance

Full time, 40 hours/week; no OT.
Schedule: Monday-Friday. 

Location:

This position will be based out of Arlington, VA, at Arlington House in Arlington National Cemetery, part of George Washington Memorial Parkway (GWMP). Arlington House is the nation’s memorial to Robert E. Lee. It honors him for specific reasons, including promoting peace and reunion after the Civil War. In a larger sense it exists as a place of study and contemplation of the meaning of some of the most difficult aspects of American history: military service; sacrifice; citizenship; duty; loyalty; slavery and freedom. 

GWMP is located within the Washington D.C. metro area, Maryland, and Virginia. This area features world renown museums, a diverse restaurant scene, concerts, sporting events and large green spaces with great outdoor opportunities within driving distance. There is an extensive public transit system connecting the metro area  with many different housing opportunities.

Compensation and Benefits:

Wage: $22.33 hourly

Benefits: 

Company-paid comprehensive medical, dental (with option to upgrade in coverage), and vision insurance premiums;
$25,000 Basic Life & AD&D insurance at no cost;
Sick Leave and holidays; and
Access to Pro Deals.

Housing: 

Housing Assistance: $85 weekly stipend
Park housing is not available

QualificationsRequired:

●      Degree in museum studies or related field

●      Minimum 6 months of experience in museum collections and archives, including knowledge of proper handling and storage

●       Experience cataloging a variety of museum objects using professional standards, including both cultural and natural history

collections

●       Experience operating a museum collections database, TMS and MCMS experience preferred

●      Self-motivated and detail-oriented, possessing strong organizational skills to 

       effectively plan and complete projects independently

●      Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing with a diverse 

       audience, including co-workers, members of the public, and agency     

       personnel

●      Possess a valid, clean state-issued driver’s license

●      Willingness and ability to consistently enact high performance standards and a 

        strong work and team ethic in support of the goals and objectives of the position 

        and the mission of GBI

Preferred: 

●      Intermediate or higher skills using Microsoft Word and Excel, with ability to 

       manually enter, manage, manipulate, and graphically display data

●      Flexibility to handle competing and changing priorities with a positive attitude

●      Ability to work productively, consistently, and independently or cooperatively as 

       part of a team to accomplish mutual goals

●      Ability to complete activities involving prolonged periods of deskwork, lifting and 

       moving heavy items weighing 50 pounds or more, and regularly walking/driving 

       between curation and other facilities

●      Comfortable with occasional loud noises from low flying aircraft, artillery, and 

       firearms
 

TO APPLY

Please apply online through this application link by submitting an up-to-date resume, one-page cover letter that details your interest in the position, any qualifications not fully described in your resume, and contact information for three professional and/or academic references. Be sure to complete any preliminary questions prompted in the application and sign your application. 

For questions regarding this position, please contact [email protected]

PHYSICAL DEMANDS   

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, use hands, stand, walk, bend, and have specific vision abilities to include close and distance vision, and ability to adjust focus working with computer business equipment and other job/industry specific equipment. The noise level in the work environment is usually low.

The overall nature of the (Indoors/Office) position is sedentary, requiring little physical effort and occasional light exertion. There is occasional exposure to environmental conditions such as heat, cold, and temperature changes.

NOTE:  This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform other related  duties as negotiated to meet the organization's ongoing needs. All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment background check and DOI background investigation. This position is contingent upon final funding approval. Employment offers, start dates, and term lengths may be adjusted based on the availability and confirmation of funding. 

Disclaimer: Although the organization has attempted to accurately and thoroughly describe this position, GBI reserves the right to change the same, including to change, add to or subtract from the duties outlined, within the sole discretion of the organization, at any time, with or without advance notice.