Title: Registrar and Collections Specialist
State Role Title: Hist/Arch & Preserv I
Hiring Range: $40,000 to $50,000
Pay Band: 3
Agency: The Science Museum of Virginia
Location: Broad Street Station
Agency Website: https://smv.org
Recruitment Type: General Public - G
Job Duties
The Science Museum of Virginia seeks a meticulous Registrar and Collections Specialist to join our Exhibit and Content Development team. Reporting to the David and Jane Cohn Scientist, Director of Exhibit and Content Development, this role offers an exciting opportunity to support the opening of the Northern Virginia Science Museum, a satellite location of the Science Museum of Virginia.
In this dynamic position, you’ll play a key role in acquiring fascinating objects from external partners to bring the stories of science, history, and discovery to life across all four galleries of the future Northern Virginia Science Museum. From building relationships with outside organizations to coordinating paperwork, transportation, and installation, you’ll help ensure each object contributes to an engaging visitor experience.
Following the opening of the Northern Virginia Science Center in 2027, your focus will shift toward documentation, special projects, and management of the Museum’s diverse permanent and educational collections. These include natural history and geologic specimens, archival materials, and significant artifacts related to transportation and flight, with objects housed across three locations in Danville, Sterling, and Richmond, VA. You’ll also support new and existing exhibits, lead special projects such as the preservation and restoration of artifacts, and coordinate the installation, monitoring, and deinstallation of objects associated with traveling exhibitions across all three museum locations.
If you’re passionate about museum collections, science, and storytelling, and enjoy bringing important objects and exhibits to life, this is an exciting opportunity to make a lasting impact!
Interested candidates must apply at https://jobs.virginia.gov/.
Benefits
The position offers a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, FSA, HRA, HSA, life insurance, 457 and pension plan, short and long-term disability and employee assistance program. The Science Museum has a generous paid time off policy, including vacation leave, four days family & personal leave, eight sick days per year and 12 paid holidays.
The salary range for this position is $40,000 to $50,000. Actual compensation will be determined based on factors such as the candidate's experience and market considerations at the time of offer.
Minimum Qualifications
An ideal candidate will demonstrate strong research abilities, excellent communication skills—both oral and written—with proficiency in spoken English, keen attention to detail, and outstanding organizational skills. The ability to work independently as well as collaboratively with the Exhibit and Content development team and administrative staff is required. Project management skills and familiarity with Asana or similar project management tools are also highly valued. Familiarity with PastPerfect Museum Software and a strong understanding of database management practices are a plus. Knowledge of museum registration processes and standards is essential. Demonstrated skill in independently sourcing objects from external donors and organizations for exhibits, identifying compelling STEM stories for objects, museum registrar responsibilities, and best practices in collections care. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite or Google Workspace is expected. Additionally, demonstrated experience in researching, coordinating, and securing collection items from other institutions for exhibits is necessary. The role also requires the ability to lift up to 50 pounds, kneel, and climb ladders regularly.
Additional Considerations
Prior experience working in STEM-focused museum collections, archives or curatorial department is a plus.
Special Instructions
You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.
The Science Museum of Virginia will accept ONLY online applications for all Science Museum employment opportunities. To be considered for this position, you must submit a Commonwealth of Virginia application or resume through the on-line “Virginia Jobs” (RMS) employment site no later than 11:55 p.m. on the closing date listed. If the position is an open until filled recruitment; the position will remain open for a minimum of 5 workdays or until the position is filled. Each application is reviewed for documentation that shows the applicant meets the minimum and additional qualifications stated in the job announcement. The decision to interview an applicant is based on the information provided on the application; therefore, it is essential to provide detailed information. Submitting an application lacking in detail, may impact your interview eligibility. The RMS website will provide a confirmation of receipt when the application is submitted for consideration. Please refer to your RMS account for the status of your application and this position. Multiple positions may be filled from this recruitment within 90 days of the closing date. Computers are available for applying for jobs in public libraries and the Virginia Employment Commission offices.
The Science Museum seeks motivated people of all backgrounds. We value diversity of cultures, races and ethnicities, gender expressions, and abilities. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request.
As a V3 (Virginia Values Veterans) employer the Science Museum Welcomes Veterans to apply! We provide hiring preference to Veterans and Members of the Virginia National Guard in support of Executive Order 29, (2010). If you are a Veteran or Virginia National Guard Member, we urge you to respond accordingly on your state application or resume.
Selected candidate(s) must successfully pass a criminal history background check. A record of criminal history does not automatically bar an applicant from consideration. Employment verification will be conducted to include current/previous supervisory employment reference checks.
The Science Museum will record information from each new employee’s Form I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification) into the Federal E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.
Contact Information
Name: Human Resources
Phone: 804.372.3766
Email: hr@smv.org
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.