Collections Specialist

The Eames Institute of Infinite Curiosity is a nonprofit public charity dedicated to advancing the dynamic legacy of 20th-century designers Ray and Charles Eames. By sharing the things the Eameses made and loved, along with their joyful and rigorous approach to life and work, we seek to inspire creative problem-solving that positively shapes our world.

With our vast collections, digital and print offerings, an extensive program of events, and the Eames Ranch, we aim to demonstrate the enduring value of the Eameses’ philosophy and invite people to explore their curiosity, ask questions, and implement creative solutions to the challenges of today.

The Collections Specialist plays a key role in the stewardship, preservation, and accessibility of the Institute’s diverse design collection, which includes furniture, toys, works on paper, appliances, photographs, textiles, and other mixed-media objects. Working closely with the Senior Registrar & Collections Manager and the broader Collections team, this position supports day-to-day collections care, preventive conservation, documentation, and inventory control. The successful candidate will help ensure that collections management practices meet professional museum standards while contributing to the Institute’s mission of education, access, and creative inquiry.

Collections Management

• Working knowledge of the principles of museum object care, documentation, and classification
• Conduct regular inventories and audits of object locations; update records accurately in the collections management system (Museum Plus).
• Assist with cataloging and documentation, including object descriptions, condition notes, and location tracking in the CMS.
• Rehouse objects using appropriate archival materials and storage solutions.
• Collaborate with the Photographer during collection photography, ensuring safe handling, transport, and coordination of objects to and from the onsite studio.
• Clean and maintain collection objects in accordance with established best practices.
• Assist with processing incoming/outgoing loans, including packing, condition reporting, shipping.
• Collaborate with collections staff in assigning and arranging for the proper storage of objects.
• Assist in processing new/existing accessions, including cataloging, labeling, storage.

Preventive Conservation

• Conduct detailed condition assessments and ongoing monitoring of environmental conditions using data loggers; analyze and interpret temperature and relative humidity data to support preservation strategies.
• Maintain an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program to protect the collection from pests and environmental threats.
• Working knowledge of museum security and risk management practices.

Organization and Team Culture

• Work collaboratively with colleagues across departments, including Creative & Communications, to help develop compelling narratives that advocate for the care and preservation of the collection.
• Stay current with evolving collections management and preventive conservation practices by attending workshops, seminars, and professional conferences.
• Contribute to a positive, collaborative team culture grounded in shared responsibility for collections care and institutional mission.

• Master’s degree in collections management, museum studies, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• 3–5+ years of professional experience in museum collections management and object handling.
• Strong knowledge of museum standards for object care, documentation, handling, and classification.
• Demonstrated experience working with a collections management system, including cataloging and location control.
• Proven ability to collaborate across disciplines and build effective working relationships.
• Creative, solution-oriented problem-solving skills and strong attention to detail.
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks with accuracy and care.

• The schedule for this role is 9:00am - 5:00pm, Monday through Friday and requires the individual to be onsite five days a week.
• Frequent walking, standing, and…